Systematic Removal of Commemorative Poppies from Auckland Veterans’ Graves
Thousands of dollars’ worth of commemorative ceramic poppies have been “deliberately and systematically” removed from veterans’ graves across multiple Auckland cemeteries, according to the New Zealand Remembrance Army.
The charity, which was established nine years ago in Porirua, utilizes volunteers across the country to restore gravestones and preserve the stories of individuals who served New Zealand. As part of its initiatives, the organization began placing ceramic poppies on veterans’ graves to provide a permanent and inexpensive mark of recognition.
Scale of the Thefts
The magnitude of the removals was discovered when volunteers recently conducted checks at multiple sites, finding that entire sections of cemeteries had been stripped. Simon Strombom, the founder and managing director of the New Zealand Remembrance Army, stated, “We suspect it’s every cemetery we’ve visited.”
Specific losses identified include:
- O’Neill’s Point Cemetery (North Shore): More than 250 poppies were taken, including all those placed by the New Zealand Navy, which Strombom said had been “systematically stripped out.”
- Manukau Memorial Gardens: The number of removed poppies exceeded 400.
Significance and Financial Impact
The ceramic poppies are 38cm wide and cost the charity approximately $5 each to produce. They were designed as a lasting alternative to paper poppies and a more affordable option for families who wished to mark a loved one’s service without the expense of re-engraving a headstone. Strombom noted that the charity has placed around 27,000 of these poppies across New Zealand, using a glue that does not damage the stone.
The impact of the thefts is both emotional and financial. Strombom described the acts as “disgusting behaviour,” adding, “It really upsets us as a charity that’s there to recognise New Zealand veterans and servicemen and women.” He further noted that some veterans are “really upset” by the removals.
Financially, the estimated combined losses represent roughly 10% of the charity’s annual budget. Strombom emphasized the severity of this loss, stating, “We’re not a huge charity, so you’re talking quite major sums for us.”
Official Response and Future Actions
The New Zealand Remembrance Army has consulted with the Auckland Council, which advised that the removals were not carried out by council staff.
As a possible next step, the charity intends to replace the missing poppies. They are calling for anyone with information to come forward, with Strombom noting, “It would be good if people could report it, someone’s got a lot of poppies around.”
