A fine, warm evening provided ideal New Year's Eve party conditions throughout Hawke's Bay last night.
As the region welcomed in 2014, police were hoping a combination of liquor bans and a high-profile presence by officers in traditional troublespots would deter bad behaviour by revellers.
By late evening, when Hawke's Bay Today went to print, no major incidents had been reported.
A heavy police presence and an extended liquor ban appeared to be an effective deterrent for trouble at one of Hawke's Bay's traditional New Year's Eve party hotspots, Waimarama.
Thirteen police officers were scheduled to be on duty in the beach settlement until 4am today.
A liquor ban in the area was recently extended, making it illegal to carry or consume alcohol in public from 6am on New Year's Eve.
In Hastings, several thousand people watched the 9.45pm fireworks display as part of the Fiesta of Lights, at Hawke's Bay Showgrounds.
Fireworks were also a feature of the region's largest New Year's festivities, on Napier's waterfront.
Crowd favourites Rodger Fox's Big Bang Band and singer Lisa Tomlins were among the line-up entertaining the large audience enjoying the celebrations at the Sound Shell and along Marine Parade.
New Napier Mayor Bill Dalton was to perform the traditional ringing of the Veronica Bell at midnight, followed by a fireworks display to usher in the new year.