Virtual poppies bloom on cellphones and PCs

Trade Mobile's Annabel Youens says Kiwis can download ringtones and wallpaper images to their mobile phone for a minimum $2 donation. Photo / Mark Mitchell

The traditional Anzac poppy has taken a leap off the coat lapel and into cyberspace on a new website.

The RSA-backed website anzacpoppy.com enables New Zealanders worldwide to download ringtones and poppy images to their mobile phone in exchange for a donation of at least $2.

People are also able to leave messages on a wall of remembrance and every poppy sold will be "planted" in a virtual field of remembrance.

RSA chief executive Stephen Clarke said the internet site gave Kiwis wherever they were the opportunity to remember and commemorate war-time heroes on Anzac Day.

The website is the work of Wellington software company Trade Mobile, which approached the RSA with the idea last year.

Trade Mobile representative Annabel Youens said images and ringtones bought on the anzacpoppy.com website could be sent to mobile phones on any network, around the world.

"We had a Kiwi in Australia buy a poppy last night," she said.

Alternatively, mobile users can go to m.bw.co.nz and buy a poppy directly on their phone on the content portal developed for mobile operator Black&White.

On the phone: m.bw.co.nz

The Auckland War Memorial Museum's offical Book of Remembrance can be read online. It alllows people to send their messages and memories of loved ones who have served in past wars or to people currently serving in the armed forces.