Giant poppy honours Anzac casualties of war

Artist Tony McNeight with pupils from Parnell Primary, Northcote School, Carncot School and Rosmini. Photo / Nick Reed

A giant poppy made up of 59,000 red discs - one for each of the New Zealanders killed or wounded in World War I - will begin to take shape at the Auckland Domain tomorrow.

The flower, measuring 40m in diameter, is set to be the biggest commemorative poppy ever created.

Proudly sponsored by the Herald and NZME.'s iHeart Radio, the aim of the Giant Poppy Art Project 2015 is to honour those who protected the freedom and democracy of New Zealanders. Anyone can make a donation to buy a disc, write a personal message on it and place it at the Domain up until April 24. Those outside Auckland can have a disc personalised and placed on their behalf.

The poppy was created by Auckland artist Tony McNeight, who had family members involved in both World Wars I and II.

McNeight said he had a "deep passion" for commemorating the Anzacs and all other World War I servicemen and women.

Proceeds from each disc sold will go to the New Zealand Returned and Services Association.

RSA president B.J. Clark said the organisation was proud to be a project partner.

For more information, or to donate online, visit giantpoppy.co.nz.

The giant poppy

• 59,000 red discs will be used

• Diameter will be 40m

• Biggest commemorative poppy created - building starts tomorrow at the Domain.
There are two ways to become involved:

• Visit the Domain and grab a disc. Write a message and place it as part of the artwork.

• If you cannot visit the Domain you can still be part of the Giant Poppy. Visit

www.giantpoppy.co.nz

and make a donation to support the RSA. The crew will place a disc on your behalf.

Image 1 of 8: Huanui College student Louis Paul (centre) during the wero (challenge).