16/10/2026
What a great story and reminder of what sets us apart as Distinctively Kiwi.
An Air New Zealand captain did something yesterday that took me right back to being a little boy flying with my dad. And I reckon he deserves some recognition.
We’re often quick to complain when things go wrong, but how often do we stop and acknowledge when someone gets it absolutely right?
Well, I had one of those experiences flying Air New Zealand from Auckland to Queenstown, and I reckon it deserves a mention.
It started at check-in. I had an oversized box, and the Air New Zealand staff member couldn't have been more helpful. Big smile, genuinely friendly, and nothing was a problem. In fact, she almost seemed delighted to see my oversized luggage!
Then we boarded a completely full aircraft, ready to head off.
Just as we thought we were about to leave, the captain emerged from the cockpit and stood in the aisle to address everyone.
Turns out one of the left-hand tyres didn't have quite enough tread, and he wanted it changed. Fair enough too. Safety first.
But here's where it got interesting.
Rather than making a formal announcement over the PA, he explained the situation with such warmth, humour and enthusiasm that he had the entire cabin on his side. He even put it to a vote. Would we prefer to stay on board or hop off while they changed the tyre?
We voted to get off, and before long we were back on board and on our way.
Now, the captain's name was Bruce Clark, and what followed was an absolute masterclass in communication.
His announcements throughout the flight were brilliant. Entertaining, informative, full of personality. He was practically our own personal tour guide all the way to Queenstown.
And you could see that his enthusiasm was infectious. The cabin crew were an incredibly lovely bunch, all with that same genuine smile. They clearly thrived off his leadership.
One of the flight attendants, whose name I'm embarrassed to say I've forgotten, even had us laughing when she checked that we were all actually wanting to go to Queenstown. After boarding the aircraft twice, if we still didn't know where we were going, we probably shouldn't have been on the plane in the first place!
And it brought back a rather special memory for me.
My dad was an airline captain, and as a young boy I remember flying with him and feeling so incredibly proud whenever I heard his voice over the PA.
Well, on this flight I felt that same sense of pride again. Not because it was my dad flying, but because I was proud to be a New Zealander.
Proud that we have people who do things a little differently and aren't afraid to show a bit of personality while doing a bloody good job.
We hear plenty of negative stories about airlines, delays and customer service. But credit where credit's due.
Air New Zealand, you've got some exceptional people working for you.
From the fantastic staff member at check-in to the wonderful cabin crew and, of course, Captain Bruce Clark, the entire experience was first class.
Captain Bruce Clark, you're a class act.
And you've reminded me why we should be bloody proud of our national airline.
Thank you.
