Auckland Airport Turns Lost Property into a Lifeline for Local Families

Auckland International Airport (AKL), New Zealand’s busiest air hub, is proving that one traveler’s forgotten item can become another family’s treasure. In 2023 alone, the airport collected over nine tonnes of unclaimed goods — from prams and snowboards to guitars, car parts, and even wheelchairs — giving them a second life through a unique community initiative.

With more than 18.5 million domestic and international passengers passing through AKL in 2024, it’s no surprise that hundreds of items are left behind. While airport staff make every effort to reunite lost property with its rightful owners, some items remain unclaimed.

“There are times when we can’t match items left behind in our terminals with their owners,” said Chloe Surridge, Chief Operations Officer at Auckland Airport. “Rather than letting these items gather dust or go to landfill, we’re proud to give them a useful second life in our local community.”

That second life begins with ME Family Services (MEFS), a local non-profit organization that collects, cleans, and redistributes these goods to families in need in the nearby suburbs of Māngere and Ōtāhuhu. In 2023, MEFS supported over 800 families using donated items from the airport.

A Community Store Where Everything is Free

Most donated items — including children’s clothing, baby gear, sporting equipment, and warm winter wear — are stocked in a free “resource room” in Māngere. The setup resembles a store, but everything is free for those in need.

“It’s all about giving back,” said MEFS CEO Carole Tana-Tepania. “We’ve had families walk away with bags full of essentials they simply couldn’t afford otherwise.”

Even empty suitcases are reused, and volunteers help pick up goods from across the airport precinct. In return, many also receive donated items — creating what Tana-Tepania calls “a whole community approach.” Some families even bring back previously donated goods once they outgrow them, creating a cycle of reuse.

From Bedding to Books: What’s Donated

The range of items donated is vast:

Most common: Prams, clothes, books, baby gear, and winter clothing

Unusual finds: Shock absorbers, guitars, walkers, car seats

Hotel donations: Over 50 beds and accompanying bedding such as duvets and mattress protectors

Popular items are often snapped up quickly. “We had 50 books from the airport go in just one day,” said Tana-Tepania.

Sustainability Goals

This partnership aligns with Auckland Airport’s broader sustainability targets. The airport is working toward reducing landfill waste by 20% by 2030, using 2019 levels as a baseline. It’s currently tracking at a 15% reduction.

“We’re committed to reducing waste and giving back wherever we can,” said Surridge.

Lost Something at AKL?

If you lose an item at Auckland Airport, it will likely be sent to the lost property office in the international terminal (near Door 1). Items are kept for one to three months, depending on the type, before being donated.

Phone: 0800 AIRPORT (0800 247 7678), Option 4

Email: [email protected]

Travelers should contact their airline directly for items left on board or for mishandled luggage.