Updated 11.15am: Couriers have been racing around the country with a precious cargo this week, distributing ANZAC poppies ahead of today's annual collection.

An emergency shipment of poppies had to be flown in from Australia, after a Christchurch factory failed to produce its quota.

RSA chief executive David Moger tells Newstalk ZB the Australian versions were delivered on Wednesday.

"At the same time we've also been redistributing existing poppy stocks around the country to make sure as best we can that supplies are everywhere."

Moger says hundreds of volunteers will be on the streets selling poppies.

"Lots of local RSAs around this country have had an increased call from local businesses and local community groups to be able to go in and offer poppies for donations."

David Moger says 100,000 poppy stickers have also been issued to make up any gaps in stock.

David Moger says last year just over $1.7 million was raised during the Poppy Appeal. This year he hopes to crack $2 million.

Canterbury RSA is hoping for smooth sailing from here on out, as soldiers from the Burnham military camp take to the streets armed with poppies.

President Pete Dawson says it's better late than never.

"We were hoping to get all of them out by Wednesday night, but unfortunately the freighting company let us down. We've finally got the whole lot out because we've got a week to go before ANZAC."