Bad weather has forced the Tauranga Coastguard to postpone its flares demonstration that was set to take place tonight.

The purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate the correct deployment method and usage of flares, as well as to educate the public on what to expect when they see one that's been deployed.

Due to bad weather, the Tauranga Coastguard has postponed its planned flares demonstration that was meant to take place tonight. Photo: Chris Callinan

The demonstration was set to take place in Sulphur Point, Mount Maunganui and Papapmoa Beach, from 6.30pm.

A Tauranga Coastguard spokesman apologises for any inconvenience caused by the postponed of the demonstration.

The coastguard are still looking to run the demonstration and once a date is confirmed members of the community will be notified well in advance of the event.