Editorial: Regional pride sky high over Magic

It's great to hear that Tauranga is looking to put on a parade for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic netball team after they won the transtasman grand final competition.

Sunday's thrilling come-from-behind victory over Melbourne Vixens was a ground-breaking win.

Not only did they become the first New Zealand franchise to win the ANZ Championship, they became the most successful team in the five-year history of the event - being the only team to make every play-off, including three grand finals.

It was fantastic to see captain Laura Langman hold the coveted trophy after the game.

As they have done several times this season, Magic dug deep to win by converting crucial turnovers.

Following the victory, Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby confirmed that he would like to organise a street parade for the winning netball team to celebrate their win.

Mr Crosby said it was important to celebrate the achievement of the team and show support for the side was rife in the Western Bay.

The parade is not confirmed but it was likely there would be public celebrations in Hamilton and Tauranga, he said. Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker has said the city is planning to hold a celebration - a parade or a public gathering - this week if weather permits.

Any street parade in Tauranga might have to be put on hold for "a short while" while goal shoot Irene van Dyk visited South Africa after her mother passed away last week.

There is nothing like sporting success to stir regional pride.

Some years ago, I was fortunate to see a ticker tape parade staged for the Southern Sting in Invercargill after they won the now-defunct National Bank Cup - it seemed like the whole city turned out to celebrate their victory. The streets were lined with fans young and old sharing in the spirit of the occasion. The significance of the win is being recognised and loyal Bay fans will no doubt relish the opportunity to celebrate with the team.