Message from Toby Burrows, Trademark Live:

“We acknowledge the immense tragedy at Mauao and across the Western Bay, which has deeply affected Mount Maunganui and the wider community.”

“It’s difficult to put into words the pain our Tauranga community is feeling following the tragic events of last week. Mauao is the beating heart of Mount Maunganui, and it will never be the same.

“Our hearts go out to all of the families and friends who have lost their loved ones in both the Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui landslides.” 

To support affected families, FISHER event organiser Trademark Live has launched a fundraising effort with 100% of donations going directly to those families impacted, information can be found via their socials.

FISHER at Bay Oval, as well as other planned events, will go ahead this weekend. These events support local businesses, provide an economic boost to the city, and offer opportunities for people to come together and lift spirits during a time of significant sadness across the community.

“Over the past week, our people have been united in grief as we start to come to terms with the loss of life after the landslides on Thursday, 22 January. Our thoughts remain firmly with the families who have lost loved ones, and everyone affected,” says Mayor Mahé Drysdale. 

“While our efforts continue to focus on supporting the recovery operation and families grieving the loss of loved ones, the events planned for this weekend will proceed. Mauao is closed but the rest of our city is open and local businesses need support,” he says. 

“We ask that everyone attending these events do so with care, compassion, and respect for those grieving. This is a time for us to look out for one another and continue to show the strength and solidarity that defines Tauranga. 

“The cordon around Mauao has been reduced but we request that people please continue to respect the cordons in place, so Police can keep working towards returning loved ones to their families.” 

Australian DJ FISHER will headline the first live music event hosted at Bay Oval, with more than 20,000 attendees expected. This event is one of several taking place across Tauranga this weekend, all proceeding with awareness and respect for the current situation.

Other events on in Tauranga:

Gallagher Chiefs vs Fijian Drua: Friday, 30 January, at Blake Park, kick off at 3pm (there will be a moment of silence observed).
International Buskers Day Out: Saturday, 31 January, 11am-5pm, Masonic Park & Red Square, Tauranga city centre.
Billabong Grom Series: Saturday, 31 January to Sunday, 1 February, 8am – 5pm, Tay Street Beach (this part of the coast is not affected by the rāhui).

FISHER at Bay Oval key travel information:

• With more than 20,000 people expected to attend FISHER, roads will be busier than usual, and event-related road closures and parking restrictions will be in place around Bay Oval on Saturday, 31 January.
• Please allow extra time for travel and be patient as people move around the city.
• An event-specific bus operation will run for FISHER ticket holders, with pick-up and drop-off points in Tauranga city centre, Pāpāmoa and Greerton (bus tickets should be purchased prior through the Trademark Live website).
• Attendees are encouraged to take the bus, carpool, and if staying nearby, walk to and from the event.
• There is no event parking at Bay Oval or in the vicinity of the venue.
• The cordoned area around the Mount Maunganui landslide site has been reduced to allow businesses on Marine Parade to open. There is pedestrian access only from Commons Avene to Adams Avenue. Please avoid restricted areas and follow directions.
• Resident permit: If you are living or staying in accommodation within the cordoned-off area, from Friday 30 January you will need a resident access permit to get through the road closures with a vehicle. To get your permit visit He Maimai Aroha – Community Care Centre, 249 Maunganui Road, daily 9am–9pm. Bring proof of address or accommodation booking (for example, a bank statement, power bill email, or AirBnB booking). Council staff will issue your permit immediately.
• More detailed road closure information can be found here - https://us.list-manage.com/mgK-6K_Wcdy?e=745e0a8107&c2id=fe7fcb8cf18941090b265083279454e4

All updates from Tauranga City Council are available on Newsbeat .

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