New Zealand's Auckland is first major city to welcome 2025 with fireworks and light show 

FILE - Fireworks explode over Sky Tower in central Auckland as New Year celebrations begin in New Zealand, Jan. 1, 2023.

Auckland has become the first major city to welcome 2025, with thousands of revelers counting down to the new year and cheering at colorful fireworks launched from New Zealand's tallest structure, Sky Tower, and a spectacular downtown light show.