New Year celebrations in Sydney began with a moment of silence for the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting before fireworks lit the harbour. Despite the festive scenes, heavily armed police patrolled as crowds lined the shoreline. The Sydney Harbour Bridge glowed white as a symbol of peace, while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered greetings by video. Across the Tasman Sea, Auckland became the first major city to welcome 2026. Fireworks burst from the Sky Tower in a five-minute display featuring 3,500 fireworks, watched by thousands downtown and from nearby volcanic peaks.#NewYear2026 #SydneyNewYear #BondiBeach #AucklandFireworks #SkyTower #PacificMidnight #NewYearNews