With red poppies on shop counters and in volunteers’ hands across the city, the community is being called on to support those who have served our country.

Poppy Day, today, April 17, is the New Zealand Returned and Services Association’s largest annual fundraiser, helping provide vital support for Kiwi veterans and their whānau.

Tauranga RSA manager Sue Martin said more than 20,000 poppies had been distributed across the western side of the city, reaching schools, businesses and rest homes from Matua to Welcome Bay, including Te Puna, Bethlehem and Tauriko.

“We’ve gone to about 26 schools and more than 200 businesses and rest homes,” she said. “The community is always incredibly supportive.”

On Poppy Day, about 30 volunteers will be stationed at supermarkets, Tauranga Hospital and other key locations, collecting donations.

“They’re out there giving their time to support veterans, which is just fantastic,” Martin said.

This year people may notice something different about the iconic red symbol.

Alongside the traditional poppy is a new design, featuring a small leaf positioned at 11 o’clock –marking the Armistice signed at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, on November 11 in 1918.

The new poppy design with leaf set at 11 o’clock and the previous poppy design. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Tauranga RSA president Morton Anderson said the updated poppy is also biodegradable, reflecting a move toward more sustainable materials.

“It’s still the same red poppy people recognise, but with that added symbolism,” he said. “It might take a little getting used to, but people are embracing it.”

Anderson said the poppy had long been associated with remembrance, originally tied to Armistice Day. In New Zealand, however, its use became closely linked with Anzac Day after early shipments arrived too late for November 1921 commemorations.

“We’ve focused on it in the past around Anzac Day because that’s when we first received them, but we also wear them on Armistice Day,” Anderson said.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, Tauranga RSA representatives will also be out in the community delivering services of remembrance. Anderson said they will attend Bethlehem College at 10.30am on April 24, and Althorp retirement village on April 22. “It’s an important way to connect with the community and honour those who have served.”

Poppy appeal boxes can be found in businesses, schools and retirement villages. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Mount RSA vice president Judy Hallinan is also co-ordinating a large volunteer effort, with about 70 people expected to take part in today’s street collections.

They will be stationed in pairs across roughly 12 locations throughout Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.

“It’s a big undertaking,” Hallinan said.

“People do shifts of an hour-and-a-half to two hours, and we try to make sure everyone is comfortable, especially as many of our volunteers are retirees.”

In addition, about 58 donation boxes have been placed on shop counters throughout the area.

Despite the logistical challenges, Hallinan said the effort was well worth it.

“It’s only once a year, and it’s for a very good cause,” she said. “We really appreciate all the help we get from our volunteers and the generosity of the public.”

Funds raised through the Poppy Appeal go directly towards supporting veterans and their families, many of whom continue to live with the physical and mental impacts of their service.

For more than a century, the RSA has stood alongside veterans in times of need, offering practical assistance, advocacy and care. With no direct Government funding, that support relies heavily on community donations.

Each year, new veterans join their ranks – and the need remains ongoing.

“We sincerely appreciate every donation that comes in from the wider community,” Anderson said.

“The support from schools, businesses and individuals is just amazing.”

Today, April 17, residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for volunteers, donate what they can, and wear a poppy with pride.