Most of the country experienced peaceful New Year celebrations, despite the riot in Gisborne that ended with 63 arrests.
Bay of Plenty Police said most people at holiday hotspots including Mount Maunganui were well-behaved. Inspector Scott Fraser credited well-organised events, effective liquor bans, and positive interaction between revellers, police staff and volunteers.
By 1.30am there were 21 arrests at celebrations in Mount Maunganui. Police said this was the lowest number in the event's history.
Police said across the district, arrests were down on previous years and "little different to a regular Friday night in most areas."
Police said the Northern Communications Centre area, which handled enquiries for all areas north of Turangi, had a "very busy but unremarkable" New Year's Eve with most emergency calls relating to disorder, drunkenness and alcohol-fuelled violence.