Poppy makers needed for WWI memorial

CROCHET: Joanna Doherty displays some of the completed poppies. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Rotorua Museum wants to get as many people as possible involved in creating poppies to help form a striking memorial for the World War One centenary.

"While more than 300 poppies have been donated already we would love more", said Rotorua Museum deputy director Pamela Lovis.

"The poppies will be used to create an art installation in the museum mezzanine in time for this year's ANZAC Day commemorations."

This year in particular on 25 April, New Zealanders will remember our military forces' first major engagement of WWI at Gallipoli, Turkey. This historical event has gone on to become a legend of sacrifice, with ANZAC Day in 2015 marking 100 years since New Zealand soldiers landed at Gallipoli.

Since last October the Rotorua Yarnbombers and enthusiastic volunteers have been knitting and crocheting a huge variety of red poppies. Some have been using the patterns online at rotoruamuseum.co.nz but other experienced yarners have created mini works of art.

Rotorua Yarnbombers will be at Rotorua Museum on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April from 10am until 2pm, where they will be helping people make the simple poppies.

People can continue to make and donate poppies before and after ANZAC Day 2015 as the installation will be added to as more flowers are donated. Completed poppies can be dropped at Rotorua Museum reception.

Museum Public Programmes Co-ordinator, Tori Williams, said some people were bringing in bags of poppies each week, while others brought in a few specifically made to honour individuals involved in WWI.

"Every poppy counts; I can't wait to see how the display evolves as more poppies are added" Ms Williams said.

Entry to the Yarnbombers workshops are included in Museum admission, which is free for Rotorua residents with relevant ID. Rotorua Museum admission: Adults $20, seniors $18 and children $8.