Happy new year around the world......And it's a happy blew year for us here

Heavy rain & high winds dampen celebrations across the nation

- NADA FARHOUD

HEAVY rain and high winds dampened celebrations nationwide last night as the new year arrived with a bang around the world.

Fireworks displays in Blackpool, Newcastle, Ripon, North Yorks, and the Isle of Wight's Sandown Carnival were called off due to the severe weather.

"Safety always comes first, and the forecast made it clear that continuing would pose risks," Newcastle City Council said.

Edinburgh's Hogmanay street party was also axed due to heavy rain and revellers in Scarborough, North Yorks, were urged to stay away from the coast as winds and a high tide were expected to pound the shore.

It was a better start to the new year across the globe with thousands of revellers watching the fireworks launched from Auckland's Sky Tower as well as a light display recognising New Zealand's indigenous tribes. It follows a year marked by protests over Maori rights.