When you’re far from home, it’s the small things that matter most

This Christmas, New Zealand’s most popular grocery brand, Pams, has again partnered with the Returned and Services Association (RSA) to supply the products for care packages that are sent to every New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) member deployed overseas, supporting an eight-decade tradition of New Zealanders looking after New Zealanders, wherever they are in the world.

This year, 150 Christmas parcels are on their way to personnel stationed from Antarctica to South Sudan, the Middle East, the Republic of Korea and beyond. Packed by volunteers, veterans and NZDF staff, each parcel contains much-loved Pams treats and personal items, small comforts that can carry enormous emotional weight when you’re thousands of miles from home.

For 85 years, the RSA has packed and sent Christmas parcels to deployed defence personnel. While the contents have evolved, the meaning hasn’t: each box represents community, gratitude and connection.

Pams Lead Brand & Communication Manager, Andrew Rae, says the team is proud to help continue a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

“Sending a few familiar Kiwi treats to people missing home at Christmas is something we’re proud to support.

“It might be something small, but it’s a way of saying: we remember you. Every box is packed with care, and a lot of aroha.”

The packages also contains a poppy and handwritten cards from students at Mt Cook and Silverstream Primary Schools, a touch that RSA National President Sir Wayne Shelford says resonates deeply.

“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.

 “For 85 years the RSA has sent these Christmas parcels to show our defence personnel how grateful we are for their sacrifice, and to let them know how much we value them.”

This year’s packing day near Trentham Military Camp saw RSA members, NZDF staff, families and some of the Pams team working shoulder-to-shoulder, a joyful production line united by the same purpose: sending kindness around the world.

“When I received the parcel overseas, there was an overwhelming sense of excitement and happiness,” says Damian Bluett-Mar, a NZDF recipient turned volunteer packer. “I feel like I am now part of a long legacy. My grandfather would have received these packages during the Second World War, so being part of this in 2025 feels incredibly special.”

Christmas is typically a time to gather with family and loved ones, which can make being far from home especially tough. Andrew says Pams wants the familiar treats in each parcel to help bridge a little of that distance.

“It’s a privilege to once again work alongside the RSA. This is what community looks like, people coming together and reaching out to those who can’t be with their whānau at Christmas. Even the smallest gesture can mean a great deal.”

Each parcel includes:

• Pams Fruit Jubes
• Pams Confectionery Airplanes
• Pams Finest Luxury Scorched Almonds
• Pams Finest Decadent Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies
• Pams Deluxe Nut Mix Roasted & Salted
• Pams Rice Cakes Choc Topped
• Pams Rice Cakes Yoghurt Topped
• Pams Pressed Pretzels Sea Salt
• Pams Pressed Pretzels Honey Mustard
• Pams Facial Wipes
• Pams Total Clean Toothbrush

A “thank you” to Network Communication for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.

19/12/25