More than a Gift: A Message that Someone Cares
2nd of November, 2026
For four years, members of The Papanui Club have filled a Christmas tree with gifts for whānau supported by Aviva. General Manager Mark Belton explains why it matters.
Every year, at the end of November, a Christmas tree goes up at The Papanui at 310 Sawyers Arms Road. By the time it comes down, it’s surrounded by presents. Every one of them goes to a family supported by Aviva.
For General Manager Mark Belton, it captures what Christmas is really about.
“When I talk to our members, I remind them it’s a time to give, not a time to receive,” Mark says.
A good home for every gift
The tradition began simply. Members were already leaving presents under the club’s tree, and the club wanted to make sure they went somewhere they’d make a real difference.
Now, once the tree is up, members are invited to bring in whatever they can spare. Most gifts are for children, but Mark encourages people to think about the parents too.
“If you were in that position, or you knew someone going through a difficult time, you’d know what a difference it can make.”
For families who have left violence behind, often with very little, those gifts can mean everything.
For some whānau, the presents they receive from Aviva will be the only ones they get.
A full van, and a full heart
When it’s time to deliver, Mark is always there, and so are his two daughters.
“It’s good for them to see. They understand what it means for other people – that ability to put a smile on someone’s face.”
He admits the moment the van is packed still gets to him. “It’s nice seeing how full the van is.”
“It could be you”
Mark is clear that kindness is at the heart of it.
“You don’t know where you’ll be in the next few years. It could be you. We all have emotions, we all have difficulties, and we all have things in life that get tough at times. It’s about empathy. It’s about being human.”
That spirit fits The Papanui, which Mark describes as “a place where everyone is welcome. It doesn’t matter who you are or what walk of life you come from.”
Easy to start your own gift giving tree
Could your club, workplace or school do the same? Mark says it couldn’t be simpler.
“Literally all you have to do is have a conversation or put a message in your newsletter. Just get the message across that one gift for a child to open on Christmas Day will make the world of difference.”
And it doesn’t have to cost much.
“It could just be a colouring book and a packet of pencils. For you it might be just a few bucks, but for the person receiving it, it can change their day.”
Want to run your own Christmas gift drive?
Contact Aviva’s fundraising team at community@aviva.org.nz.
We’ll help you get started.