New Year will go off with a bang in the Catlins, with a Pounawea group planning a repeat of last year's successful celebrations.
The Pounawea Projects Group will stage a variety of activities at the coastal settlement on December 31, starting at 4pm.
Group spokeswoman Ann-Marie Holland said the success of last year's gathering, which attracted an estimated 1500 people, encouraged the group to organise a similar event.
The events will be based in the central part of Pounawea, near the playground and public areas.
The entertainment starts with an old-fashioned picnic in the playground. Other activities including a chocolate wheel, lamb races, children's races are planned.
Family entertainment would continue through the night with a bottle auction and live music, Ms Holland said.
The celebrations will end with a fireworks display starting at midnight.
Ms Holland said the large crowds that assembled last year were expected again, as the Pounawea event was regarded as a safe environment for families.
An entry fee of $2 will apply and this will entitle those attending to be entered into a lucky number draw.
