After Samao, Tonga and Kiribati Islands, New Zealand become one of the first countries entered New Year. Despite Coronavirus (COVID-19) measures, fireworks shows were held during New Year celebrations in New Zealand. While Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge located in Auckland city of New Zealand illuminated with special light shows after the New Year’s countdown, light shows continued approximately 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, Australia also become one of the first countries welcomed the New Year after the New Zealand. But unlike New Zealand, Australia’s New Year excitement stayed under control due to COVID-19 measures in the country. In Melbourne, which is the country’s second most populous city, New Year celebrations were held at certain points in the city center in accordance with COVID-19 protocols. Although the events were kept limited in Melbourne due to the increasing number of Omicron variant cases throughout the country, the public showed great participation in the New Year celebrations. Despite witnessed great celebrations and where tens of thousands of people watched the fireworks shows all over the city in the past years, the New Year celebrations were far from the usual enthusiasm as entered the year 2022. However, thousands of people gathered in Federation Square which considered as the center of Melbourne city. Also entrance to the event areas in city was provided with free tickets. During the security check, the COVID-19 vaccination certificates of the participants were checked. When the clocks showed 00.00 AM, fireworks illuminated the sky.