New Zealand Among First Major Nations to Welcome 2026 as Global New Year Begins

The world has begun ushering in 2026, with celebrations starting in the Pacific and moving steadily westward. New Zealand is among the first major nations to officially welcome the New Year, following the earliest celebrations in the island nation of Kiribati.

The absolute first inhabited place on Earth to ring in 2026 was Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in Kiribati, which entered the New Year at 2:00 PM UAE time on December 31. Due to its location near the International Date Line, Kiribati traditionally leads the world’s New Year celebrations.

Shortly after, the Chatham Islands of New Zealand became the second inhabited location to welcome 2026, marking the occasion at 2:15 PM UAE time, just 15 minutes after Kiribati.

Mainland New Zealand, including major cities such as Auckland and Wellington, officially welcomed 2026 at 3:00 PM UAE time. Auckland traditionally marks the moment with a spectacular fireworks display launched from the iconic Sky Tower, watched by thousands in the city and millions more around the world.

Following New Zealand’s celebrations, other Pacific nations such as Fiji, along with parts of eastern Russia, entered 2026 at around 4:00 PM UAE time. Most of Australia followed soon after, welcoming the New Year at 5:00 PM UAE time, led by major celebrations in cities including Sydney and Melbourne.

As the clock continues to strike midnight across different time zones, the arrival of 2026 highlights the truly global nature of New Year celebrations, uniting countries and cultures in a shared moment of transition and hope.