Airport ambassadors wanted
The Hawke’s Bay Airport is on the search for locals with a big welcoming smile and a passion for all things Hawke’s Bay to become airport ambassadors.
Hawke’s Bay Airport chief executive Stuart Ainslie says the airport is getting busier by the day with more than 700,000 passengers flying in and out of the airport annually, with forecasted passenger numbers set to reach one million by 2025.
With the increase in domestic and international visitors, the airport is keen to introduce a team of voluntary airport ambassadors, an initiative that is hugely successful in airports around the world.
“There’s nothing like getting a warm welcome by a local when you arrive somewhere new. They can provide information on everything within the airport such as baggage claim, lost property and vehicle hire locations as well as giving them some tips about what to see and do while in our stunning region,” Stuart says.
The idea has been endorsed by Hastings District councillor and the city’s first ambassador Henare O’Keefe, who is in a similar role for Hastings and his beloved 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.
“The airport ambassador’s role will be fantastic and incredibly rewarding. Many people that land at Hawke’s Bay Airport are doing so for the first time and as they say — first impressions always count.
“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,” Henare says.
Stuart says there has already been interest in the voluntary ambassador positions. He says airport staff will ensure the role isn’t too onerous and the main function will be to answer questions about the facilities and services in and around the terminal and Hawke’s Bay in general.
Volunteers can work four hour shifts a day, they will be provided with ambassador uniforms, refreshments and fuel vouchers to get them to and from the airport.
Stuart hopes to have some ambassadors starting in time for the opening of the new arrivals hall on January 15.
To become an airport ambassador email sara@hawkesbay-airport.co.nz or phone 06 834 0742 for more information.