More than 100 volunteers are outside braving the inclement weather for the annual Poppy Day street collection today.

The appeal day usually falls on the Friday before Anzac Day but due to Good Friday being tomorrow, is happening today instead.

Poppy Day volunteers Bridget Carlson and Emma Godden brave the rain while collecting donations this morning.

Tauranga RSA operations manager Athol Feek says they considered postponing the appeal day to next week due to the wet weather, but volunteers insisted they proceed.

He says some volunteers have returned to the RSA 'absolutely drenched” from the morning's efforts, and were warming up by the heaters.

'Top marks for them for what they're doing.”

New Zealand Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman is encouraging people to wear a poppy not just on Anzac Day but from Poppy Day onwards.

'Poppy Day is one of New Zealand's oldest nationwide appeals...this year has even more significance with the start of WWI centenary commemorations.”

Today collectors are covering the wider Tauranga and Western Bay areas. Collectors can be found at The Warehouse on Cameron Road, and most supermarkets. A group of 20 LJ Hooker Real Estate volunteers are covering the Judea area.

Anzac Day is next Friday, April 25.