Sponsored by Napier City Council and Hawke's Bay Today, the event had grown over the past 15 years to become one of the biggest outdoor events in the region. A family atmosphere was encouraged, with a smoking and liquor ban in force. The celebrations ended with The Hits 89.5 Fireworks Display just after midnight.
Watching the concert from the top level of the neighbouring Dome apartments were the staff of Noel Leeming Napier, dressed as anything beginning with the letter 'P'.
Sales consultant Nathan Berry, who was dressed at the Pope, said the view from the balcony was "brilliant".
Meanwhile, Hastings' Showgrounds Hawke's Bay was lit up with The Fiesta of Lights - A Million Watts of Family Fun, featuring a one kilometre-long trail of 500,000 sparkling lights.
A steady flow of people strolled beneath a canopy of lit trees and enjoyed the trail of more than 40 different light animations and instalments made by local artists. Live entertainment was led by Hawke's Bay band Pulse.
There was a New Year fireworks display and mock countdown for kids at 9.45pm.
Organiser Te Rangi Huata said he was pleased with the turnout. The windy conditions meant a special effect involving a parachute had been cancelled, but the show grounds remained warm and dry.
"The weather's been kind to us. A good crowd is rolling in, our numbers are up on last year's."
By the time Hawke's Bay Today went to print, no major incidents had been reported in the region. Senior Sergeant Clint Adamson of the Eastern District Command Centre said police were satisfied with the night.
"Hawke's Bay's going swimmingly well, there's the usual stuff you'd expect but nothing major."
Central Fire Communications shift manager Jan Wills also said the evening had been incident-free, with "nothing worth mentioning".
A heavy police presence and liquor ban appeared to keep trouble at bay at Waimarama, a traditional New Year's Eve party hotspots. The road to the settlement remained open, with police checkpoints in place.
Sergeant Carl Southwick said there was a "good, steady, family crowd - all very well-behaved".
Senior Sergeant Ross Smith said police on patrol enjoyed New Year goodwill.
"It makes our life a lot easier when everyone else behaves themselves, that's for sure."
He said revellers were "not too bad" this year.
"There were a few arrests for disorderly behaviour but it was pretty well behaved."
Hawke's Bay District Health Board communications manager Anna Kirk said alcohol was a major feature of patents treated at the Hawke's Bay Emergency Department overnight but none had suffered trauma.
There were 24 presentations and 12 of those were alcohol related.
She said there were a high number of accidents, including falls, over the holiday period so far and people should be mindful of personal safety.
On December 27 more than half of the patients treated suffered an accident.
