‘Max Hug Time 3 Minutes’ – a Hoax?

An epic story from last year is once again filling my feed. But do the signs really exist? Here’s why I think the infamous signs at Dunedin airport in New Zealand are a hoax created by the airport:

• Most news stories rely on photos provided by airport marketing executive Sarah Soper
• The video featured in many of the reports shows airport employees re-enacting a drop off, something clearly arranged by the airport
• There are no independent photos or videos of the signs after the initial press day
• The signs appear to have been temporary, used only for the publicity stunt
• No Google Reviews mention the signs
• No Google photos show the signs

I would be happy to fly to Dunedin to confirm.