Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. (N.Z.) one who transports supplies by pack animal; also works as the cook.

1945		N.Z. Geographic I 21: Next on the list is the ‘packie’ – half-cook, half-handyman, always good with horses or mules – who takes blankets and provisions into ‘camp’, as hut or tent life is called [DNZE].
1947		P. Newton Wayleggo (1953) 23: I [...] gave my swag to the new packie.
1951		D. McLeod N.Z. High Country 32: [Packhorses] set off in single file with the packie bringing up the rear on his hack [DNZE].
1963		M. Anderson A River Rules My Life 26: Remember the packy’s bread?
1973		P. Newton Big Country of South Island 87: Although they [i.e. mules] are renowned for their dirt – it is said they can kick with all four feet – most of the old packies swear by them.
2003		McGill Reed Dict. of N.Z. Sl.

2. see packy n.²