24 November 2021

South Wairarapa towns are getting ready to welcome “Pack the Bus” for another successful year.

The bus will travel around the region picking up gifts for distribution to those in need within the Wairarapa this Christmas.

Its first stop will be next Monday November 29 at Featherston Supervalue from 8.30am to around 10am. Schools, local businesses and the community are encouraged to come and donate an unwrapped gift or non-perishable food to those in need.

The bus will then make its way to Martinborough School and to the Martinborough town square outside P&K from 11.30am-1pm. Finally, it will go to Craggy Range winery, which annually donates hundreds of presents.

On Tuesday November 30, the bus will start in Greytown at Fresh Choice from 8.30am to 10am, then visit Blue School, Greytown School and Kuranui College, before making its way on to Carterton and Masterton.

South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen said with Covid making its appearance, this Christmas might be especially difficult for some.

“Our Council is delighted to be involved in this initiative which has become a real Wairarapa-wide event. I know we have a generous community, and with other Christmas events being cancelled, this is one way we can all share in a bit of Christmas cheer,” he said.

Because of Covid-19, we ask that donors wear a mask and queue 1 metre apart before placing their gift on the bus. A QR code for Covid tracing purposes will be provided.

For those who cannot drop off their gift in person, there are also collection points at the Council’s offices in Martinborough, and the three libraries.

Pack the Bus Wairarapa is an initiative between Tranzit Coachlines, South Wairarapa District Council, Masterton District Council, Carterton District Council, Mitre 10 MEGA, Property Brokers Wairarapa and Wairarapa’s The Edge.

Keep up with the bus by listening to More FM, and following the official Pack the Bus Facebook page. Come along and spread the Christmas cheer!