Click the image above to view slideshowTauranga kicked off the new year with a celebration to remember, making for a spectacular start to 2016.
Mayor Stuart Crosby says he's delighted to see the community and visitors alike celebrating the New Year together.
Thousands of people gathered in Mount Maunganui to ring in the New Year. Photos: Alisha Taylor Photography.
'It was fantastic to see our residents and visitors, young and old, from New Zealand and around the world, getting into the spirit of the new year and enjoying the great range of entertainment on offer.
'It was a wonderful start to the year and the celebrations showed that Tauranga truly is a world-class destination and a great place in which to live, work and play with great events and a terrific community spirit.”
Upwards of 49,000 people flocked to Mount Maunganui to enjoy the line-up of free entertainment for all ages.
At the Mount, people were entertained by Kiwi platinum-selling artists Trinity Roots, who were supported by the irrepressible B2KDA.
Later in the evening DJ Lyrakill, one of New Zealand's most renowned club DJs, drew crowds to the DJ-only iHeart Radio Beach Stage. A midnight fireworks display ended the year with a bang.
In the city centre, families and friends welcomed in the new year with live music and a waterfront barbeque, followed by a spectacular fireworks display at the family-friendly time of 9.30pm.
Stuart says the New Year's Eve celebrations wouldn't have been such a success without the community's support.
'I'd like to thank the community for getting behind our celebrations and making New Year's Eve 2015 truly something to remember, and to all the local residents for supporting this fantastic event.
'Our events team worked closely with Police, emergency services, security companies and roading contractors when planning the event, to ensure everyone can enjoy a safe environment for an unforgettable start to the new year. Thanks to all businesses for their support of this event.”
The New Year's Eve celebration was part of Tauranga City Council's My Summer programme – a wide range of events and entertainment designed to make this summer a memorable and distinctive one for locals and visitors.
There's still a great line-up of summer events on offer. Check out www.mysummer.co.nz
4 comments
more smoke for 'global warming'
Posted on 01-01-2016 09:21 | By Captain Sensible
The world claims there is a man-made climate crisis so what do they do? Yes, let off hundreds of thousands of tons of fireworks with all the associated smoke and carbon. That should work wonders! Is there any intelligent life on this planet?
deluded
Posted on 01-01-2016 10:09 | By Captain Sensible
Our deluded mayor thinks people come to Mt Maunganui because of the council. They come despite the council. People have always come here at this time of the year. The numbers have nothing to do with our out-of-touch council.
once again
Posted on 01-01-2016 10:57 | By lionred31
Good to see the knockers and moaning gits complaining once again on new years day.Just for once get a life if you dont like whats going on round the town move away.Simple really.Happy new years day.Unlike some knockers and moaners in this district , how bout you just enjoy whats on offer round the district and put your moaning and opinions aside and just enjoy the day.Peace out merry xmas happy new year.enjoy ya holidays folks
@ lionred31
Posted on 01-01-2016 16:18 | By Captain Sensible
Do you seriously think I will "move away" because you say so? Why do you think I want to "enjoy" watching a lame firework display burning my ratepayer cash? The hypocrisy I have pointed out is just an observation.
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