The meaning and interpretation of white and red poppies was discussed at a public lecture in Dunedin last night, when an army colonel and two university professors debated the merits of each option.
Most New Zealanders choose to wear a red poppy for Anzac Day, in remembrance of soldiers killed in action while fighting for their countries at war.
But some wear white to commemorate all casualties of conflict, including civilians, and to endorse lasting peace.
Wearing both colours lends support to the ideals of both camps, although some believe more important than the poppy colour is the action of wearing one, as a respectful tribute.
Associate Prof Richard Jackson, of the National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, said the meaning initially attributed to red poppies had changed and he instead supported notions behind white poppies.
"I wear the white poppy because the red poppy makes me feel uneasy," he said.
Instead of war's horror, red poppies had come to signify its heroism, he said.
"Certain truths have been lost in the meaning of the red poppy. It's not for dying in pursuit of empire or for dying in often pointless and really stupid slaughter that achieved very little, but about remembering the heroism, sacrifice and duty," he said.
Prof Jackson said red poppies had gone from representing a collective loss to that of Allied soldiers only, exclusive of civilian and enemy soldier deaths during war.
Instead of signifying a commitment to ending war, red poppies carried an acceptance of war as inevitable, he said.
"We are in danger of forgetting. By de-politicising and making unquestioned obedience a thing to valorise, we actually make it possible for politicians to take us to war again and again and again. By accepting war, we fail to work for peace."
White poppies, for peace, embodied the ideal initially attributed to red poppies of never forgetting how terrible war was in order to prevent it occurring again, Prof Jackson said.
Colonel Roger McElwain, University of Otago language centre and foundation year chief executive, said red poppies still had powerful significance, particularly because most New Zealand casualties were defence personnel.
He continued to support the meaning and ideals behind red poppies.
