As the clock ticks toward midnight, cities worldwide prepare for New Year celebrations highlighting their cultures and traditions, after a year roiled by ongoing conflict and political instability. South Pacific nations will be the first to welcome 2026, with New Zealand reaching midnight 18 hours ahead of New York’s Times Square ball drop. In Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, thousands are expected to flock to the city centre or hike up the volcanic hills for a prime view of the fireworks with a light display honouring the city’s Indigenous Māori tribes. It comes after a year of protests over Māori rights in the country of 5 million people. #newyear2026 #countdownvideo #countdowntimer #countdownbegins #newyearcountdown #2026 #happynewyear2026 #happynewyear2026status #countdowntochange -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- News that speaks your language – Oneindia App is now live | Click on the below link to download https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Follow us on Website https://hindi.boldsky.com/ Like us on Facebook / boldsky.com Follow us on Snapchat https://story.snapchat.com/p/849a818d... Follow us on Instagram / boldskyliving Follow us on X https://x.com/Boldsky Subscribe to Boldsky Channel for latest updates. / @boldsky