Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland led the world’s New Year’s Eve celebrations with lighting and fireworks displays from the region’s iconic landmarks, with tens of thousands of people gathering to watch and look forward to 2021.

Auckland’s midnight moment was broadcast live on TVNZ around New Zealand and the world via syndication to international media outlets. With many global cities celebrating differently this year due to COVID-19, Auckland’s celebrations are expected to generate even greater international attention.

Leading into the midnight moment, as part of the TVNZ Year in Review show, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shared a message thanking New Zealand’s Team of Five Million and wishing everyone Happy New Year - ngā mihi o te tau hou.

SkyCity’s Sky Tower and Vector Lights on the Auckland Harbour Bridge brought in the New Year with spectacular five-minute fireworks and lighting show, coordinated with Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum. A special feature of the Harbour Bridge lighting was the addition of 40 search lights that added a special dimension to the show.

People gathered at various vantage points across the region to view the displays, with many coming into the central city to enjoy restaurants, bars and events, and free entertainment at the America’s Cup Race Village.

Content available from tonight’s celebrations:

For free video highlights and photographic coverage of Auckland New Year’s Eve 2020, download assets from here when filed.  Getty Images subscribers can also access content here when filed.
Media can also access a copy of the message from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern via TVNZ’s FTP Service. Host: ftp.tvnz.co.nz / Username: onenews_distribution / Password: TVNZnews2017

Background on Auckland’s New Year’s Eve celebrations:

https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2020/12/auckland-ready-for-new-year-s-eve/

Background on Vector Lights on Auckland Harbour Bridge:

Vector Lights, including the stunning new search light display, is sustainably powered by a mix of leading solar, battery and peer to peer technology.
The Vector Lights display is made up of 96,376 individual LED lights that are about the size of your fingernail. These small but mighty lights stretch 2.8 km across the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
There are 248 solar panels providing energy for the bridge and one large battery.
 Find out more: https://www.vector.co.nz/about-us/sponsorship/lights

About Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland:

Tāmaki Makaurau is the Te Reo Māori name for Auckland.
Tāmaki Makaurau phonetic prounciation: Tah-Mah-Key Mah-Koh-Row
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is an urban oasis. It’s where sparkling waters and lush landscapes meet city sophistication.

World-class shopping and phenomenal dining are never too far from harbours, islands, native bush and black-sand beaches. Go sky diving or whale watching, hike an ancient volcanic cone, sip local award-winning wine, or star gaze from the International Dark Sky Sanctuary of Great Barrier Island.

A multicultural city bursting with life, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland offers a host of rich cultural, creative and sporting events, festivals and theatre productions
Don’t miss the chance to experience New Zealand’s unique Māori culture and come to know our manaakitanga – hospitality, generosity and openness of spirit – as you connect with our people, land and the stories that have shaped our place.
https://www.aucklandnz.com/visit