New Year Mt Maunganui - Police messages

The Western Bay of Plenty Area Commander, Inspector Mike Clement, is urging all Bay of Plenty residents and visitors to take extra care in the coming days, including New Years Eve, due to the bad weather.

"The region has seen a great deal of rain in the past couple of days and this is forecast to continue. Our roads are already sodden and driving conditions are more dangerous than usual. Please take extra care out on the roads and drive to the conditions."

Inspector Clement is also asking people to be sensible about their New Year's Eve celebrations.

"Whilst the New Years Eve event at Mt Maunganui has been cancelled, we know that people will still want to celebrate in some way.

"Plan your night, make sure you have a sober driver, and most importantly, look after yourself and look after your mates - make your New Year one to remember and not one to forget or regret."

Inspector Clement is also issuing a special request to parents and caregivers - "know where your children are, who they are with and what they are doing."

Inspector Clement says Western Bay of Plenty Police will still be out in force around Mt Maunganui and the Western Bay of Plenty on New Year's Eve, despite the cancellation of the Mt Maunganui event.

"It is our job to prevent crime and crash and ensure the safety of our community and we will be very visible and actively policing alcohol-related issues tomorrow night to achieve that. We don't make any apologies for taking a hard line in this area if it means we can reduce the impact.

"This is a busy time for Police, but it is now business as usual for us every year. We plan to be busy during this period and we have the people and resources in place to prevent and manage issues and we simply get on with the job that needs to be done.

"Despite the bad weather, people will still see Police out and about in all areas in an effort to reduce alcohol-related harm and to try and keep people safe."

Police also wish to remind people that the liquor bans in place for the festive season remain in place.