War veterans are up in arms that white poppies will be sold just one day before the annual RSA red poppy day street appeal.
The white poppies are being sold by Peace Movement Aotearoa (PMA).
Veterans' Affairs Minister Judith Collins told reporters the white poppy appeal was "incredibly disrespectful" to those who went off to war.
Red poppies had been sold every year since 1922 to raise money for veterans' welfare services.
Royal New Zealand Returned and Services' Association chief executive Stephen Clarke told media the PMA was cashing in on the red poppy brand.
Meanwhile, PMA coordinator Edwina Hughes has said there was no reason why people couldn’t show their support by purchasing both red and white poppies and wearing them together.
She said the red poppy was "the symbol of remembrance for armed forces casualties" whereas the white poppy was "for all victims of war".
Money raised from the white poppy appeal goes to peace scholarships.
Do you think the white poppy appeal should be held at a different time of the year. Or do red poppies and white poppies go hand-in-hand? Have your say below.
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