Kiribati and New Zealand became one of the first nations to ring in 2024 as ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza cast a pall over celebrations and heightened tensions across parts of the world. Residents of Auckland welcomed in the new year with a fireworks display over Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest structure. Shortly in neighbouring Australia, the Sydney Harbor Bridge will become the focal point of a renowned midnight fireworks display and light show viewed annually by around 425 million people worldwide, according to city authorities.