Matamata couple decorate front fence with more than 200 handcrafted poppies for Anzac Day

The masterpiece took hours of crafting, but Sheryl Ertel says she hopes people will remember what sacrifice is.

Matamata woman Sheryl Ertel hopes her hours of crafting will make people pause, reflect and remember what sacrifice is this Anzac Day.

Services throughout the country were cancelled today amid the Covid-19 pandemic as the Government put the nation in lockdown.

But Kiwis have come up with unique and crafty ways to mark the event and put their time at home to good use.

Ms Ertel and her husband Dale spent four hours decorating the fence in front of their property yesterday with about 200 handcrafted poppies. It took at least that time again to make them from New World supermarket bags, she said.

Ray Cranch’s routine was more than a bit upset by recent circumstances, although combatting a bit of adversity is nothing new to the 97-year-old.

"We really did it so other people would think about it and enjoy it," Ms Ertel said.

"We think it [Anzac Day] is still very important and for generations going forward."

The changes we've been forced to make pay tribute to families who made much greater sacrifices.

She said while people may be stuck at home during the pandemic, it was important to still remember how good we have it, especially in New Zealand compared to other nations.

"It's like this with Covid. People have forgotten what sacrifice is. Other people died to make this country what it is.

"My dad was in the airforce but it's more about people just pausing and reflecting and respect and appreciating what we've got."

The way the day has been commemorated in lockdown has received high praise from those who gave so much.

Ms Ertel said several people had been walking past today looking at the display, which also features a New Zealand flag and handmade wreath.

At dawn there was also a small gathering outside their home to commemorate the day.

Please send landscape video of how you are commemorating Anzac Day to news@tvnz.co.nz

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