Both Mount Drury/Hopukiore and Moturiki/Leisure Island are to be fenced off to the public on New Year's Eve to protect the natural environment.

Mayor Greg Brownless says Council is working closely with WBOP Police to create a safer environment at Mount Maunganui on New Year's Eve.

There will be no entertainment or fireworks at the beach, and the beach will be well lit.

Between Boxing Day, December 26, and January 6 there is a 24-hours-a-day alcohol-free zone in Mount Maunganui has been extended this year to Hull Road and Tweed Street.

There will be some road closures, parking restrictions and traffic management in place to manage traffic flows throughout the day and evening of New Year's Eve.

Delays are likely, but the intention is to minimise the impact on traffic.

The safety of residents and visitors comes first, says Greg

'We want everyone to enjoy New Year's Eve, but to celebrate it safely.

'We want our communities to understand the changed offerings at Mount Main Beach, to make informed decisions and to plan ahead. New Year's Eve is for celebrating, so wherever you are, at home or at a friend's place, make sure you're surrounded by people you trust.

'We recognise that change takes time and that some changes might not come as easy as we would like them to. For us the safety of our communities comes first,” says Greg.

'We encourage everyone to take the time to talk to friends and family about their plans on New Year's Eve. This is the best way to help them stay safe while celebrating.”

Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty Police are appealing to Tauranga's residents and visitors to put their own and their families' and friends' safety first while celebrating New Year's Eve in Tauranga and especially at Mount Maunganui.

Area Commander Inspector Clifford Paxton says there will be a strong police presence in the Mount Maunganui area on New Year's Eve.

'We take the safety of our communities seriously and are working diligently with Tauranga City Council and partners to try and ensure the safety of all,” says Clifford.

'Council and NZ Police are working alongside to inform residents and visitors on how to plan ahead and how to stay safe during New Year's Eve in Tauranga.”

While there is no council entertainment at the Main Beach there is a new youth event 'Frequency NYE” at ASB Baypark Arena and a central city fireworks display.

'Midnight fireworks will be displayed from a central city location so that they can be enjoyed across the city. Watch them from your deck or backyard, ideally from a slightly elevated point,” says Greg.

'And Council has added a fireworks display at the family-friendly time of 9.30pm. They will light up the sky from a barge at the Tauranga waterfront.

'You've got the choice: celebrating at home, at a friend's place, or at one of the NYE events happening around town, such as the under 18s event Frequency NYE at the ASB Arena.”