Travellers at Auckland Airport got a surprise as Six60 performed in the departures hall and used the PA system to share farewell messages.
Travellers at Auckland Airport were treated to a thoroughly Kiwi send-off as New Zealand band Six60 staged a surprise serenading in the departures hall.
The band also took over the airport’s PA system to share farewell messages.
Konrad Lakatani, emigrating to Brisbane last Thursday, was one departee toget a custom farewell message over the loudspeakers.
Six60 staged a surprise serenade in Auckland Airport's departure lounge.
“Six60 here, celebrating 60 years of travelling with Auckland Airport. We hear you’re moving to Brisbane, so wanted to send you off with a special message,” lead singer Matiu Walters announced.
“Wherever you go, don’t forget your roots. Don’t forget your family. And especially don’t forget to call your mum daily ... Otherwise we’re all in trouble!”
Listening in the departure halls, passport and boarding pass in hand, Lakatani fist-pumped the air.
Auckland Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker said the collaboration, marking the airport’s 60th anniversary, was intended as a reminder that “no matter where their journeys take them, home is never far away, and their roots are always with them”.
Zane Mahon, headed to Sydney to study, got an especially personal send-off from the band, who surprised him in person with an acoustic performance.
“It was a pretty emotional goodbye with my family. Having Six60 show up and sing for us at the airport made it really special and is something I will never forget,” Mahon said.
Six60 reveal their mural by Jonny Higher at Auckland Airport. Photo / Supplied.
Alongside the PA announcements, Auckland Airport unveiled a 10m long mural at the front entrance to the international terminal, featuring the band’s lyrics “Don’t Forget Your Roots”.
Painted by Tāmaki Makaurau artist Jonny Higher, the airport said the work offered a fitting parting message for the millions of travellers who would pass by it this year.
Higher said the commission was an epic project to be a part of, and a fitting farewell to those off on their adventures.
“I feel it’s going to spark a wonderful sense of Kiwi pride for travellers. I loved painting this and even hearing people passing by starting to sing the lyrics as they realised what it was.”
SIX60 surprise serenade in Auckland Airport's departure lounge.
Walters said the airport was a natural stage to share the message behind the band’s song.
“So many Kiwis’ international adventures start here at Auckland Airport, including our own as a band. Every time we leave for a tour, this is where it all starts and finishes.”
Last week, Six60 released their fifth studio album, Right Here Right Now. To mark the occasion, fans were able to enter a draw on the band’s website to win two tickets to any live concert on the band’s next world tour, with flights and accommodation to the value of $10,000, thanks to Auckland Airport.
