Source: Royal New Zealand RSA
7 September 2026
Imagine it’s Christmas Day.
You’re thousands of kilometres from home, away from your family and friends, doing a job that can be demanding, uncertain and, at times, dangerous.
For New Zealand Defence Force personnel serving overseas, that can be the reality of Christmas.
That’s why, for 86 years, the Royal New Zealand RSA has sent Forces Christmas Parcels to New Zealand military personnel deployed overseas. Each parcel is a small reminder of home, packed with familiar Kiwi treats, handmade cards and the message that they have not been forgotten.
On Thursday 10 September, the RNZRSA and the New Zealand Defence Force will pack this year’s parcels at Trentham Military Camp, and media are invited to come along.
The packing event is fast-moving, colourful and full of great visual opportunities, with NZDF personnel and RSA representatives working together on a production line to fill and prepare parcels for delivery around the world.
Date: Thursday 10 September 2026
Time: 10am
Location: Trentham Military Camp
Background
The RSA has been sending Christmas parcels to New Zealand military personnel serving overseas for 86 years. While the contents have changed over time, the purpose has remained the same – to send a little piece of home to those serving far from it.
Once again this year, we are grateful to PAMS who have donated the majority of the goodies going in to the parcels, and Packaging Products who have provided the boxes the treats are packed in to. Both companies will have representatives helping pack the parcels at the event.
Last year, 150 parcels were sent to NZDF personnel serving in locations including the Republic of Korea, South Sudan, Egypt, the Middle East and Antarctica.