8 August 2013
Love in the air for Kiwi couple
An Auckland-based same-sex couple with three children will make history when they exchange vows in New Zealand skies,
when the Marriage Amendment Act comes into effect on 19 August.
Lynley Bendall and Ally Wanikau were chosen from video and written entries submitted from around New Zealand. They will
be married onboard a special Air New Zealand flight from Queenstown to Auckland with family and friends present together
with special guest Jesse Tyler Fergusson, from award winning US TV series Modern Family.
Air New Zealand Head of Global Brand Development Jodi Williams says the airline received many heart-warming entries from
couples of all ages around the nation.
“The winners have an amazing love story to tell and are thrilled to be having such a unique wedding that they can share
with family and friends,” she says.
The couple, who have been together since meeting 14 years ago through work, are mums to Javarn (9), Maycee (7) and
Mikaere (6) who have been in their care since they were babies.
Ms Bendall says the news they would get married in the sky above New Zealand was a huge surprise..
“The kids were in the car when we got the call to tell us we had won. The whole school will know by now,” she says
In line with tradition the couple won’t reveal too many details ahead of the big day except that the children will play
a significant role and are currently in discussions over what colour they should wear.
Air New Zealand also has some surprises in store for the couple and their guests for the onboard ceremony and following
reception before they jet off to Palm Springs, California for their honeymoon.
To view Lynley and Ally’s video submission, click here.
ENDS