New Zealand: Auckland welcomes the NewYear2025 with fireworks

New Zealand becoming the first country in the world to enter 2025. Auckland has become the first major city to welcome new year, with thousands of revellers counting down to the new year and cheering at colourful fireworks launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, and a spectacular downtown light show. Thousands gathered at the waterfront, cheering and singing as the sky lit up with vibrant colours.

New Zealand is the first major country to enter 2025.

Fireworks and celebrations have started in Auckland. pic.twitter.com/rW6mruz8Fu

— Colton Blake (@ColtonBlakeX) December 31, 2024

The celebrations extended beyond Auckland. In Wellington, a carnival atmosphere took over the waterfront with live music, street performances, and a spectacular light show.Christchurch and Queenstown also hosted vibrant events, blending traditional Maori cultural performances with modern celebrations. Tourists from around the world flocked to New Zealand to be part of the celebrations.
Australia is next in line to welcome the New Year 2025, celebrating two hours after New Zealand. More than one million people are expected to throng the Sydney Harbour for the traditional fireworks.
According to news agency Associated Press, the event in Sydney will feature British pop sensation Robbie Williams leading a crowd-pleasing singalong. Adding a cultural touch, indigenous ceremonies and performances will honour the land’s first people.
Countries in the South Pacific Ocean are the first to ring in the New Year, with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball drop in Times Square in New York. Other cities around the world are readying with celebrations highlighting local cultures and traditions, after a year roiled by ongoing conflict and political instability.
New Year’s celebrations are likely to be subdued in Israel as its war with Hamas in Gaza grinds through a 15th month and scores of hostages remain in captivity.Lebanon is in the grip of a severe economic crisis, and many areas were heavily damaged during the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which ended with a shaky ceasefire. Syrians are meanwhile expressing hope and uncertainty for the coming year after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad.In Dubai, thousands are expected to attend an annual fireworks show at the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper.