On New Year's Eve, Tauranga City Council, NZ Police and other key organisations will continue to work together towards a safer environment for Tauranga's residents and visitors. There will be no public organised event at Mount Maunganui Main Beach again this year and Council will continue with the successfully implemented changes already made for New Year's Eve.

The elements of this year's New Year's Eve celebrations will focus on creating a safe and enjoyable family-friendly New Year's Eve in the city. Early evening community events will take place in the CBD, Papamoa and Matua, featuring family-friendly entertainment, music, food and 9.30pm fireworks. The traditional midnight fireworks will be launched from various locations and can be seen across large parts the city.

Council will continue to support one of the busiest nights in the city with coordinated, advanced planning and an enhanced city and emergency services response on the night itself. Enhanced emergency services and safety measures such as traffic management, security, temporary fencing and lighting will be put in place again in the Mount Maunganui area to work towards a safer place for our communities to celebrate the New Year.

Mayor Greg Brownless is confident a citywide and safety-focussed take on New Year's Eve is the way to go for Tauranga's future.

'Last year's family-friendly approach has proven that we're on the right track with many enjoying the early-evening community celebrations in the central city and Papamoa,” Mr Brownless said.

'This year, we're adding a community celebration for our Matua and Otumoetai communities. We're bringing New Year's Eve to our local areas so neighbours, families and friends can enjoy what's on offer and celebrate together.

'I encourage you to walk, cycle or carpool when you make your way to the event. Grab a bite, listen to some great music and enjoy the early-evening fireworks with the little ones.

'And I assure you, no one needs to miss out on the midnight fireworks, they'll be visible across large parts of the city. Make yourself comfortable on our own deck, watch the fireworks that will welcome the New Year.”

How New Year's Eve will look in the future is yet to be determined. All strategic decisions will be based on building a safe environment for the city's visitors and residents on what is traditionally, a very busy night. This will be assessed and determined over time, however, the approach was successfully implemented in 2016 and 2017, and will be carried on this year.

Detailed information on community events, safety measures and more are available at www.tauranga.govt.nz/NYE