New Zealand Defence Force personnel in Iraq to Antarctica, and many countries in between, opened 220 Christmas parcels from the RSA today.
The 76-year-old tradition saw over 40 different food and hygiene items packed by schoolchildren, veterans, and Countdown store managers, which donated more than $15,000 worth of iconic Kiwi treats to fill the parcels.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Duncan, who is currently monitoring the Demilitarised Zone in South Korea, said opening his package put a big smile on his face.
"When you're so far from home there's just nothing better than a little reminder that people back in New Zealand are thinking about us, and appreciate the challenging work we do.
Duncan said his favourite items in the package included Christmas cards and Marmite.
"You can't get Marmite here and the cards strongly reminded me of home and the families we will be missing.
"This is my first 'white' Christmas, with it being winter here in Korea, and it's a totally different experience from my usual summer Christmas on our boat, anchored off a beautiful beach somewhere soaking up the sun," he said.
A complex delivery effort by NZ Post, DHL, the Royal New Zealand Air Force and allied Air Forces ensured the parcels reached every deployed Kiwi this year.
