The Returned and Services Association in Taupo comprises the Taupo Returned Services Association Incorporated (Taupo RSA), the Taupo RSA Trust Board (Taupo RSA Trust) and the Taupo RSA Welfare Committee.
The Taupo RSA is an affiliated member of the Royal NZ Returned and Services Association (RNZRSA), one of the largest voluntary welfare organisations in NZ and one of the oldest ex-service organisations in the world. It was founded by returned soldiers from the Gallipoli Campaign in 1916, to provide for the welfare of veterans.
The Taupo RSA continues to deliver on the vision of the founding veterans, by providing welfare, membership services and support to its members; through its fundraising activities.
The Taupo RSA Trust provides welfare services and support to all Returned and Service people resident within the Taupo area; through income derived from the Taupo Poppy Appeal collection and income from its asset and investment portfolio.
The Taupo RSA Welfare Committee, on behalf of the Taupo RSA and Taupo RSA Trust, considers and implements all requests for welfare services and support.
Poppy Day, usually observed on the Friday before ANZAC Day (25 April), when the commemorative Red Poppy is exchanged for a donation from the NZ public, to fund the welfare needs of our local veterans, is the most important fund-raising activity of the year.