Thousands welcome millennium
Tens of thousands of Nelsonians and their visitors defied the rain last night and this morning to say goodbye to 1999 and welcome the new millennium.
A drizzly dawn hid the first sunrise of a new century from Nelson eyes, but thousands of people still gathered on beaches, and in parks, streets and camping grounds to celebrtate the turn of the century.
The rain stopped just long enough at midnight for thousands to grab any vantage point and watch a stunning fireworks display off Tahunanui Beach.
At Canaan Downs, atop Takaka Hill, a huge and good-natured crowd of about 10,000 young people celebrated what organisers were calling "The best Gathering ever."........