Poppy and Star Flight

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? It’s Superman! Okay, it’s not Superman: but it’s a very special plane.

The Poppy and Star Flight departed Ardmore Airport on 26 March and is currently travelling around New Zealand for the RSA and Starship Foundation with symbolic knitted artworks (a poppy and a star), attending more than 30 events across New Zealand on their route.

On Friday 16 April the Poppy Flight is coming to Hāwera, landing at the aerodrome, followed by a free event at Hāwera LibraryPlus at 10.30am where attendees can meet the pilot and enjoy a children’s activity.

There will be an opportunity to add poppies and stars to the original small pieces of artwork so they grow on the way round, showing nationwide support for the charities.

The pattern for the poppy and star are available from Hāwera LibraryPlus, with knitters being encouraged to knit poppies and stars ahead of time so they can be attached to the existed pieces while the Poppy and Star Flight is in the library.

The Poppy and Star Flight’s collective fundraising will help the RSA and Starship Foundation continue to provide the care needed in many areas while keeping our aviation history alive through the NZ Warbirds Association, without whom the flight would not be possible.

Originally planned for the lead up to ANZAC Day 2020, but cancelled the week before departure due to lockdown, the project was moved forward to ANZAC Day 2021.