More than 2500 sausages and drinks were handed out to young travellers making their way through the Eastern Bay on the first day of the year.

Fatigue stops at Ōpōtiki and Matatā have been heralded successes in encouraging Rhythm and Vines partiers to break up what was for many is a long drive home from the Gisborne festival.

The Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme – a joint initiative by Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki and Kawerau district councils and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council – has conveyed its thanks to the young people who stopped, rested and travelled safely through the region.

Acknowledgement was also given to the volunteers, staff and helpers from Ōpōtiki Lions, Waiotahe Contractors, Ōpōtiki Cadets, Matatā Bluelight, Higgins, ACGC, Matatā and Ōpōtiki Volunteer Fire Brigades, Eastern Bay Area Police, Matatā Residents Association, Bunnings Whakatāne and council staff and elected members.

Gisborne District Council came on board this year with most of the funding required to cover costs including food, drinks, traffic management, safety and event signage, and road safety-related gifts.

It is understood that no accidents occurred on Eastern Bay roads on New Year’s Day.