Rotorua's New Year festival on track

CELEBRATION: Rotorua Lakes Council chief operating officer Dave Foster says they are in the planning stages of this year's Glo Festival. PHOTO/FILE

The axing of Mount Maunganui's iconic New Year's Eve event should not have a significant impact on Rotorua's plans, according to the local council.

On Tuesday, Tauranga City Council decided to axe the traditional beachfront concert on Mount Main Beach, because of safety concerns. Instead, there will be a ticketed event for youth at ASB Arena and fireworks in the CBD.

But it's full steam ahead for Rotorua's New Year's festivities.

Rotorua Lakes Council chief operating officer Dave Foster said council staff were in the planning stages of this year's Glo Festival.

"Like last year it will be a three-day, family-friendly festival, finishing on New Year's Eve with a concert and fireworks at the Lakefront."

The Glo Festival was introduced in 2012 in an effort to make New Year's in Rotorua more family-friendly.

Events and Venues Rotorua manage and deliver the festival, which received support from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, First Sovereign, NZCT and Southern Trust each year, he said.

"If the New Year's events in Mount Maunganui are cancelled, we don't expect it to have a significant impact on Rotorua or the Glo Festival.

"Rotorua is usually full at that time of year so accommodation is at a premium and Glo is designed for a different audience to those that usually attend the Mount Maunganui celebration.

"We would, however, encourage anyone looking for a family-focused New Year to look to Rotorua as the place to be. "

Mr Foster said the Lakefront was covered by the Public Places Liquor Control Bylaw (Liquor Ban) and any organisations wanting to sell liquor in this area would need to apply for a special licence.

He said council officers worked with the Rotorua police to enforce any rules and regulations.

Rotorua police area prevention manager Inspector Stuart Nightingale said New Year's Eve policing was an operation which was well prepared and well planned for in Rotorua.

Mr Nightingale said the local police had high visibility, particularly around the licensed premises and the Glo Festival, or any other event being held.

They would also focus on the CBD, he said.

Mr Nightingale reminded people planning for New Year's Eve to be with friends and be safe.

"We want people to enjoy New Year's Eve with the right type of memories."