Hundreds arrived early to Tauranga's family-friendly New Year's Eve events to be sure they did not miss out on a free sausage or a good spot for the fireworks.
Hundreds arrived early to Tauranga's family-friendly New Year's Eve events to be sure they did not miss out on a free sausage or a good spot for the fireworks.
Holidaymakers joined locals at Tauranga's waterfront for the second annual council-run event, with a free barbecue, music, games and performers.
TaurangaMayor Greg Brownless was on the tongs, employing a sausage cooking strategy he dubbed "turn 'em don't burn 'em".
Brownless said last year the council gave away about 500 free sausages - a total he expected they would top this year.
The New Year's festivities are underway in Tauranga. We're at the waterfront for the CBD community celebration. Come down for a free sausage!
He said the event was introduced in 2016 after the council canned its traditional Mount Maunganui celebrations to encourage more family-friendly festivities.
He did not plan to hang around to see the central city's fireworks display, saying he would either go to visit friends or head home and go to sleep.
"I don't think I'll see the new year in."
Ngonie Joyce, Daijana Donnelly 4, Rana Hawiti, and Joziah Donnelly, 5, from Brookfield. Photo/Andrew Warner
Ngonie Joyce of Brookfield arrived early with her family - and a portable cooker.
They enjoyed their own sausages and burgers as the line for the free barbecue rapidly lengthened.
Joyce said she was happy to have somewhere to bring the kids where there was no loud music or people drinking.
"We just want to watch the fireworks together."
Wellington couple Sophie and Rory Anquetil were wondering how to get out of their one-bedroom Air B'n'B apartment and let their daughter burn off some energy when they read about the event and decided to head down.
Three-year-old Ellie Anquetil from Wellington. Photo/Andrew Warner
She said Ellie, 3, had dressed herself for the occasion.
"I was going to put her in a T-shirt and shorts but she said 'no, if we're going to a party I need my party dress on."
The toddler was the first out on the grass having a boogie.
Meanwhile, there were more than 600 people enjoying the New Year's Eve festivities at Papamoa's community event.
Tauranga City Council city events manager Gareth Wallis said everything was "going to plan".
"From what we can tell is there are lots of families with their picnic blankets having a good time."
