Love, Actually: 'It's good to be back'

Auckland Airport is the scene of thousands of welcomes as Kiwis return to spend time with their families at Christmas. We present some of these magic moments.

Herald: Where have you travelled from today?

Madeleine: Melbourne.

H: How long have you been over there?

MF: I've been there for about a year now. I'm doing my PhD over there, so I'm home for Christmas now.

H: Is it the first time you've been home since you moved over?

MF: No, my second.

H: How long has it been since you've been home?

MF: About a year. I came home pretty soon after I got over. So it's been a while.

H: What's your plans for Christmas?

MF: Just spend time with family, catch up with some friends I haven't seen in ages. It'll be so good. Check out the beaches and stuff, they're not the same in Melbourne.

H: You're missing your New Zealand beaches?

MF: Yeah, definitely.

H: Are you excited to be home?

MF: Yeah, definitely excited. I've been looking forward to this trip for ages.

H: And where are you from in New Zealand?

MF: From Auckland. I grew up here. It's good to be back.