Calls for Govt to step in to keep poppies on shore

File photo / Brett Phibbs

The Government is being asked to step in and make sure ANZAC Day poppies stay New Zealand-made.

The Returned Services Association is looking to get the poppies made in China from 2012, to save more than $100,000.

The decision comes as a disappointment for Kilmarnock Enterprises, the Christchurch-based company previously tasked with supplying 1.4 million poppies each year for the country, excluding Auckland.

Labour MP Ruth Dyson says the poppies should be made in New Zealand.

"These are the ANZAC poppies that we wear every year, with a huge amount of pride and respect. To have them being made anywhere other than in New Zealand, I think is really, really disrespectful to the service people who fought for us overseas."

Ms Dyson says there is an opportunity for the Government to step in and give the RSA some money to make up the difference between getting the poppies made here and getting them made in China.

"It's quite a small amount of money for the Government. It's quite a large amount of money for the RSA. So here's a chance for the Government to step up and keep those jobs in New Zealand."

MS Dyson says the RSA's decision says is a huge blow to Kilmarnock Enterprises, the Christchurch-based workshop that has been making the poppies up until now.

Rosemary Carr, the chief executive of Kilmarnock Enterprises, told Campbell Live last night the company has been making the poppies for around 30 years.

"It is part of Kilmarnock, it has been Kilmarnock and poppies ever since I can remember," Mrs Carr said.

Kilmarnock hires about 72 people, 30 of which are consistently making the poppies, she said.

Many of those employed have mental or physical disabilities and Mrs Carr said they may struggle to find other employment.

"This is the sort of work that they can do and they really thoroughly enjoy it, of course."

Ms Carr says she is not sure what the future will bring. "It may mean a reduction in hours but it's something that we will need to look at in the new year."

Ms Carr says ideally they will find some other work to compensate for it.

RSA chief executive Stephen Clarke said the organisation would save $150,000 under the contract with the Australian company.

"That will be a cost saving to every local RSA because they're actually the ones purchasing direct from the wholesaler."

Each local RSA purchased poppies and then distributed funds made from the poppy appeal to veterans and to welfare work.

The change has drawn fire from within the RSA.

Christchurch RSA president Russ Barron told the Press the national body's decision was disgusting.

"The New Zealand poppy is an icon, manufactured in New Zealand for New Zealanders."

The Christchurch RSA has made the poppies since 1931.

- NZ Herald staff, Newstalk ZB, NZPA