World waves goodbye to tumultuous 12 months

Millions around the world were on Tuesday getting set to ring in the New Year, with celebrations briefly outshining conflict in some parts of the globe.

Nations in the South Pacific Ocean were the first to wave goodbye to 2024. Midnight in New Zealand is 18 hours ahead of Eastern Time.

In Auckland, New Zealand, thousands were expected to throng the downtown or climb the city’s ring of volcanic peaks for a fireworks vantage point — and a light display recognizing Auckland’s Indigenous tribes.

In Australia two hours later, more than 1 million people were expected at Sydney Harbor for the traditional fireworks. British pop star Robbie Williams would lead a singalong, while Indigenous ceremonies and performances would acknowledge the land’s first people.

And across Asia, millions were readying for the Year of the Snake.