Anzac poppies could be made overseas

A plan by the Returned Services Association (RSA) to put its poppy-making out to tender could see Anzac Day poppies made overseas.

RSA president Pat Herbert told The Press newspaper the matter would be discussed in November at the RSA national council meeting.

The Christchurch RSA makes about a million poppies each year -- a role they have carried out for the past 30 years.

The proposal was motivated by the need to save money through the manufacturing process, which could then be spent on the welfare of returned service people.

Christchurch RSA president John Suttie told the newspaper only a low labour-cost country like China could do the job cheaper.

"We are running a business and it's difficult. We have run out of volunteers and we have to pay people to do it and pay the adult wage."

Mr Suttie said he did not know how the public would feel about buying poppies made in a sweatshop.

The paper for the poppies is currently imported from Taiwan and the plastic components are made in Christchurch.

The poppies are assembled mainly by a sheltered workshop in Christchurch run by Kilmarnock Enterprises.

- NZPA