Countries in the Asia-Pacific region were the first to kick off the New Year's celebrations, with those in the South Pacific Ocean being the first to welcome 2025.

Asia Pacific Airlines has been ordered by the U.S. Department of Labor to pay over $2 million for firing a pilot who had raised safety concerns.

Communities in New Zealand, Australia and Hong Kong were among the first in the world to ring in 2025, and they did so in style with the help of music, lasers and fireworks.

Australia welcomed 2025 in spectacular style, with Sydney Harbour stealing the global spotlight through its dazzling fireworks display. As one of the first major cities to enter the New Year, Sydney set the tone for celebrations worldwide.

Auckland has become the first major city to welcome 2025, with thousands of revellers counting down to the new year and cheering at colourful fireworks launched from New Zealand’s tallest structure, Sky Tower,