Auckland in New Zealand is the first major city to usher in the new year as cities around the world prepare to mark the arrival of 2025.

Just as the clock struck midnight (noon Central European Time), Auckland was lit up by the traditional fireworks display at the city’s iconic Sky Tower.

New Zealand’s North and South islands lie in the same time zone but the Chatham Islands – some 1,088km east of the South Island – is 45 minutes ahead, kicked off celebrations first.

The world will gradually roll over into the new year with American Samoa being the last territory to usher in 2025, a full 24 hours after Auckland.

In Malta, the main New Year’s Eve celebration will be held in the capital Valletta, where a 50,000-strong crowd is expected to attend an evening of song and dance in St George’s Square. A fireworks display will be held over the Grand Harbour at the stroke of midnight. Another public open-air event will be a concert in Bormla.

Related

PL says none of the people named in 17 Black inquiry are active in party

PN calls on AG to publish 17 Black inquiry

PN calls for publication of 17 Black inquiry

Magistrate concludes 17 Black inquiry: Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi to be charged

Christmas Eve legal notices usher in higher fees for financial services operators

TMID Editorial: Wild animals should not be kept as pets

The PN has a poor track record on pensions and pensioners, PL says

Increases for pensions and other benefits enacted

PL says PN shows deep sense of inferiority-complex and political immaturity

PN says emergency landing incident exposes serious security shortcomings

Only a Labour Government removed Ministry for Gozo, PN says

Three Moroccans in plane escape are deported, two escapees still at large