An ANZAC (biscuit) initiative

A new generation of New Zealanders are rediscovering the great taste of the ANZAC biscuit and at the same time will be contributing to the community work undertaken by the Royal New Zealand Returned Services’ Association throughout the country.

	MEETING THE VIPS: Trainee guide dog ANZAC is introduced by his walker, Joe Walker to Veterans’ Affairs Minister Mark Burton and Prime Minister Helen Clark of the flight deck of HMNZS Te Kaha. At the back are Unibic Pty Ltd managing director Michael Quinn and RNZRSA national president David Cox.

On the evening of 19 March, a special ANZAC partnership was launched by Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark on board HMNZS Te Kaha berthed in Wellington, between Australian biscuit manufacturer Unibic Pty Ltd and RNZRSA.

In a very welcome gesture, similar to the company’s extremely successful association with the Returned & Services League of Australia, Unibic has offered RNZRSA financial support by way of commissions on the sale of every packet of their ANZAC biscuits sold in New Zealand.

RNZRSA National President David Cox told the 300 invited guests that the funds raised would greatly assist several of the Association’s ongoing commitments including the annual sponsorship of training a guide dog for the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind. "Our first trainee, aptly named ANZAC, is with us here this evening," he said.

Also to benefit would be the RSA’s long-standing sponsorship of the Life Education Trust’s endeavours to educate the nation’s young people in the dangers of drug and substance abuse.

In thanking Michael Quinn, Unibic’s managing director, for his company’s generosity, David Cox said they were but two of a number of worthwhile community projects undertaken by RNZRSA and its affiliated local associations. "These are very worthwhile endeavours," he said, "but like all such initiatives, require regular substantial financial input. I am sure that this wonderful long-term gesture from Unibic will greatly assist in ensuring their continuing success."

Back in 1915, the ANZAC biscuit as baked by mothers, wives and sweethearts, and sent to New Zealand and Australian troops on Gallipoli, was a welcome addition to the very basic rations provided during the eight-month campaign. Those home-made biscuits were also sold locally to raise funds for the war effort.

Unibic’s ANZAC biscuits, in their distinctive blue pack carrying the RNZRSA logo, are now available at all leading supermarkets.