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New Zealand and Australia Ring in 2026 with Joy and Reflection

1/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand and Australia welcomed 2026 with large celebrations as Auckland hosted fireworks drawing thousands.
Sydney's celebrations included a minute of silence for Bondi Beach shooting victims and Harbour Bridge projections of peace messages.
An earlier family fireworks event let families enjoy the spectacle before midnight.
Kiritimati in Oceania was the first location globally to celebrate the new year in 2026.

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Story summary

New Zealand and Australia welcomed 2026 with large celebrations as Auckland hosted fireworks drawing thousands.
Sydney's celebrations included a minute of silence for Bondi Beach shooting victims and Harbour Bridge projections of peace messages.
An earlier family fireworks event let families enjoy the spectacle before midnight.
Kiritimati in Oceania was the first location globally to celebrate the new year in 2026.