Tauranga cancels 2024 A Night Before Christmas event due to funding issues

Organisers have cancelled the 2024 "A Night Before Christmas" event in Tauranga due to a funding shortfall and rising costs. They also noted that some potential sponsors were hesitant to support a church-related celebration. The event, which had been free for nearly 30 years, featured carols, fireworks, and local performances. It attracted up to 17,000 attendees at its peak. Organisers Craig and Michaela Vernall expressed disappointment but emphasized their commitment to keeping the event free for families.