New Year: Kiribati becomes first to enter 2026; celebrations set to follow across world

Kiritimati, part of Kiribati, was the first to ring in 2026, welcoming the new year hours ahead of most of the world due to its proximity to the International Date Line. While Auckland and Sydney prepared for their grand celebrations, other Pacific islands like Niue and Samoa will be among the last to join the festivities as midnight progresses westward.