Nelson dance party to be moved to Takaka hill site

Organisers of New Year's dance party Phat 05 are planning to stage the event at a site on Takaka Hill after being refused permission to use Nelson's Trafalgar Centre.

Organisers Dave White and Selena Coombes issued a statement today saying the 48-hour nonstop event was moving ahead "full steam" at the site.

The Motueka-based Stardust Festival has a long-term agreement for using the Canaan Downs site on top of Takaka Hill , 21km northwest of Motueka.

Organiser Vicki Knegt said she agreed to lease it to Phat 05 when Mr White agreed to make the event alcohol-free.

About 2500 tickets have already been sold.

- NZPA