Linda Hall is Assistant Editor for the Hawke's Bay Today.
We are your advocate, Aotearoa. Uncovering stories that matter, asking hard-hitting questions of those in power, live-blogging sport events, monitoring the highs and lows of the NZX and providing Premium expert opinion and analysis. Bringing you distinctive, quality journalism and breaking news from across New Zealand and around the world. With specialists working together to create indepth reads, engaging video, and unmissable podcasts.
A story of joy and hope: The pig, the cyclone and the refuge of a muddy mattress
Lucky the pig has grown into a big book star.
‘My mum was a five-foot-nothing pocket rocket and I want to tell her story’
Winner of inaugural Rush Cottage Writers’ Residency wants to tell her mother's story.
From Pipi Pizza to painting - Alexandra Tylee changes focus
'I didn’t have a lot of time while we had Pipi but now I do.'
Hawke’s Bay children’s book takes readers to soaring heights
Review: I love the way this children’s book is written.
Dish of the Bay judges in for tasty treats
Taste your way around the Bay, trying as many entries as you like, and then vote.
Top Bay brews impress judges in awards
Hawke's Bay businesses make top 30 in New World Berr and Cider Awards.
'I'm not Mrs Whippy, I'm way cooler': The woman serving up sprinkles of joy from a pink truck
'No one ever says they can't eat icecream because it's winter.'
Taradale Super Grans popping pills and marching on
'It’s good for keeping the brain active - you are listening to music and counting beats.'
Taking the plunge: Opening a cafe during 'the worst economy we have seen for years'
'Running a business is not all about money. It’s about adding value to the community.'
Tips to stop wasting food: Why ‘just in case’ is costing you money
'People buy broccoli and lettuce every week because that’s what they have always done.'
Hawke’s Bay entrepreneur Sean Burns has eaten his cake, now he’s having a wine
After 15 years of coffee and food at Milk and Honey, it was time for a new challenge.
Lots of gain with latest skincare treatment at Hawke’s Bay clinic
The new MP mode stimulates more collagen, giving better results.
Bust out of your shell and Bling a Bra for breast cancer
You want those brassieres to stand out like shining beacons because this is a competition
The Hawke’s Bay chef serving up restaurant meals from rescued food
The pressure was on to serve 50 diners incorporating everything they were given.
'Friends started asking me about them': Hawke's Bay mum protecting muddy toddlers, and laundry baskets
Alana Steyn used to buy 2 metres of material at a time, now she's buying 2000m.
Hawke's Bay beer tasting trainee loved sitting at the table sipping with the experts
Si Jin Lee fell in love with beer during pub crawls. Now it's her whole life.
Meaty player joins Hastings East block
Matangi Angus Beef also love being a part of the rebirth of the eastern block of Hastings.
Brilliant debut novel by former Hawke's Bay writer
It takes many, many people to produce a novel, author Amy Brown says.
Hawke’s Bay fitness couple's health secrets: 'There are no bad foods, just bad portions'
'We don’t restrict ourselves to the point of being unhappy. We all get cravings.'
The struggle of trying for an insurance discount - $70k of cover lost for a $1.50 saving
OPINION: I was speechless for about 20 seconds before saying 'are you joking?'
Pull up a seat and dine in grand style with Craggy Range chef
You can still get a seat at the table of the “showpiece” event
How to become friends with your neighbours
It's really important to be friendly, but don't just get 'in their personal space'.
For the love of seafood: This new festival's about to make waves
This is set to be a seafood experience 'like no other'.
Why Esk Valley is still the ‘perfect place’ to visit
'I think people might have the wrong idea about what’s happening in the valley.'
'I might wear that one day': Here's where to send the clothes you haven't worn for ages
Here is your chance to make some space in your wardrobe and help other women.
'Zero chance of success': The teacher fighting false online promises of six-pack abs
'People would never consider learning how to play the piano by watching YouTube.'
'A bit run down': Tourists at reopened winery blissfully unaware of cyclone
'It’s taken a lot of hard work by so many people to get where we are today.'
You can't be shy when you are part of the Encore Performers
It all started with a Charleston at the War Memorial.
Festival Opera: Step into another world with Romeo and Juliet
We are creating a new world for people to step into.
Vania Bailey on eyebrows: The big dark arch is out, the natural look is taking over
'You want people to notice that you look good but not be able to put their finger on why.'
The Hawke’s Bay couple building a cellar door for ‘the whole community’
There was one burning question on the tip of my tongue — will you adopt me?
Growing up in nurturing and healing environment inspiration behind Mā Skincare
The hero ingredients of Mā Skincare are mamaku, red algae, and hyaluronic acid.
Here comes the bride, in a designer dress made right here in Hawke’s Bay
'I want to showcase the beauty and individuality of each bride’s personality.'
Rates shake up: Why does Hawke's Bay need this, and why now?
Opinion: It affects everyone, but won't increase the rate take. So why do it?
Traffic lights v roundabouts: The debate can cut straight to the point, or go round in circles
OPINION: What ever your preference let’s try to be nice, courteous drivers.
Lindauer maker on why cheap can be good, and why you don’t have to drink the whole bottle
Jane de Whitt knows all about bubbles as the head winemaker at Lion.
Cookie peddler on target to sell 11,000 buckets, break sales record
The student donated 250 cookie buckets to Christmas Cheer.
'Feels like home': The beauty queen who rebuilt her life after a tragedy
Kirtika Walia needed a hobby to bring back joy. Now she's representing NZ on stage.
Grab yourself some unique gifts from local crafters
People always have a good chuckle at the saying on the signs.
Black Barn: Eat, drink and be merry at Hawke’s Bay’s winery market
The market without a knick-knack in sight.
Book about chickens a feather in the cap for debut author
A Hawke’s Bay debut author’s advice is “to make sure you have talented friends”.
Innovation figured out at the Figgery
'Caleb takes one day a week to think. He designs, tests and comes up with new ideas.'
Christmas Cheer appeal: Giving brings cheer to gifter and receiver
The Hawke's Bay Christmas Cheer appeal is up and running.
Linda Hall: It’s time to crack down on concert gropers
Opinion: We need to talk about just how vulnerable women are when the crowd presses in.
Sue’s secret is out
A lot of Sue's plants do flower but they have to deliver more than that
'What’s not to love about a day out with HB food and wine at your fingertips'
The inaugural Harvest Hawke's Bay festival will be held on the edge of the Tukituki River.
Christmas Parade in Napier: Enter whatever floats your boat
'The Christmas Parade suffered under Covid so it would be great to get people motivated.'
'Always mahi to be done': National TV focus on Pōrangahau women living on the land
Piri Galbraith, Izzi Corke and Tania Nicholas - from the Pōrangahu land to your TV.
Molly Pawson rolls into the deep end at Mission Concert
An Adele song belted out by a 6-year-old in the back seat of a car began the journey.
The garden that John built
Timpson on Breadalbane Eco Garden is open to the public on Sundays from 1pm-4pm.
Linda Hall: The Warehouse, Supie and the forlorn hope of cheaper food
OPINION: As one competitor takes on the supermarket chains, another now appears doomed.
Cheerful character still winning gold at almost 90 years old
Many Hawke’s Bay people will know Antonio as Mr Luigi.
Linda Hall: The big problem with Napier's fence height proposal
OPINION: Wanting neighbours to talk is great. But in 2023, no one stays home all day.
Teen’s business a real beauty
'I have always been independent and determined so once I had a plan I just went for it'.
Time is precious, but there's no need for speeding
OPINION: The Hawke's Bay Expressway is a nightmare of tailgating and roundabout dares.
Raise your glass to Bay wine success
From a whopping 1200-plus entries judges selected their top drops for under $25.
Bay couple take local ownership of health stores
'When we found out it was Health 2000, we were quite excited.'
Linda Hall: Peters rides into election - again
OPINION: Maybe the two Chrisses can learn something from Peters.
The vines are in bud, the doors are open - Brookfields Winery is back
They are delighted to be back.
Middle NZ: The circle of life moves us
Epsom salt baths and separating her from the flock couldn't save her. But then, new life.
This little reporter went to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market
Must be a cool place if teenagers want to hang out there.
Linda Hall: Spare a thought for the staff who have to keep replacing the price tags
OPINION: They seem to change the price almost every week these days.
Bay Vintner a key player in NZ wine industry’s success
It was a nice social industry back then but the product was terrible, says Peter Hubscher.
Nail techs love spending their time on your hands
Visitors to the salon start as clients but quickly become friends.
Jaye knows how to pick the odd bean out
The things I look for are taste, mouthfeel, texture and smell
Linda Hall: The best $5m the Government’s given out this term
Opinion: I finally had the opportunity to go back to the mountain, and what an experience!
Bay author captures global audience with YA novel
Jax Calder is an Amazon best-seller in teen and YA LGBTQIA+ fiction.
Linda Hall: The showdown - when a hawk starts stalking your property
The rooster was "strutting around like he’s John Wayne keeping the gunslinger out".
Filmmaker of Six60 music videos to release short film
His father wanted him to join his plumbing business. Connor Pritchard wanted a new path.
Toxic relationships left behind as Jazzy’s Lashys opens
'I have made some bad decisions in my life but my daughter was my lifesaver.'
Couple's bubbly venture brings cheer to Hastings
Their mission is to provide a service to help grow the sparkling wine industry.
Three Bay designers make the final cut for Wow
This year’s theme for Wow is simply 'Beyond'.
Linda Hall: Don't you dare call me 'dear'
OPINION: You might as well say "you have grey hair, therefore you are old and doddery".