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From New Zealand to Australia: Here's how the world is ringing in the New Year 2026
The island nation of Kiribati in the Pacific became the first to ring in the New Year.
Several countries, including Australia and New Zealand, have already ringing in the New Year 2026 with fireworks displays and celebrations.
New Year celebrations took a somber tone in Sydney as revellers held a moment of silence for the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting before lighting up with fireworks. In Hong Kong too, people greeted the New Year without spectacular and colorful explosions in the sky over its iconic Victoria Harbor after a massive fire in November that killed at least 161 people.
Meanwhile, Pacific nations including New Zealand erupted in celebrations to welcome 2026.
The island nation of Kiribati was the first in the world to enter 2026, with the clock striking midnight there. Among cities, Seoul, Tokyo and Auckland have ringed in 2026.
Australia
In Sydney, there was a moment of silence held for the victims of the shooting at Bondi Beach before revelry commenced, AFP news agency reported. Despite celebration and fireworks, there remained heavily armed police patrolling in place, with hundreds of thousands of people lining the Sydney shore.
The Sydney Harbour Bridge was bathed in white light to symbolise peace, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extending greetings through a video message.
“Right now, the joy that we usually feel at the start of a new year is tempered by the sadness of the old,” Albanese said.
New Zealand
Auckland in New Zealand was the first major city where the clock struck midnight signalling the beginning of 2026. A fireworks display was launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, in the city, the Associated Press reported. The five-minute display saw 3,500 fireworks.
The clock struck midnight in Auckland 18 hours before the famous ball drop that takes place in New York’s Times Square
Indonesia
Indonesia witnessed massive floods at the end of this year, with Cyclone Sengar also causing additional damage. Thus, cities saw toned down festivities in solidarity with the communities affected by floods and landslides, which particularly struck the Sumatra island a month ago.
Subdued celebrations took place in the capital city Jakarta, where a program including prayers for victims was also held, according to the AP report. Bali, known for concerts and fireworks on New Year's Eve, saw a cultural event featuring traditional dances.
Hong Kong
Hong Kong's tourism board hosted a music show on Wednesday night featuring soft rock duo Air Supply and other singers in Central. The facades of eight landmarks turned into giant countdown clocks presenting a three-minute light show at midnight, Associated Press reported. Fireworks have long been part of the city’s celebrations for the New Year, Lunar New Year and National Day.
While some places have already welcomed the New Year, preparations are in full swing in others. In Dubai in United Arab Emirates, the iconic Burj Khalifa is ready to feature a spectacular light show and fireworks display, PTI news agency reported.
