Lynne Pillay
Disability Issues Spokesperson
10 December 2010Media Statement
More job losses for people living with disabilities
The potential loss of jobs for people with disabilities who make ANZAC poppies is a real setback, says Lynne Pillay
Labour Spokesperson for Disability Issues.
“The ANZAC poppy is recognised throughout New Zealand as a Kiwi icon and has a special meaning for New Zealanders,”
Lynne Pillay said.
“New Zealanders purchase and wear ANZAC poppies to remember those service men and women who gave so much so that we can
live in a peaceful nation.
“It is extremely disappointing that in future the contract for manufacturing of the poppies is to go an Australian
company and the poppies will be made in China from 2012 onwards.
“The fact that the poppies are made locally in New Zealand is very fitting. It is even more significant that many of the
poppies are made by people living with disabilities.
“The reality is that in these hard economic times the National government has done next to nothing in creating jobs and
disabled people have been even more adversely affected.
“I am extremely concerned that those who lose their jobs because of the decision to move poppy making overseas will
struggle to find work.
“There are no winners in moving production of the ANZAC poppy offshore,” Lynne Pillay said.
ENDS