Celebrations have been held in Asia-Pacific to welcome in the new millennium. Spectacular and at times moving ceremonies have taken place in far-flung islands and in New Zealand and Australia.

The celebrations began on a coral beach on Millennium Island in Kiribati, as Micronesian dancers sang of universal love and peace.

Elders declared the start of the ceremony and handed over a special Torch Of Peace to be taken around the world.

Party goers threw their arms in the air at the stroke of midnight at the wharf in Auckland, New Zealand.

Others preferred a more intimate celebration as Auckland became the first major city to welcome in the new year.

A spectacular fireworks display lit up the night sky over Sydney harbour as the clock struck midnight.

An estimated one million people lined the waterfront to watch the display while some 6,000 boats filled with revellers jammed the harbour.