Family-friendly New Year confirmed

Fireworks yes, concerts no.

New Year celebrations in Tauranga will follow the same format as last year with an early evening celebration and fireworks on The Strand, followed by a midnight display.

A small scale indoor youth event will also be part of the celebrations.

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 we're on the right track, with many enjoying the early waterfront celebrations and the traditional midnight fireworks.

'Our focus is on creating a family-friendly, community-focused New Year's Eve atmosphere that can be enjoyed and celebrated by all in a safe way.”

The city council will be working with the commercial sector to encourage user-paid activities within private, purpose-built venues that add to the New Year's Eve offering already taking place across Tauranga.

How New Year's Eve will look in the future is yet to be determined, says a statement from the council.

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.

The council, police, and other key organisations will continue to work together towards a safer environment for residents and visitors on New Year's Eve.

Council will carry on with the successfully implemented changes from 2016 for New Year's Eve 2017/18 and will be working with the commercial sector to add to the New Year's Eve offering across the city.

Enhanced emergency services and safety measures such as traffic management, security, temporary fencing and lighting will be put in place again to work towards a safer place for our communities to celebrate the New Year.

This year's New Year's Eve celebrations in Tauranga will focus on creating a safe and enjoyable family-friendly New Year's Eve across the city.

An early evening, family-friendly, central city waterfront event including a 9.30pm fireworks display; a midnight fireworks display as well as a small-scale, indoor youth event will be part of the celebrations.

Council will pursue supporting one of the busiest nights in the city with coordinated, advanced planning and an enhanced city and emergency services response on the night itself.

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2 comments

What about Laser light shows

Posted on 16-08-2017 08:59 | By Seriously?

Perhaps Council could investigate laser light shows instead of fireworks displays - they seem to be the up and coming thing internationally. There seems to be way more pros than cons to laser show compared to fireworks - 1. they can be held anywhere, 2. no possibility of people being burnt by them, 3. they don't frighten babies or animals. Sounds like a way more user-friendly event.


Great Idea.

Posted on 16-08-2017 16:22 | By local yokel

What a great idea but will the powers that be do it.? The Fire Brigade would be happy as well as any animal owner or property owners that have been the target of louts before. The Emergency Dept at the Hospitals wouldn't be over-loaded because of firework caused injuries and burns and pets, young children or the elderly wouldn't be frightened by the explosions and bangs. Let's hear back from the Council on this one please..


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