New Zealand’s Auckland Kicks Off 2026 Celebrations With Fireworks, Watch Video
Auckland : New Zealand’s Auckland welcomed 2026 with a fireworks display launched from the Sky Tower, the country’s tallest structure, becoming the first major city to mark the new year despite wet weather in the city centre. Countries across the South Pacific are the earliest to ring in the new year, with midnight in Auckland, home to about 1.7 million people.
The five-minute spectacle featured around 3,500 fireworks fired from multiple levels of the 240-metre (787-foot) Sky Tower. However, several smaller community events across New Zealand’s North Island were cancelled on Wednesday due to forecasts of rain and possible thunderstorms.
The festivities come weeks after two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah gathering at Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people and injuring at least 40.
Thousands gathered along Sydney’s waterfront on Wednesday evening for the annual fireworks display centred on the Sydney Harbour Bridge, under a heavy police presence. For the first time at the event, many officers were seen openly carrying rapid-fire rifles.
Fireworks adorn New Zealand's Auckland as it welcomes the Year 2026 pic.twitter.com/uNJI76PI7Y
— TANISHA KOHLI (@TANISHAKOHLI9) December 31, 2025
An hour before midnight, the victims of the Bondi Beach attack will be honoured with a minute’s silence, as images of a menorah are projected onto the bridge pylons. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns urged residents not to let fear keep them away from public celebrations, warning that extremists would view reduced crowds as a victory.
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