Troops will get a Kiwi Christmas

A slice of Kiwiana is being packed up for every New Zealand soldier, sailor and Air Force personnel deployed on overseas operations this Christmas.

The 300 parcels are stuffed with Christmas gifts including Marmite, chocolate, biscuits and cards made by primary school students.

They have been packed in Upper Hutt today in an assembly line of military personnel, RSA members, Mt Cook students and local business people.

NZ Joint Forces Deputy Commander Kevin McEvoy said he received similar packages at Christmas in the past and they made him feel less alone.

"They make a real difference to people on the other side of the world missing their families at a time where families and friends are important.

"They might be sitting in the middle of nowhere and by themselves."

Year 8 Mt Cook School student Alyssa Ta said two years ago a woman from the Air Force received a card from her and then came to visit when she returned to New Zealand.

"She said that it reminded or her of home, and that people were thinking of her back at home, and that it was the most amazing feeling ever."

Once the boxes have been packed they will be sent to six different continents to arrive in time for Christmas Day.