Poppy Places comes to Rangitīkei

Streets and roads that are named after people who have served for the New Zealand Defence Force are eligible for recognition, with each approved place marked with the placement of the official poppy flower of the Royal New Zealand Returned and Serviceman’s Association (RNZRSA) thanks to the Poppy Places trust.

Cobber Cain Avenue is the first street in the Rangitīkei to be added to the Poppy Place project. Named after Edgar "Cobber" Kain of Hastings, who served in the Royal Airforce in World War II, and had shot down a confirmed 17 German aircraft during his service. He became the first British Air Ace of the war, but he was tragically killed performing an aerobatic display at the age of 21.

Today, Marton RSA President Alan Buckendahl and Vice-President Kevin Jensen placed a temporary poppy sticker on the Cobber Kain Avenue sign to recognise its addition to the Poppy Places project. A new sign that includes a permanent poppy will be installed at a later date.

Read more about Cobber Kain's story.

Do you know of somewhere in the Rangitīkei that could become a Poppy Place? Find out how you can make an initial request.