White for peace pops up among red

PEACE POPPIES: Marilyn Sanson displays the white poppies that symbolise remembrance and raise funds for scholarships. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO 220415WCSMPEACE1

Red poppies are everywhere this week but yesterday a different kind of poppy was on sale in Wanganui - white poppies for peace.

The white poppy is an international symbol of remembrance for all the casualties of war - civilians as well as armed forces personnel - and of peace.

Proceeds from the sale of white poppies are used to fund scholarships for students conducting research on the impacts of militarisation and warfare and non-violent responses to state violence.

It is understood white poppies were first produced in 1930s Britain where they were made by members of the Co-operative Women's Guild and were distributed on Armistice Day.

Many of the first white poppy supporters were women who had lost husbands, brothers, sons and lovers in World War I.

The use of the white poppy and its symbolism would later spread around the world and the New Zealand annual appeal which runs from April 17-April 24 is organised by Peace Movement Aotearoa.

Wanganui organiser Marion Sanson said the white poppies are not intended as an insult or replacement for red poppies and many people choose to wear both as symbols of remembrance for Anzac Day.

"Some people said they didn't approve of the white poppies but when we explained the symbolism, they were happy to support the appeal and people were very generous" she said.

The White Poppy Peace Scholarship fund was launched in New Zealand by Professor Cynthia Enloe in 2009.

They are open to any student who has New Zealand residency.

Information about the scholarships can be found at whitepoppies.org.nz or by calling 04 382 8129.