Editorial: Smart move to join Bay community

Tracey Chatterton.

It doesn't surprise me that migrants are moving to the Bay. According to Statistics New Zealand there was a net increase of 550 permanent migrants moving to the region from Central Hawke's Bay to Wairoa.

That's the highest figure since at least 1990.

There are plenty of reasons why a move here is attractive.

I mean, look at yesterday - the sun warmed the cool autumn morning, making it just delightful to get out on the bike or walk the dog.

Our housing is still reasonably affordable - although Auckland's out-of-control market has contributed to rising prices in our own backyard.

We have an abundance of well-regarded daycare centres and some of the top schools in the country.

And our commuting time to work is just a drop in the bucket compared with those in the cities.

Having downsized from a city to Hawke's Bay myself, I take great pleasure in a 20-minute commute. My patience was severely tested sitting in gridlock traffic in post-earthquake Christchurch. I certainly do not miss that.

Events like yesterday's Country2Coast also highlight what the region has going for it - what better way to spend a Sunday than out walking the picturesque trails in the sunshine?

While it can be hard to fit in to a new community, groups such as the Hawke's Bay Newcomers lunch group are a great way to meet new people. Co-ordinator Shirley Norton said the lunch group had swelled recently with most nationalities represented.

Now we need to do our part to make new members of the community feel welcome. So when you see new neighbours moving in, pop in and say hello.