The smell of rosemary filled HMNZS Toroa yesterday as the mission to make 4000 posies for Anzac Day began.
On Monday, Girl Guides, Brownies and Pippins will lay the posies at the Andersons Bay Soldiers Cemetery.
Dunedin RSA president Lox Kellas said the annual posy-making event was one of the "iconic days'' before Anzac Day.
"It is an act of remembrance and respect that we pay to those who have passed.''
Rosemary was used because it symbolised remembrance, Mr Kellas said.
Posy maker Betty Ferguson (92) attended the event with her daughter and great-granddaughter.
Ms Ferguson's father taught navy cadets in the hall in 1923, and even being in the hall triggered "lots and lots of memories'', she said.
"Children were not allowed in here back then, but it just brings back the memories of the navy and all the ships.''
Ms Ferguson's great-granddaughter Sophie MacDonald (9) said she had enjoyed creating the posies with her family.
The family planned to attend the dawn service.
Dunedin RSA administrator Sally Turner said the response to the event was great.
"Every year you see different generations coming along.
"Some people take time off work for it. It is a great response from everyone.''
