New Zealand is the first country to welcome 2025 with fireworks and a light show

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Auckland has become the first major city in the world to usher in the year 2025, with thousands of revellers gathering to celebrate the arrival of the New Year. The festivities kicked off with vibrant fireworks launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, and a stunning light show illuminating the city’s downtown area.

The crowd gathered in downtown Auckland, with many also heading to the city’s volcanic peaks to gain a prime view of the fireworks. A light display acknowledging Auckland’s Indigenous Māori tribes was also part of the celebrations, adding a unique cultural touch to the night. This comes after a year of protests in New Zealand regarding Māori rights, highlighting the ongoing social and political changes in the country.

As the first country in the South Pacific Ocean to welcome the New Year, Auckland’s celebration marked a symbolic moment, with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours ahead of the famed Times Square ball drop in New York. This sets the stage for a wave of global celebrations in cities around the world, each offering its own unique take on marking the passage of time and ringing in the new year.

In Australia, an estimated 1 million people are expected to gather at Sydney Harbour for the traditional fireworks display. The celebration will feature a performance by British pop star Robbie Williams, along with Indigenous ceremonies and performances to honour the country’s first peoples.

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