Tauranga authorities are tightening alcohol controls ahead of New Year’s Eve.

Permanent and temporary alcohol-free zones will be enforced across the city as police and council work to reduce alcohol-related harm.

Deputy Mayor and Mauao/Mount Maunganui ward councillor Jen Scoular says Tauranga is a much-loved summer destination, with the Mount always a hotspot for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“With thousands of visitors expected, we’re asking locals to remind friends and whānau that permanent and temporary alcohol-free areas are in place across the city,” Scoular said in a statement this week.

“These zones help create a welcoming environment and support the police to keep everyone safe.”

Western Bay of Plenty’s summer policing operations group manager, Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford, has supported Scoular’s message.

“We’ll be out and about leading up to New Year’s Eve, and on New Year’s Eve itself, enforcing alcohol-free areas and looking after our community. You’ll see more checkpoints and extra police presence to keep things running smoothly.”

Clifford has reminded people that anyone found drinking alcohol in these designated zones – including inside vehicles – faces confiscation of the alcohol and on-the-spot fines.

“It’s a simple message: know the rules before you head out, keep safe, and look out for your mates. If you are caught drinking alcohol in an alcohol-free area, we will take it off you, and we can issue fines on the spot.”

Clifford said police would be working with city council again this year to fence off Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve, including the playground, from December 31.

He said both areas would reopen for use on the morning of New Year’s Day.

There will be no public fireworks display at Mount Main Beach on New Year’s Eve.

Maps of permanent and temporary alcohol areas in the city can be found on the council website.

Fireworks display

While there will be no fireworks display at Mount Main Beach, the council will run several community celebrations on New Year’s Eve.

The first display will be at the family-friendly time of 9.30pm at events on the Tauranga waterfront, Blake Park, Gordon Spratt Reserve and Fergusson Park.

Midnight fireworks will be launched from several places across the city, and residents and visitors are encouraged to enjoy them from home – from the deck or backyard, ideally somewhere with a bit of elevation.

“Although it’s a time of celebration for humans, fireworks can be stressful for animals. Please keep an eye on your pets, ensure they’re safe and secure, and make sure your cat or dog is microchipped,” the council advised.

Healthcare

Support organisation Red Frogs will be present throughout New Year’s Eve to help care for those celebrating.

At the Mount from 7pm to 1am, they will set up a Chill Out/Safe Zone, where people can stop in for free water and pancakes.

Trained volunteers would be available to offer help to anyone needing assistance or a quiet spot to regroup.

Find more information about Red Frogs at www.redfrogs.co.nz.

If you require health care while you’re in Tauranga over the holiday season, emergency care is available at Tauranga Hospital (829 Cameron Rd), urgent in-person care at Accident & Healthcare (19 2nd Ave), and virtual consultations via Practice Plus (www.practiceplus.nz or 0800 PRAC PLUS).

Kerbside collection

If your rubbish bins are usually collected on a Thursday or Friday, your collection day will be one day later than usual for two weeks, from Thursday, December 25, to Saturday, January 3.

Households affected by this change are asked to place all bins at the kerbside before 7am on the day after their regular collection day during this period.