This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Renowned for being reserved, New Zealanders have revealed there is one public place where their guard comes down.
According to new research from Auckland Airport, despite only 17 per cent of Kiwis considering themselves ‘public huggers all the time’, this changes at airports.
A large 91 per cent said they feel more comfortable hugging at the airport than they do in other public locations.
Now, stepping into that embrace with loved ones just got easier, with the opening of Auckland Airport’s new traveller drop-off and pick-up zone.
The first stage of a new $300 million development has officially opened and according to new research, is one of the most emotional places in the country.
Auckland Airport chief operations officer Chloe Surridge says airports are known for being one of the best spots to watch special moments unfold between friends and family.
“From kids with signs welcoming grandparents, to families farewelling a young person on their OE adventure, and sometimes moments of sadness, we know the airport is a place of high emotion and brings people together,” she says.
Auckland Airport is thrilled to have the new Transport Hub space open for travellers and those doing the drop-offs and pick-ups, creating more seamless airport experiences.
“As the gateway to the country, it’s important we created a space that’s fitting for the first and last experience for travellers. We needed something that was practical, particularly for bracing Auckland weather, but a space that also helps to create smoother and more efficient journeys for our customers.”
Holly Dixon, psychologyexpert from The University of Auckland, says showing emotion and connecting with loved ones is something that’s really important for people’s health.
“There seems to be a greater level of acceptance for this kind of emotive, affectionate behaviour in environments where reunions and separations are far more normative. The cues we get from those around us encourage us to open up.
“Displays of affection like hugging have a significant impact on the quality of our relationships, and being able to express love, sadness, and joy during moments of connection and/or impending physical separation from loved ones is healthy,” says Dr Dixon.
The new space, now on the ground floor of the Transport Hub, has more than doubled in size and will no doubt be well appreciated, as almost half (43 per cent) of Kiwis prefer to utilise the drop-off/pick-up zone for a departure over going into the terminal to greet or see their loved ones off.
To accommodate this demand, the new hub features a dedicated, weather-protected drop-off/pick-up zone, offering more space and opportunity for travellers to welcome, wave off or hug family and friends – with a 200 per cent increase in space, with more than 320m of new undercover kerbside drop off and pick up.
“There is a lot of change happening here at the moment, but we hope the new drop-off and pick-up zone will make those goodbyes and hellos that little bit more special – and easier,” says Chloe.
In its first six days of operation, the Transport Hub drop off / pick up zone has seen close to 60,000 cars come through.
To celebrate the opening, Auckland Airport operated its first ever ‘Hug Cam’, capturing special moments of connection and providing those who opt in with a digital memento. This was across the first three days of the Transport Hub ground floor being open (Wednesday, April 3 – Friday, April 5). A gallery of these hugs, courtesy of those wanting to share their special moments, will also feature across Auckland and on social media.
Each day an estimated 28,000 travellers move in and out of the international terminal – that’s thousands of hugs each day taking place. January alone saw over one million international passengers travelling.
