This Saturday, Whitianga will celebrate the completion of stage one of the Whitianga town centre upgrade.
After the Santa Parade an official ribbon cutting will take place to reopen Albert Street. The festivities will include live music, face painting and entertainment for the whole family. There will also be free ice creams for the kids and More FM will be in attendance with a free sausage sizzle.
"This is a celebration to thank the community and businesses for their patience throughout stage one of the town centre upgrade," said Mayor Sandra Goudie.
The construction work started in April and involved new stormwater and water supply infrastructure, modifications to the existing roadway, widening of the footpaths, new footpath paving, a new plaza area and landscaping.
Stage two of the upgrade, involving work on Taylors Mistake, the Esplanade and the new playground, begins on April 1, 2019.