Posies made of rosemary wrapped in red paper have been laid on the graves of service men and women in the services section of the Anderson's Bay Cemetery on Anzac Day for years - but the tradition is threatened by a shortage of rosemary.
The Dunedin Returned and Services Association has put out the call for donations of rosemary so there is enough to make the 5000 or 6000 posies required.
Dunedin RSA and RSA Welfare Trust administration manager Sally Turner said supplies of rosemary had run out during posey making last year forcing members to go for a last-minute drive around Dunedin's streets searching for rosemary bushes.
This year she hoped to avoid the last-minute rosemary rush.
She said any donations of rosemary would be appreciated and suggested residents could help out by planting bushes to create a supply for the future.
RSA member Gladys Nilson has been involved in making the posies for more years than she can remember.
''It's for remembrance,'' she said.
Any rosemary was suitable so long it was from the bush variety of the plant, she said. The cuttings needed were from the end of each sprig and about a hand's length.
The RSA was also calling volunteers to help with the posie making, which is to take place on April 24.
Rosemary can be dropped off at HMNZS Toroa at 211 St Andrew St. Anyone wanting to volunteer for posie making or find out more can call 466-4886.
