Between 1914 and 1918 more than 120,000 New Zealanders enlisted to fight in World War I. Those who died from causes associated with battle are commemorated by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. However, those who returned and then lived out their lives in their community are often not recognised.

The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (GMCT) of Melbourne has produced a special commemorative poppy tile that can be affixed to headstones, plaques or cremation niches to indicate that someone served their country. The GMCT is pleased to have partnered with the Devonport RSA in Auckland to distribute the poppy tile throughout New Zealand.

All New Zealand families are encouraged to renew their links to their family members who returned from the Great War, and to urge them to place a permanent record of their service on their gravesite. Younger family members may be unaware that their ancestors served at all, unless their family memories and history are strong.

The Centenary Poppy Tile is a decorative packed kit that contains two small, highly glazed white porcelain tiles with the striking red Flanders poppy printed onto the surface in a slightly raised finish. The packaging features the poem In Flanders Fields, plus the Ode of Remembrance. The package was designed with the assistance and support of the Victorian RSL.

These commemorative tiles may be fixed to a headstone, plaque or cremation niche using a self-adhesive patch included with the tiles. The package comes complete with all the materials required to fix the tiles permanently to any relatively smooth surface. The larger tile (50mm x 50mm) is suitable for headstones or plaques and the smaller (30mm x 30mm) for cremation niches and other sites.

While the focus for these tiles is on the centenary of World War I, the tiles can of course be used to recognise any veteran, be they from the South African War, World War 2, Korea, Malaya, Vietnam or any other recognised conflict.