Love is all around at our busiest terminal

Embraces proliferate throughout the arrivals lounge of the Auckland International Airport on one of the busiest days of the year.

Every plane that lands brings a new wave of sisters, parents, boyfriends and grandchildren to be hugged, kissed and squeezed by excited friends and family.

Thousands of these reunions, or tearful goodbyes, happen every day at airports around the country over the holiday period.

And midday on Thursday at the international arrivals lounge was no different.

Waiting patiently on the padded seats, eyes fixed on the automatic sliding doors, were retirees Shirley and Paul Rive from Hamilton.

With a shock of white curly hair, he’s about as Kiwi as they come. She’s British, but has called New Zealand home for more than 40 years.

They were waiting for their son, Tom, who went to the United Kingdom over a decade ago on an OE, and liked it so much he never come back home.

He and partner Irene were arriving for a two-week visit and bringing with them very special cargo, 2-year-old toddler Gabby.

‘‘The anticipation of them coming and just watching other people reunite too is just fantastic,’’ Shirley said.

‘‘Yeah, love it,’’ Paul added. ‘‘We’re very excited to see them.’’

Shirley said they were in the country for a big family reunion, and would be joined by Tom’s sisters and brothers and a total of seven grandchildren.

The young family were also in town for the wedding of one of Tom’s friends in Hamilton.

‘‘We’re secretly hoping Tom gets the bug and gets married himself,’’ Paul said with a chuckle.

Spying their weary travellers coming through the gate, Shirley and Paul stood and made their way forward to the metal barrier.

Kisses and hugs were shared and as Paul picked up his granddaughter for a big cuddle, a tear came to his eye.

The Rives were just one of numerous families that would become whole again as relatives flood in from overseas.

Paul said the fortnightlong reunion would be an ‘‘emotional and happy’’ one and he’s trying extra-hard not to think about Tom having to leave.

ABIGAIL DOUGHERTY / STUFF Paul and Shirley Rive, from Hamilton, were excited to be picking up their son and his family from the Auckland airport.

The holiday season means reunions and departures at airports around the country.