Big night on cards for those working on last day of year

Mark O'Connor said working on New Year's Eve is just part of the job.

General manager of BREW Craft Beer Pub Mark O'Connor said he has seen all sorts of weirdness happen at the countdown over the years - but it went with the territory.

"It's my job, it's what it entails," he added.

However they have never had many issues during the numerous New Year's Eves Mr O'Connor had worked.

"It's a good atmosphere," he said.

"We tend to be quite lucky with our crowds."

Owner of AEGIS Private Security Heather Jones would be spending her 28th New Year's Eve working but said "it's just the nature of the industry".

"We have so much fun." She said those working security often got accosted during the countdown - but in a slightly different manner.

"Everyone wants to kiss you at New Year's," she said.

Mr O'Connor said those types of proposals were less common working in a bar.

"It didn't happen last year, but can always keep our fingers crossed," he said.

Ms Jones said all of her workers helped create a good New Year for her and the people enjoying the countdown.

She would be starting at 11am New Year's Eve, and usually would be travelling home at 3 or 4am.

However she enjoyed "waking up the next morning without a hangover".

Ms Jones "big team" would be working in Tauranga this New Year's Eve, in places such as Mount Maunganui, the Beach Base and Marine Parade.

She said this New Year's activities had been in the works from early this year.

"We had our first meeting back in March.

"Everybody that's involved in New Year's was in that room," she said.

"It's absolutely essential communication is right on top of it.

"We don't let the minority spoil it for a the majority"

Ms Jones' biggest tip for New Year's Eve celebrators was to "take a bit more care".

"Awareness of what's going on around you is hugely important," she said.

She said they usually get a "dozen kids saying my cellphone has been stolen", or "I've lost my shoes".