SYDNEY:
Sydney takes pride in being one of the first major cities in the world to welcome each new year, and it plans to greet 2015 in its trademark glittery fashion—with a tropical-style fireworks display featuring shimmering gold and silver palm tree pyrotechnic effects.
More than 1.5 million revelers are expected to crowd along the shores of the city's famed harbor to watch the vivid eruption of light over the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and other points along the water.
The festivities, however, come just two weeks after an Iranian-born, self-styled cleric took 18 people hostage inside a downtown cafe.
A tribute to two hostages killed in the siege will be displayed on the pylons of the Harbour Bridge during the fireworks display, and an extra 3,000 police officers will be patrolling the city. Still, Sydneysiders are being encouraged to celebrate as usual.
In New Zealand, a giant clock on Auckland's landmark Sky Tower structure will count down the minutes until the New Year, with a huge fireworks display launching from the tower at midnight. The capital, Wellington, will host a family-friendly celebration in a park, featuring orchestra music and iconic movie clips, culminating in a fireworks display. Midnight in New Zealand is 1100 GMT.
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