Lee,
We lived there (Napier. Where are you off to??) for a year (a few years back now) and loved it (maybe going back next year). It's not the most happening place in NZ, but the people were very friendly, and as the previous poster said the weather is fantastic. Good beaches just to the south of Hastings (ocean beach and waimarama) and to the north (tangoio. Bit dangerous there though I think). Napier is quite laid back with a slightly seasidey feel to it (it is by the sea), but not in the Blackpool sense, more like Lyme Regis.
Lots of vineyards there (free wine tasting!!!! ::): ) and as usual the Kiwis aren't as snobby about it as the brits.
In terms of going out there weren't that many options. Not sure if it's still there, but The Grumpy Mole was good for a night out, although it's a bit rough and ready. There are a few nice restaurants and a bit of cafe culture if that's your thing (Napier).
You can go paragliding/mountaing biking/hiking on Te mata peak(good views from there) or go up into the Kaweka range if feeling a bit more adventurous. If you're in to hiking get "Hawkes bay for the happy wanderer". A great book.
Hastings has a bit more of an "industrial" feel about it, compared to Napier, and is not as attractive IMO.
Which footy club are you signed up to? Napier city rovers??? (I scored a winner against them while I was there!) :003:
For more info, try:
http://www.hb.co.nz/
http://www.hbtoday.co.nz/
http://www.hawkesbaynz.com/
http://www.napier.govt.nz/
Good luck,
Coxy