Tauranga rang in 2025 with fireworks, fights, family fun, booze ban breaches and almost 4500 breath tests, authorities say.

A police spokesperson said 12 people were arrested in Tauranga and one person taken to hospital but overall, police were “pleased” with how locals and visitors behaved on New Year’s Eve.

“There were small incidents of disorder and fights, which occurred after midnight mainly at the Mount Beach, where there was a large number of people.”

There were a couple of disorder incidents in the Tauranga CBD and one person was taken to hospital in a moderate condition. No serious injuries were reported, the spokesperson said.

“Despite plenty of warning prior to the night, police were disappointed to see several breaches of the liquor ban.”

Police administered 4453 breath tests and caught 14 people driving over the alcohol limit. Two drivers were disqualified, one vehicle was impounded and three infringements were issued.

Community NYE events come ‘alive’

New Year’s Eve events in Tauranga, Greerton, Matua, Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa were “alive” with music, entertainment, food trucks, and kids’ activities as locals welcomed 2025 at council-run community celebrations.

New Year’s Eve on the Tauranga Waterfront. Photo / Simon Dawson Photography

The celebrations started early in Matua with a low-sensory, accessible event at Fergusson Park, a Tauranga City Council press release said.

The event provided a “comfortable and inclusive environment” and a welcoming space for smaller crowds with reduced ambient noise.

Fireworks displays lit up the sky at 9.30pm, serving as the grand finale for most locations, while at Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton the evening ended with a laser light show.

In the statement, council venues and events manager Nelita Byrne said she was delighted by the turnout.

“It’s very special to mark the start of a new year alongside friends, whānau and neighbours.”

The New Year's Eve celebration at Fergusson Park in Matua featured a low-sensory event for an hour from 5pm to 6pm. Photo / Simon Dawson Photography

The Matua event resonated with attendees, including singer Sophie Maud, who performed an acoustic set and said it was great the council provided an inclusive option for families who may not typically be able to attend events due to noise.

Dance performances from members of the Punjabi, Chinese, Indonesian, Cook Island, Indian and Middle Eastern communities highlighted Tauranga’s diverse culture as part of a collaboration between Multicultural Tauranga and the council.

The council’s New Year’s Eve community celebrations last year were cancelled due to heavy rain.

The New Year's Eve event in Greerton at the Tauranga Racecourse finished with a laser light show. Photo / Simon Dawson Photography

One to hospital after NYE crash

One person was taken to hospital with minor injuries after a crash on State Highway 2 on Tuesday afternoon.

A Fire and Emergency New Zealand spokesman said one vehicle crashed on SH2 eastbound, just before the Te Puke Highway.

Fire and Emergency received the report at 5.31pm.

A Hato Hone St John spokesman said an ambulance responded at 5.34pm and took one patient with minor injuries to Tauranga Hospital.

Megan Wilson is a health and general news reporter for the Bay of Plenty Times and Rotorua Daily Post. She has been a journalist since 2021.