The Rimutaka Lions Club held its’ annual Christmas lunch known as “Room at the Inn” on Thursday, where this year marked the 38th time the event had been held. Seven volunteers helped to put on the lunch as well as others who through their Meals on Wheels service delivered it to the homes of those who couldn’t attend.

From 11.30 am – 2.00 pm, diners were provided with a range of food: Ham, chicken, steak, vegetables, pavlova and pudding.

Lions member Antoinette van Riel said the meal is available for all sorts – the lonely, those struggling to afford Christmas lunch, visitors to the region, or those who want to socialise with the community.

She said the event caters for up to 70 people, and if there are leftovers punters can take them home for Boxing Day.

For the last 2 years, Blend Bar & Bistro has hosted the event. Euan Andrews, the owner said that “It’s about helping people. These are tough financial times, and there’s no doubt the cost of goods so have the cost of meals inside of restaurants, not everyone can afford to go out.

“It’s just nice when people can get out, they can have a nice day, nice food, with a bunch of friends – and really enjoy themselves.”

Bretto from Trikn Tours, was also taking diners out for free motor-trike rides through Upper Hutt for the afternoon, up Fergusson Drive and then on the on the motorway

A “thank you” to Paul Lambert for requesting that this article be put up on The Upper Hutt Connection / Source: Radio New Zealand

27/12/25