Red sea of poppies for Anzac tribute

Jannie Preesman and a display at Whangarei Central Library of more than 2000 poppies, created over a year and crafted by members of the public. She holds a wreath containing about 50 she made herself.

More than 2000 poppies crafted by Whangarei residents are tumbling down the front window of the Central Library, creating a wall of colour as Anzac Day approaches.

Librarian Jannie Preesman came up with the idea last year after being inspired by the 5000 Poppies project, the brainchild of a woman in Auckland.

Since launching the poppy drive, more than 2500 poppies have been created and donated, with 500 of them adorning a board which will be displayed at the new Whangarei War Memorial in Laurie Hall Park for Saturday's dawn ceremony.

The poppies are mainly crafted from wool, and are generally knitted or crocheted. Others have been created from netting, and some from felt.

They have come from all ages and ranges of people in the community, with one string of poppies donated by a local playcentre, and another strand by a rest home. Well-attended poppy-making workshops have been held regularly at the library since last year.

Several of the poppies have dedications on them to remember fallen loved ones.

Locals were also invited to record a note of remembrance, and a collection of wartime memories are also on display.