Aussies lose contract for Poppy Day poppies

Red poppies 'planted' in the grass behind Britomart. Photo / Natalie Slade

The return of a contract to New Zealand to make Poppy Day poppies is being celebrated by veterans.

The Returned Services Association's (RSA) national office today announced that Christchurch RSA's tender would allow more of the funds donated for each poppy to be available for the support of veterans and ex-servicemen and women in need.

The poppies are used as a fundraising tool for the RSA's annual Poppy Appeal.

In 2010, the decision to move poppy production to Australia, after being produced in New Zealand since 1931, was met with widespread disappointment.

There was further controversy when Chinese-made poppies made their first appearance in 2012.

RSA chief executive David Moger said a new tender process was launched in February after the previous contract came to a close.

"We're delighted to be partnering once again with Christchurch RSA. Not only did they put forward the most competitive proposal enabling more funds to go towards the support of veterans, but in doing so, they've brought the production of poppies back to New Zealand."

The return of the poppy contract to New Zealand would mean that the poppies Kiwis wore on the centenary of Gallipoli in 2015 and throughout the centenary of WWI would be made in New Zealand, Mr Moger said.

Christchurch RSA president Peter Dawson said the poppies would be made in Christchurch by local RSA members using an automated manufacturing process.

"Not only will the poppies we supply be registered New Zealand Made, but they'll also be Christchurch made.

"Last year one million poppies were distributed nationwide and we're bringing the economic benefits of that production back home to Christchurch."

Poppy Day has been raising funds for the RSA's support services since 1922. Poppy donations are used for the support of all veterans, ex-servicemen and women and their dependants, whether or not they're members of an RSA.