Tauranga's city centre will come alive this New Year's Eve, with a community barbecue and two fireworks displays taking place on the waterfront.

Families are encouraged to pack a picnic rug and either their own food for the barbecue or purchase food from the vendors on-site for event on December 31.

Organised by Downtown Tauranga and Tauranga City Council, and supported by The Weekend Sun, SunLive and MoreFM, the family-friendly event starts at 5pm.

Fireworks will go off at 9.30pm and again at midnight to herald in the New Year. There will also be games for the children, spot prizes and lots of entertainment.

More FM will be situated on the grassed areas by the kiosk from 5pm-9.30pm. A family-friendly game zone including swingball, a volleyball set, and a few games of giant pass the parcel will be set up, with plenty of spot prizes to be won.

Plus, the first 500 people who join the fun on the evening can enjoy a free barbecued sausage from Downtown Tauranga cooked by some local identities, including Mayor Stuart Crosby, Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout and some councillors.

There will also be some food vendors on-site for people who don't wish to cook on the barbecues; and barbecues set up for people who wish to cook their own food to enjoy with family and friends.