Santa came to our town a little early

A lot of people contributed to the pile of gifts under the Northland Age Christmas tree over recent weeks, but the most extraordinary display of generosity was saved almost for last.

The Petricevich family - Tom and Joan, daughter Tania and great-grandchildren Remy and Milan - from Kaitaia firm Petricevich Buses, arrived on Thursday morning bearing no fewer than 68 brand new gifts, all wrapped and labelled with the age and gender of the appropriate recipient.

"It's from the company," Tania said.

"The town's had a bad year, and we thought it could do with a bit of help. Hopefully these will help put smiles on a few faces on Christmas morning."

Tom would be well taken care of too, she added; he would be getting a new bus, but it wouldn't be wrapped.

Tania also thanked Jo and her crew at The Warehouse Kaitaia. They had done the wrapping, she said, and had handed the gifts over with a substantial discount.

Meanwhile the Salvation Army arrived later in the morning with its van, which was just big enough to take everything away.