Tauranga cancels five community New Year’s Eve events, fireworks still possible

Tauranga City Council has cancelled the five events it had planned for the city on New Year's Eve. Photo / Tauranga City Council Facebook

Five community events planned for New Year’s Eve in Tauranga have been cancelled due to “adverse weather conditions”.

Tauranga City Council made the call on Monday after the MetService issued a heavy rain warning for Tauranga, Rotorua and the wider Bay of Plenty.

The warning has since been lifted but more rain was expected this week.

According to MetService’s current forecast, rain was expected to ease to shower this morning as “the cloud breaks up”.

More heavy rain was on the cards for tomorrow, with further showers expected on Thursday.

In a statement on Monday, the council said it made the decision to cancel the New Year’s Eve events as weather reports indicated “significant rain bands and strong wind gusts during event set-up, with conditions highly likely to continue into Wednesday”.

“Making the decision allows our community time to plan alternative New Year’s activities,” the council said.

“Due to the cancellation, the planned road closure for The Strand on New Year’s Eve will not go ahead.”

Fireworks update

Weather permitting, fireworks would hopefully take place from various locations around the city, the council said.

“Tauranga City Council was still aiming to light up the skies at about 9.30pm and midnight to welcome the New Year.

“The displays were expected to be visible across Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa, Matua, the city centre and Waimapu Estuary harbour areas.

“This means you can enjoy the spectacular from where you’re already celebrating or from a safe elevated vantage point.”

Updates will be shared via Tauranga City Council’s Facebook and Instagram channels.