From field to felt: uncovering the story of the Anzac Poppy
Every year without fail, the red blooms appear on politicians' jackets and in street appeals - but have you ever wondered where they came from?
For many younger New Zealanders, the poppy could seem to be a symbol of Anzac pride. However, it had little to do with the Anzacs at first, but was rather originally conceived for an American audience.
The symbol of the poppy itself comes from Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae's famous WW1 poem 'In Flanders fields', which begins with the opening lines: "In Flanders fields the poppies blow, between the crosses row on row".
It was these moving verses which inspired American war secretary Moina Michael to use red silk poppies as a symbol of remembrance.
After campaigning for two years to get the symbol recognised nationally, the poppy was adopted by the National American Legion as their official symbol at a conference in 1920.
Attending this conference was Frenchwoman Anna A Guérin, who saw the potential to sell poppies and put the proceeds towards caring for veterans, their families and poor children. She also had the foresight to take it beyond America to Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
After her representative Colonel Alfred Moffatt suggested the idea to the RSA in September 1921, a motion was passed and the RSA placed the first order for poppies.
Like the other countries, the RSA was planning to hold its first annual Poppy Appeal around Armistice Day (November 11): however, thanks to the French ship carrying the poppies arriving late, the decision was made to delay sales until Anzac Day, 1922.
The first Poppy Appeal was a huge success, birthing the tradition where poppies go on sale in the weeks before Anzac Day and thus tying them to the day forever.
While the poppies were originally sourced from France, the RSA began producing its own in 1931, which were made by former servicemen in Auckland and Christchurch. Production was to go offshore again in 2010: however, this proved controversial and the contract eventually returned to Christchurch for the period from 2014 to 2019.
As poppies reappear this year, take a moment to remember their long journey and how they help the very organisation caring for our soldiers.
Yet more importantly, like the generations before us moved by McCrae's poem, remember those Flanders fields and what the symbol truly stands for - to never forget.
Story by Jordan Gowan
Thanks to this local business:
Staples Rodway Limited
Have you got your tickets yet?
Enjoy relaxed living in breathtaking Blenheim, Marlborough.
For just $15 a ticket, you could win this brand-new, fully furnished Jennian home, valued at over $1 million.
You can make this property your permanent residence, a holiday retreat, a rental, or simply sell it!
Get your tickets today at heartlottery.org.nz.
Crack the Code: Today's Riddle is a Real Brain Teaser!
One of these words does not belong: Brawl, Carrot, Change, Clover, Proper, Sacred, Stone, Seventy, Swing, Travel.
Do you know which one it is?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Have your say on Canterbury’s public transport
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Canterbury residents are being encouraged to have their say on public transport in the region.
Environment Canterbury has released its draft public transport plan and is seeking submissions.
The draft plan outlines a vision for public transport in the region and notes key priorities such as improving the environment, growing patronage, accessibility, innovation and technology, and affordability.
‘‘Public transport takes many forms with communities across our region,’’ councillor Peter Scott said.
‘‘With limited funding available, we need to make sure we make the best decisions to deliver a public transport network that is integrated with urban development, innovative and meets the needs of new and existing customers.
‘‘Effective public transport is the lifeline that connects us to work, school, recreation and our friends and family, so it is important we get this right.’’
The Canterbury’s population is growing and by 2050, it is projected 700,000 people will be living in Greater Christchurch.
The draft plan covers public transport for the region, which includes the Metro service (Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri), MyWay by Metro in Timaru, Total Mobility and Community Vehicle Trusts.
It was developed in partnership with local councils and Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Environment Canterbury has been planning to step up its public transport efforts by increasing the frequency of existing services and introducing mass rapid transport in Greater Christchurch.
But these plans have been stalled by a lack of public transport funding in the Government’s 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
A proposal to allow people to travel with domestic pets is also included in the draft plan.
Having pets on buses has been successfully trial in other parts of New Zealand, councillor Joe Davies said.
‘‘We’re keen to understand what controls are needed for our bus users in Greater Christchurch and Timaru to be comfortable with pets on public transport.
It is proposed to allow adult passengers to bring a single pet on board, as long it is in an approved carrier at off-peak times, weekdays between 9am and 3pm or after 6pm, and during weekends.
Another proposal would loosen those restrictions in future to allow for leashed and muzzled dogs and increasing the limit to two pets per passenger.
‘‘We want to gauge how people feel about these proposals. Now is the time to have your say,’’ Davies said.
Submissions close on Thursday, October 24.
■ LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Loading…
