The annual New Years' road closures and hold-ups at Mount Maunganui have begun with traffic already showing the signs of disruption by being very heavy.
Work to construct the stage for Thursday night's celebrations is taking place on Marine Parade (Adams Avenue to Commons Avenue) on Wednesday.

Traffic is heavy in Mount Maunganui as Tauranga City Council prepares to close roads for New Years' festivities.

Tauranga City Council says traffic management is in place until about 8pm when the road will be closed until 8am on January 1. Motorists are advised to avoid this area all day Wednesday.
The complete traffic shutdown in the Mount Maunganui area will occur at 2pm on Thursday, December 31. The affected roads are Banks Avenue from Maunganui Road to Marine Parade; Te Ngaio Road, Oceanview Road and Pitau Road from Banks Avenue to Grove Avenue; Ngarata Avenue from Banks Avenue to its end; Marine Parade from Banks Avenue to Grove Avenue and Nikau Crescent from Maunganui Road to Rata Street.

In central Tauranga, the southbound lane, from Dive Crescent heading towards the city, of The Strand will be closed between Devonport Road and Harington Street from 6am on Thursday, December 31 until 6am on January 1. A detour will be in place and motorists are advised to take care in the area and follow the temporary signage.