Festive get-togethers often start with families reuniting at Auckland Airport’s international arrivals gate. Reporter Tom Carnegie and photographer Jason Oxenham went out to capture some of these moments.
1. All the way from cold England
Hilary Knight (left) is wrapped up by sister Alex Kelly in a big hug at the arrivals hall as children Tim Knight, Olive Kelly and Tate Kelly look on.
Hilary Knight has travelled from a small village on the River Thames in England to spend Christmas with her sister's family.
When Ms Knight arrived at Auckland airport with her son, Tim Knight, it was the first time she had seen her sister, Alex Kelly, for four years.
Ms Kelly emigrated to New Zealand with her family six years ago for work. She said this was the second time her sister and nephew had visited them, and was over the moon it was for Christmas.
Ms Knight, who lives in Lechlade on the River Thames, said she is looking forward to escaping winter for Christmas and soaking up some Kiwi summer sun.
"It has been so cold, I had been scraping the ice off our car windscreen every morning."
2. Special visit from parents
All together - from left, Cecilia Quevedo-Molina, Victoria de Brunner-Quevedo, Nicholas de Brunner, Siobhan de Brunner and Niall de Brunner.
Niall De Brunner emigrated to New Zealand with his wife 16 years ago. Having not seen his parents for two and a half years, he said this Christmas would be extra special.
Mr De Brunner is an accountant who moved to New Zealand from Portsmouth, England, with his wife, Cecilia Quevedo Molina, in 2008, seeking a change of lifestyle.
This was the fourth time his parents, Nicholas and Siobhan De Brunner, had visited for a Kiwi Christmas, however the last time they came was six years ago.
Niall De Brunner said it was fantastic his parents had come all this way, especially for his daughter, Victoria de Brunner-Quevedo, who had not seen her grandparents since the family travelled to the UK two and a half years ago.
Niall said the family had no real plans and would take it day-by-day with hopefully a lot of great Kiwi summer weather.
3. Joy after long flight
Weary after a long flight from South Africa, Annatjie Louw held her niece Riana O'Donnell close in a tight embrace.
Annatjie Louw (Above) is welcomed by niece Riana O'Donnell after her flight from South Africa.
Ms Louw had travelled to New Zealand to spend Christmas with family, including her older sister, Martha Roux - who is Ms O'Donnell's mother.
With tears of happiness running down her face, New Zealand-based Ms Roux ran with arms wide open to embrace her sister as she emerged through the arrivals gate.
Originally from South Africa, Ms Roux, 75, is the oldest of 14 children, with Ms Louw, 63, being the youngest.
Ms O'Donnell said the last time her mother had seen her sister was two years ago.
"She is the only one of my mum's sisters who has been able to come visit her here, so it is huge for my mum, it is absolutely wonderful."
Ms O'Donnell emigrated to New Zealand more than 20 years ago to be with her Kiwi husband, Mark O'Donnell, coach of the Auckland Aces T20 cricket team. She said she sponsored her mum to move with her as Ms Roux wanted to be near her grandchildren. "I am so proud of them, in fact Robbie [O'Donnell, Mark's son] is playing cricket for the Aces today," said Ms Roux.
4. Kids spring surprise
Tasha Lahood (left) is embraced by Devon Neale - one of the flower girls at her wedding - as Carol Lahood looks on.
Tasha Lahood was surprised at the airport by the flower girls from her wedding, who she had not seen since the ceremony more than a year ago.
Ms Lahood is originally from Auckland but has lived on the Gold Coast with her husband for more than five years. She said she made an annual trip back home every Christmas.
Awaiting Ms Lahood's arrival was her mum, Carol Lahood, and the two wedding flower girls, Isla Neale, 6, and Devon Neale, 8. Seeing them was a great surprise, Ms Lahood said.
"I have not seen them since my wedding in October last year, so it's awesome." Ms Lahood's husband was due to arrive yesterday.
5. Home again for Christmas
Sheree Broomhall (left) is reunited with Nola Broomhall as she makes her annual trip home.
Sheree Broomhall has lived abroad for 20 years, but she always returns to New Zealand for Christmas.
Ms Broomhall's mother, Nola Broomhall, was waiting excitedly in the arrivals terminal for her daughter, and said she looked forward to this time each year.
Family friend Rose Holly was also there to greet Ms Broomhall.
"She has known me since the day I was born, I call her Aunty Rose," said Ms Broomhall.
Ms Broomhall works for ANZ in Singapore and, originally from Matamata, she said she loves telling people she is from Hobbiton, and tricking them into believing Hobbits actually exist.
6. Embrace long overdue
Alan Wright has a warm embrace for his mother Maria Wright who he has not seen for five years.
It's been five years since Maria Wright has held her son Alan in her arms.
The Herald captured Alan Wright embracing his UK-based mother as he arrived in Auckland from Shanghai, where he has been living with his wife for the past five years.
Ms Wright was driven to the airport for the reunion by her son Charlie Wright. The trio will be sharing Christmas dinner together.
Charlie had not seen his mother in three years, and it has also been five years since he last saw his brother.
Originally from the UK, Charlie Wright moved to New Zealand three years ago for work. His mother still lives in the UK and arrived two weeks ago for a Christmas holiday.
The family said it was exciting to finally all be together for Christmas and they looked forward to having a long overdue catch up.
7. Tot's first time to New Zealand
Karen Maguire (right) gets to hold baby Aurianna Maguire for the first time as Shubha Maguire watches.
Karen Maguire reaches out to touch her 5-month-old granddaughter Aurianna as they meet for the first time, watched over by the child's mother, Shubha Maguire.
Shubha's husband Casey Maguire has returned home with his family so Aurianna's first Christmas can be a Kiwi one.
Mr Maguire is originally from Auckland but now lives with his wife and first born child in Singapore where he works in finance.
He said he was last home a year and a half ago and he can't wait to catch up with family and friends.
"It's the little one's first Christmas so its awesome to spend it with family."
The woman was shaken by the incident.