The Matangi School Anzac commemoration on April 11 was a poignant reminder of what would have been the reality for this community 110 years ago.

Led by teacher, Kat Osborne, some school students and community members have continued to ‘grow’ the poppies on the poppy net in 2024 and 2025. It is good to know that net continues to be treasured and passersby are able to see this tribute to the past.

The 2025 display includes links to the history of the poppy net in Matangi since the idea was posed by Council staff in 2017.

“In 2017  the Matangi Garden Club and the Matangi Community Committee were involved in a place-making project initiated by the Waikato District Council, as part of WW100 – the nationwide commemoration of WW1. ANZAC poppy tree project

Poppies were knitted/crocheted and attached to a net that was hung in an oak tree in the Jack Foster Reserve with the help of arborist Chris Corfe of Marc Doyle Treework.The net was hung in the tree again in 2018. Matangi Poppy Tree project for ANZAC Day 2018 – Matangi Link

In 2020 Matangi School students attached their own creative poppies to the School fence. Matangi School ANZAC Day 2020 – Matangi Link

In 2021 the Garden Club asked Matangi School whether the poppy net could also be attached to the school’s front fence to join the students work in what has become an annual event Remembering ANZACs in Matangi 2021 – Matangi Link

Remembering ANZAC Day in Matangi – Matangi Link

ANZACS continue to be remembered in Matangi in 2023 – Matangi Link

A Significant Week at Matangi school – Poppies and a Building on the move – again. – Matangi Link

The poppy net is cared for by the Matangi Garden Club.”