From New Zealand to Australia: Here's how the world is ringing in the New Year 2026
Posted on: Dec 31, 2025 21:56 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Several countries, including commonwealth of australia and young seeland, feature already ringing in the young 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. Meanwhile, Pacific nations including New Zealand have also welcomed the New Year.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.