The bay watches as Hoff mania hits

Hoff-mania hit Mount Maunganui yesterday as an estimated crowd of 4000 flocked to the beach for a glimpse of the Baywatch star.
And the fans weren't disappointed - David Hasselhoff spent time signing autographs and chatting on the beach before being whisked away to the Mount Maunganui Surf Life Saving Club.
The actor was blown away by the A-list reception by fans screaming, shouting and waving signs.
He said the reaction was unexpected.
"I had absolutely no idea, because usually my impression of Kiwis and New Zealanders is that... they're really easy, laid-back kind of like in Hawaii, they have a cool attitude.
"When I got here, they were screaming and jumping.
"Over in Australia they were cool but laid-back.
"[Mount Maunganui] was great, I prefer the crazy. All the security guards were freaking out, [but] I cope with this all the time."
Hasselhoff flew in by helicopter to Moturiki Island then arrived on the beach in an IRB flanked by lifeguards, as the Baywatch theme music played.
Drizzly weather had not put off Hoff-lovers who came carrying signs with messages including, "I'd Climb the Mount for you Hoff" and "Splice up my life Hoff".
Models dressed in red swimsuits ran on to the beach, and apparently Hoff was impressed by the Bay girls he saw.
His last visit was in 1986 and his popularity clearly spanned the generations, women of all ages keen to see him. As he arrived on the beach the crowd surged forward, requests by life guard security to move back having little impact.
Speaking through a loud hailer, the Hoff said "God bless you New Zealand, Happy New Year, we're going to have fun."