Australians and New Zealanders preparing to be among first nations to ring in NY

Australians and New Zealanders are making final preparations on New Year’s Eve to become among the first nations to ring in 2024 as ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza cast a pall over celebrations and heightened tensions across parts of the world.
Rain in New Zealand’s largest city Auckland is expected to ease by midnight when downtown Sky Tower, the country’s tallest structure, erupts with fireworks as the centerpiece of a spectacular annual light show.
Two hours later in neighboring Australia, the Sydney Harbor Bridge will become the focal point of a renowned midnight fireworks display and light show viewed annually by around 425 million people worldwide, according to city authorities.
More police than ever have been deployed throughout Sydney to ensure safety as more than 1 million people – equivalent to one in five of the city’s population – converge on the harbor waterfront for the best available views, state government authorities said in a statement. Many revelers have been camping at the best vantage points since Sunday morning.