Police are pleased with New Year's Eve revellers' behaviour with only the weather and a small number of people putting a dampener on celebrations.

Several well-organised events, effective liquor bans, and lots of positive interaction between partygoers, police staff and other volunteers working ensured a safe and peaceful night.

Bay of Plenty Police are happy with the behaviour of New Year's Eve revellers, with only a small number of people causing trouble last night. Photo: Tracy Hardy

Thousands of people chose the Bay of Plenty to see in the New Year and as per usual, Mount Maunganui attracted the largest crowd.

Prevention Inspector Scott Fraser says by 1.30am there had been 21 arrests; the lowest number in the event's history.

'Year after year the Bay of Plenty is proving it has great communities and is a safe and friendly place to enjoy the summer,” says Scott. 'We have grown to expect a good standard of behaviour and the majority of people lived up to that reputation.”

Scott says it is no surprise alcohol was the main cause of the negative situations police had to deal with and factored in the majority of the arrests.

Irresponsible drinking led to pockets of minor disorder but thankfully no significant incidents or injuries, he says.

'A lot of police staff didn't get to see the New Year in with their families because they were working to keep the rest of the community safe.

'Their hard work and dedication is reflected in the outcome, and the positive feedback we've had from so many members of the public around the district.”

Speaking to SunLive last night, communications manager Kim Perks said police dealt with mainly alcohol related skirmishes, but on the whole nothing of major significance.

On the street the atmosphere was pretty friendly and upbeat, which pleased police greatly.

Police were a visible police presence across the entire city last night, with all staff in the Western Bay rostered to work, predominantly in the Mount area, Papamoa and The Strand in Tauranga.

Temporary cells have also been established on the Mount this week, with the makeshift holding units on stand-by behind the Police Station on Salisbury Ave.

The processing centre has become something of a regular feature over the festive period, and will house anyone in the area picked up for committing an offence over the next couple of days.

Scott says police will continue to prevent crime and disorder, as well as work to keep everyone safe, over the coming summer weeks and months.

But police can't achieve that goal alone and they are urging everyone to 'do their bit” to ensure the safety of their friends and loved ones, says Scott.

Outside of the Western Bay of Plenty, arrests numbers were also down on previous years, with little difference to a regular Friday night in most areas.

By 1.30am 12 people had been arrested in Rotorua, seven people in Taupo and four people in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

How did you celebrate the New Year? Post your comments below.