New Zealand Defence Force personnel deployed overseas will receive a small reminder of home this Christmas, with 150 care packages sent through a partnership between Pams and the Returned and Services Association.
The parcels are being delivered to NZDF members stationed in locations ranging from Antarctica to South Sudan, the Middle East and the Republic of Korea. Each package includes a selection of familiar Pams treats, personal care items, a poppy, and handwritten Christmas cards from students at Mt Cook and Silverstream Primary Schools.
The initiative continues an 85-year RSA tradition of sending Christmas parcels to deployed service personnel, a practice dating back to the Second World War.
RSA National President Sir Wayne Shelford said the parcels carry particular meaning for those spending Christmas away from family.
“It’s hard for anyone to be away from family at Christmas, but for our deployed service men and women they’re also facing uncertain circumstances and may have limited communication,” he said. “These parcels are a way of letting them know how much they’re valued.”
The parcels were packed near Trentham Military Camp by RSA members, NZDF staff, volunteers, family members and representatives from Pams, working together to prepare the shipments.
Pams Lead Brand and Communications Manager Andrew Rae said the partnership was about maintaining a long-standing tradition of community support.
“Sending familiar Kiwi treats to people missing home at Christmas is a simple way of showing we remember them,” Rae said. “Every box is packed with care and a lot of aroha.”
Among the volunteers was Damian Bluett-Mar, a former NZDF recipient of a Christmas parcel who is now helping pack them for others.
“When I received the parcel overseas, there was an overwhelming sense of excitement and happiness,” he said. “My grandfather would have received these packages during the Second World War, so being part of this in 2025 feels incredibly special.”
The Christmas parcels include a range of food and personal items, with the aim of offering comfort and connection to home for those serving overseas during the holiday period.