KEY POINTS:
Alison Shepherd's introduction to New Zealand was rough. The bags of the Scottish medical student were lost somewhere along the way from Aberdeen.
To make matters worse, the 21-year-old, who had only a laptop, says she must have looked dodgy to airport staff.
"They sent me to biohazard.
And then they asked me, "Have you got any food on you?' I was sort of raging."
But waiting at the arrivals barrier to hear the mini-dramas and laugh at them were two university mates, Nicola Stephen and Jennifer Adams, with a little "Shep" sign.
"I don't even think she has underwear - we're telling her it's going to get better," Ms Stephen said.
All three are on working holidays.
"We've been to the beach and we're loving it. It's a bit weird, though. I suppose we're just used to being cold at Christmas."
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Taffy Tsvaira was kicking herself. Missing her Christchurch-to-Auckland flight on Monday meant one less day of holidays with family, including mum Angela and little sister Linda, 10.
"I was so angry with myself. I'm so glad to see them."
Her mother couldn't wait to get home with the 24-year-old economics and finance student, who is in Auckland for only a week before she has to go back to her part-time job.
One person was missing at the airport yesterday: Linda's 19-year-old sister Chipo, who was working. Said her mother: "The little sister couldn't wait to see her big sister, give her a hug and a welcome home balloon. It'll be good to have everyone together."
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Rishi Rampal, 25, has big plans for his father-in-law Dr Mukesh Rai Joshi, who flew into town from Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
"I'm going to take him clubbing - to a few Brazilian places."
That's because the man can move, Mr Rampal joked.
Dr Joshi said he had heard about the plan to take him out.
"It's going to be lovely to see my daughter. I love New Zealand. I've visited a few times and always enjoyed myself."
An IT consultant, Mr Rampal moved from Malaysia 10 months ago. "We love having family here - there's nothing better."
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Auckland was only a pitstop for Viliamu Iese, 31, of Fiji, when he was met by his wife's aunt, Tai Tangatoa.
Palmerston North was where he really wanted to be. That's where his wife, Toligi, and two children are living as she studies medical laboratory science at Massey University.
"She's a clever lady, but she's got a clever husband."
Mr Iese works at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. The last time he saw his 13-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son was in March, when they visited Fiji.
"I can't wait to see them."
Tai Tangatoa was planning to make sure Mr Iese ate something nice - pork and taro probably - before bringing him back for his flight south in the evening.
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Tegan Capp, 22, was waiting for a pretty special man yesterday. Her grandfather Noel Capp, 86, was arriving from Brisbane.
Ms Capp, an Australian who now calls Whangarei home, was looking forward to having her grandfather - a Kiwi who has lived across the Ditch for over 30 years - close during the holidays.
Her sister Rachel, 18, was travelling with Mr Capp, who said there was nothing better than being with his granddaughters. "I've got some beauties, haven't I?"