The Waitaki District Council is pushing ahead with its plans for a New Year’s Eve party in Oamaru.
Moving away from tradition, this year’s celebrations will be held at the Oamaru Public Gardens rather than the Oamaru Harbour.
The council issued a statement this week announcing, subject to Covid-19 restrictions, a community celebration with live music and entertainment would be held in the band rotunda area of the gardens from 6pm to midnight on December 31.
‘‘Making plans for events continues to be difficult with Covid around, but we hope to celebrate the new year in style, with awesome entertainment for the whole family,’’ Mayor Gary Kircher said.
The move to the gardens came about after Scotts Brewing Co, a previous sponsor of the event, decided to run its own this year.
‘‘We had a look at what the options were around staying where we were or going somewhere different,’’ Mr Kircher said.
‘‘We thought, given everything, it would be a good change to go to the gardens.’’
Masters of ceremonies Mulletman and Mim would begin the evening, before performances by Oamaru band Dee May and the Saints, Christchurch covers band Diamond Blue and The Beat Skips, from Dunedin.
It would be an alcohol-free event, but there would be a licensed garden bar area.
‘‘It’s about ... having a good time and being able to have a drink as well in a good, controlled environment, that’s still very family-friendly.’’
There will also be a children’s zone and food vendors.
While Covid-19 could present challenges, or force the cancellation of the event, the council was pushing on with its plans for now.
‘‘We’ve taken the philosophy that let’s get on, have events, or plan events, and always have Plan B,’’ Mr Kircher said.
‘‘In this case, we don’t have a postponement date for New Year’s Eve.
‘‘If we have to pull the pin, we do. But if we can gather together as a community and enjoy ourselves, that’s the goal.’’
