Volunteer your smile: Hawke's Bay Airport needs ambassadors to greet people

Hastings Ambassador Henare O'Keefe is endorsing the new Hawke's Bay Airport initiative. Photo / Supplied

If you've got a big smile and a love of our region, Hawke's Bay Airport is hoping you'll volunteer as an airport ambassador.

Hawke's Bay chief executive Stuart Ainslie said the main part of the role will be to answer questions about the facilities and services in and around the terminal and Hawke's Bay in general.

This could include helping people locate baggage claim, lost property and car rental places.

"There's nothing like getting a warm welcome by a local when you arrive somewhere new," Ainslie said.

He said there had already been interest in the voluntary positions, and airport staff will ensure the job is not too onerous.

Volunteers will be provided with an ambassador's uniform, refreshments and fuel vouchers to get to and from the airport.

Ainslie said they hoped to have the ambassadors start in time for the opening of the new arrivals hall on January 15.

"They will be part of history, becoming not only the first-ever ambassadors for the airport but also being part of the opening of our first stage of the redevelopment of the terminal."

He said more than 700,000 people fly in and out of the airport annually, with that number expected to reach 1 million by 2025.

The idea has been endorsed by Hastings ambassador Henare O'Keefe, who has a similar role for the city of Hastings and for Flaxmere.

"I love my ambassador role, I get to meet some amazing people, both locals and visitors, and it's awesome to be able to put a smile on someone's face and make them feel at ease," O'Keefe said.

"The airport ambassadors role will be fantastic and incredibly rewarding."

He said many people landing in Hawke's Bay are doing so for the first time, and first impressions matter.

"If you've got a big smile, you say 'kia ora' or 'gidday' and make it just that little bit easier for a visitor, then it not only makes a huge impression upon them, but they will also tell their friends and family to visit the Bay too."