UPDATED: 1.20pm. Christmas in Blake Park this afternoon is cancelled, according to the event Facebook Page which cites health and safety risks associated with the ongoing wind at the venue.

'We're so sorry for the late notice but Mother Nature is not on our side today...and the wind is simply too much of a health & safety risk. Watch this space to see if we can move our #livemusic and #streetfood to a safer venue," says the Facebook page notice.

"The MORE FM #stuffthebus will still be parked up at #Blakepark so please feel free to drop off your #food and #present #donations #sadsanta #gooddayforsailing #donationsstillwelcome #charity #whywindwhy #mountmaunganui"

Winds at the Port of Tauranga at 12.07pm were 27 knots (50km/h) at the tanker berth and 29 knots (53.7km/h) in pilot bay.

Sunlive earlier reported on wind damage at the venue caused by overnight wind gusts.

Meanwhile across the harbour the Carols on the Waterfront event is carrying on.

Mary, Jesus, Joseph and the donkey will be promenading along The Strand to the Edgewater Strand where carol singing is scheduled to begin at 6pm.