It’s all about whānau this New Year’s Eve with Tauranga City Council providing a series of free, local, family-friendly events to welcome in 2024.

Five community events will be held across the city at the Tauranga Waterfront, Greerton, Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui, and Matua.

Festivities kick off at 6pm on Sunday, December 31, at all five events with performances from local musicians, roving entertainment, and food trucks providing scrumptious kai.

Celebrations will close with a fireworks display at 9.30pm at each event, apart from Greerton where a laser light show will take place due to the horses that live at Tauranga Racecourse.

All community events are alcohol and smoke-free.

The Greerton New Year's Eve event. Photo:James Hunter.

Tauranga City Council’s Venues and Events Manager, Nelita Byrne, says these family-friendly events provide the chance for locals and visitors alike to come together and share a sense of belonging.

“We’re proud to provide these events where people can get together with their friends and whānau and celebrate New Year’s Eve in a community-minded environment.”

“It’s a great opportunity to get the family together, pack a picnic and enjoy an evening in some of our city’s beautiful open spaces,” says Nelita.

This year, people are urged to think sustainably and get creative with ways of minimising their waste.

"We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and delivering council events in an environmentally responsible way," says Nelita.

“We’re encouraging people to play their part by bringing their own cups and water bottles and using the council-provided recycling bins on site."

The Matua New Year's Eve event. Photo:James Hunter.

Although it's a time of celebration for humans, Brent Lincoln, Team Leader: Animal Services Tauranga City Council, recommends keeping an eye on your pets throughout the night as fireworks can be frightening for animals.

"Most of us love the popping and bright flashes of fireworks, but our furry friends won't be as impressed," says Brent.

"Keep your pets (small or large) safe and secure for the night. And make sure your dog is microchipped, and your contact details are up to date with Council - this will allow us to quickly contact you should your dog escape during this time."
 
When the clock strikes midnight, organised fireworks will be launched from various locations that will be visible across large parts of the city.
 
Community events – locations and tips and tricks

City Centre – Tauranga Waterfront
Grab an early bite to eat in the city centre or bring a picnic and come celebrate with the local community. This event will take place within a permanent alcohol-free area to support a safe and community-friendly atmosphere.

Greerton – Tauranga Racecourse
Locals can grab some kai from the food trucks and enjoy a picnic at the family-friendly event held at Tauranga Racecourse. The night will be topped off with a laser light display at 9.30pm.

We recommend travelling by bike, walking or ridesharing. Car parking is available onsite, including designated parking for mobility cardholders.

To support a safe and friendly community celebration in Greerton, Tauranga Racecourse Reserve will become a temporary alcohol-free area from 10am Sunday, December 31 2023, to 6am Monday, January 1 2024.

Pāpāmoa – Gordon Spratt Reserve
Grab dinner from one of the food trucks or bring a picnic to Gordon Spratt Reserve.

To reduce traffic congestion, people could consider travelling by bike, walk or ride-share. Car parking is available onsite, including designated parking for mobility cardholders.

To support a safe community celebration in Pāpāmoa, Gordon Spratt Reserve (including Alice Way and Parton Road between Pāpāmoa Beach and Tara Roads) will become a temporary alcohol-free area from 10am Sunday, December 31 2023, to 6am Monday, January 1 2024.

Matua – Fergusson Park
Ōtūmoetai and Matua locals are invited to have dinner from one of the food trucks or bring a picnic to Fergusson Park. Due to limited general parking, people are encouraged to travel by bike, walk or ride-share. Car parking is available for mobility cardholders in the main car parking area.

Matua – Fergusson Park Accessible and low sensory event
From 5.30pm to 6pm, an accessible and low sensory event will be held at Fergusson Park, with the event opening to the general public from 6pm.

During this time, lighting and music will be reduced as well as sounds from vendors and rides. As much as possible, all noise will be kept to a minimum and the PA system will only be used in emergencies. In addition, there will be a quiet indoor space available onsite for anyone who may need it.

To support a safe community celebration in Matua, Fergusson Park will become a temporary alcohol-free area from 10am Sunday, December 31 2023, to 6am Monday, January 1 2024.

Mount Maunganui – Blake Park
Mount Maunganui residents and visitors will have a local community celebration at Blake Park. Residents can expect live music, roving entertainment, food trucks and sports activities finishing with fireworks at 9.30pm.

Parking is limited at Blake Park so residents are encouraged to walk, cycle, or bus to the event. There will also be international cricket played at Bay Oval during the afternoon which may impact traffic and parking availability.

During the New Year period, the alcohol-free areas in Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa are extended for a 24-hour time period. They are in force from Tuesday, December 26 2023, to Saturday, January 6 2024 inclusive.

General information

• Please bring some cash along to these events as eftpos facilities may not be available from all vendors. Free water bottle refilling stations will be available at all sites.
• Dogs are not permitted at these community events due to the large crowds that are expected, as well as the scheduled fireworks.

For more information on New Year’s Eve in Tauranga visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/nye

Information on alcohol-free areas: https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/business/permits-and-licences/alcohol/other-alcohol-information/temporary-and-new-year-period-alcohol-free-areas