It was an hour before that the Pacific island nation of Kiribati celebrated the arrival of January 1 as the clock struck midnight. Since a change of clocks 20 years ago, in 1994, it has been the first nation in the world to enter the new year,

Auckland has become the first major city to welcome 2025, with thousands counting down to the new year and cheering at fireworks launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower.

This special time allows people to reflect on the year that has passed, acknowledge its challenges and triumphs, and look forward to fresh starts and new opportunities in the year ahead.

New Zealand erupted into celebrations as the New Year ushered in. As New Zealand is ahead of India in time zones, the New Year arrived there first. Show Full Article This article is FREE to read We need your support to sustain good journalism and empower us to deliver

Spectacular displays are planned, but some UK events have been cancelled due to rain and wind weather warnings.

New Zealand has become one of the very first countries in the world to ring in 2025. Fireworks erupted from Auckland’s Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the nation, to welcome the New Year. It was an hour before that the Pacific island nation of Kiribati celebrated the arrival of January 1 as the clock struck midnight.