Auckland has become the first major city to welcome 2025, 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 also thronged downtown or climbed the city's ring of volcanic peaks for a fireworks vantage point, and a light display recognising Auckland's Indigenous tribes.
It follows a year marked by protests over M?ori rights in the nation of five million.
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.
Countries across east and south-east Asia including China, the Philippines and Malaysia have also welcomed the new year with firework displays and drone shows.
Celebrations have been scaled back or cancelled in South Korea following the Muan air crash on Sunday in which 179 people died.
Sydney, Australia rang in 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display - cheers erupted as the clock struck midnight and the skies lit up over the harbour.
Other cities around the world are readying with celebrations highlighting local cultures and traditions, after a year roiled by ongoing conflict and political instability.
comments powered by Disqus
.jpg)
All feeds
