New naval group proves popular in Hawke's Bay

The country's newest - and Hawke's Bay-based - naval association has picked up 26 members in its first three months and is continuing to expand.
The Royal New Zealand Naval Association (Hawke's Bay branch) was formed last October in response to approaches by former and current navy personnel throughout the region.
The naval association had 23 branches across the country but Hawke's Bay had never been represented.
It is now the 24th after a meeting was called last October and a committee put in place.
President Tony Fraser said the association was based at the Napier Returned Services rooms in Vautier St and a special wall was being set up to display naval photographs and memorabilia.
"We are looking at staging a drive shortly to bring in more existing serving members," he said.
While Napier has been home port to the ex-Royal Navy Association for more than 40 years, it was initially set up as an association for veterans of the New Zealand division of the Royal Navy and had an ageing membership.
The new association has attracted younger members.