Minimal arrests in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui this New Year's

Police patrol New Year's Eve celebrations at The Strand, Tauranga. Photo/Andrew Warner.

A total of 14 people were arrested for alcohol-related offences in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui this New Year's Eve.

The arrests have since prompted Western Bay of Plenty police to label the celebration of 2018's arrival as the best New Year's in years.

Acting area commander Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair said: "There was a really good vibe and the council-run family events at Papamoa and the waterfront were fantastic".

"This has been an outstanding New Year's, our best in years. It was more like a busy weekend night.

New Year's eve celebrations at Mount Maunganui. Photo/Andrew Warner.

"As part of New Year 's Eve police operation, there were five for alcohol-related arrests made in Mount Maunganui and nine in Tauranga City."

On the roads, at least four people were picked up for drink driving.

Western Bay of Plenty head of road policing acting Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter the result was "very satisfying".

New Year's Eve traditionally resulted in many drink-drivers being picked up, he said.

On Friday, the booze bus caught 17 drunk drivers and on Saturday they processed 12.

"We're not happy with Friday's and Saturday's results. People must realise by now the odds of getting stopped at this time of year," Hunter said.

The Traffic Alcohol Group numbers do not include drink drivers picked up by regular police.