A visitor from Hawke's Bay." That was the tag the "out and about" columnists and writers of Auckland's Metro magazine used to attach to anyone they came across in the big smoke who was not an Aucklander. It was a label designed to fit (as Metro editor Bevan Rapson said with anodding smile when reminded of the line) anyone who wandered through the glamour and pace of cosmopolitan Auckland with "provincial enthusiasm". But that was during a time when Hawke's Bay was still finding its feet as a destination in its own right. A time when it did indeed conjure up images of heartland rugby, farming and some pretty buildings which went up after the 31 shake. But not any more. "Now it's a case of a visitor from Auckland," Mr Rapson said. And not just "a" visitor from Auckland, he added. Hundreds, probably thousands of them. All being lured to spend time in the bay by a lifestyle which he says fuses sophistication and casualness, fine cuisine and wines, great weather and "well, pretty well everything." Hawke's Bay has apparently become a magnet for Aucklanders. And the growing interest among the inhabitants north of the Bombay Hills has seen Metro magazine create a first - a glossy 17-page regional spread which leads off with associate editor Jan Corbett's opening feature, titled "The Auckland Invasion". She spent three days in Hawke's Bay last month speaking with high-profile Aucklanders who had moved here. And while the stay was short, she too was rather smitten by the place. "Great shops," she said with a smile. "And there is a real buzz about the place."
