Tauranga City Council are encouraging people to stay local this year by putting on five free events.

The picnic-friendly events will be at Tauranga Waterfront, Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton, Gordon Spratt Reserve in Papamoa, Fergusson Park in Matua and Blake Park in Mount Maunganui.

Tauranga City Council General Manager of Community Services, Gareth Wallis says this year it seems more important than ever to give people an opportunity to come together.

'We hold these events to give people an opportunity to celebrate in a community-minded, family-friendly environment. No matter where you live in the city there's an event happening near you. We'd love to see you there.”

Starting at 6pm, each location will have live music, roving entertainment, sports activities and a local radio MC to host. The evening will wrap up with fireworks at 9.30pm, with Greerton instead having a laser light display at Tauranga Racecourse due to the horses that live on site.

The Matua event will also have a low sensory event from 530- 6pm, with reduced lighting and music as well as sounds from vendors and rides kept to a minimum. The PA system will only be used in emergencies. The night will resume as normal from 6pm, however there will be a quiet indoor space available onsite for anyone who may need it.

To bring in the New Year, midnight fireworks will also be launched from various locations across the city. Residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy the display from their deck or backyard.