Anzac Day: War letters to home
Sunday marks the 106-year anniversary of the first landing of New Zealand and Australian soldiers at Anzac Cove on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
For many of the 16000 soldiers, April 25, 1915 marked their first day of combat.
And by that night, 2000 had been killed or maimed.
We remember our Auckland veterans and fallen soldiers with their letters to friends and loved ones back home.
Here are letters from Michael Menzies, a Prisoner of War in Japan, to his friend Norm Ryder:
6/5/45
Dear Norm,
Still existing and anticipating a speedy reunion.
Appreciate your kind thoughts and wishes.
I often have the Queen St blues and a perpetual Waitemata thirst and occasionally a nicotine fit.
Received three of your letters and am anxiously
awaiting for more.
Your Affectionate Pal
Snowy
Michael Menzies' letter to his relatives:
2/12/43
Dear Auntie Kate and Ange,
I received your very welcomed letter dated May 25th on Nov 25 th.
Although Jack has received a parcel from St Johns Association London and a very brief letter from Kathleen, this is the first I have received in twenty two long months.
I had given up all hope of getting mail so imagine the thrill it gave me.
There is only one thing I need Auntie and that is news, especially of Pat.
Please don’t keep it from me if anything has happened to him for that would only hurt me all the more.
I can’t help but think the worst has happened to him.
How is everyone in New Zealand?
I have made several radio broadcasts from here, did you hear any of them?
Of course I know you’ll understand when I tell you that our correspondence is limited in more ways than one.
Please don’t send money as you suggested, but a few packs of cigarettes, gum, and a photo would be very welcome.
Apart from a few attacks of asthma Jack is very well and sends his love to all.
I assure you Auntie that you have no need to worry so much over Jack or myself as we are both together which makes it much easier on me and under the circumstances the treatment is fair enough.
There are many things I want to ask you and tell you but unfortunately they will have to wait until peace has been restored once more to this mad world.
Well auntie I sincerely hope this letter finds you in the very best of health and
Along with it I send the seasons greetings and all my love.
Lots and lots of love.
Mick
Auckland Star Nov 1945 (2).PDF story about Menzies brothers as Prisoners of War.PDF Download View
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Meri Kirihimete:----- Here's wishing all Christians a very MERRY CHRISTMAS
Wishing you a Christmas filled with light, laughter, and the kind of friendly conversation that makes our neighborhood feel welcoming, connected, and full of goodwill all season long.
May your festive season be peaceful, joyful, and rich with shared smiles, thoughtful gestures, and moments that remind us why community and connection matter so much.
Sending heartfelt greetings that celebrate the warmth of our neighborhood, encouraging shared laughter, cooperative spirit, and the joy of being part of a caring community.
Wishing you a Christmas where every door opened brings laughter, every conversation inspires friendship, and every small act of kindness reflects the true meaning of the season.
May this holiday season fill our neighborhood with light, love, and harmony, creating memories that bring everyone closer and strengthen bonds that last well beyond the festive period.
Sending greetings that reflect gratitude for your presence, friendship, and the support you offer, making our corner of New Zealand feel like home during Christmas.
Wishing you a festive season full of community celebrations, cheerful greetings, and shared moments that strengthen the connection we enjoy as neighbors.
May our streets be brighter with laughter, our gardens warmer with friendship, and our gatherings filled with memorable festive moments that bring joy to every household.
Sending heartfelt wishes that even in the busiest moments, we pause to appreciate one another, fostering goodwill, understanding, and a sense of shared joy during the holidays.
Wishing you Christmas mornings full of cheerful greetings, afternoons filled with kind interactions, and evenings that reflect the harmony and warmth of our neighborhood
May the spirit of Christmas inspire generosity, smiles, and memorable connections that remind us of the true value of community and companionship.
Sending you long, thoughtful messages of gratitude and goodwill, wishing every festive activity brings happiness and shared enjoyment.
Wishing for moments of neighborly cooperation, laughter, and support that enhance our holiday celebrations and create lasting festive memories.
May this season bring a sense of belonging, connection, and appreciation for every individual who contributes to the vibrancy and warmth of our neighborhood.
Sending wishes for shared joy, memorable interactions, and meaningful moments that make our community stronger and more cheerful this Christmas.
Wishing you celebrations where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and included, reflecting the essence of kindness and togetherness this festive season.
May our neighborhood be a space of warmth, smiles, and shared experiences that elevate the Christmas spirit for everyone living here.
Sending greetings that celebrate friendship, community spirit, and thoughtful gestures, leaving lasting impressions on every neighbor we encounter.
Wishing you holidays where communication, kindness, and shared laughter make our community stronger and more connected than ever.
May every Christmas greeting, conversation, and shared moment enrich our neighborhood, fostering joy, trust, and long-lasting relationships.
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Christmas Eve busiest shopping day of the year with more than 500,000 sales
Busiest shopping day of the year
Peak time 12 noon-1 pm - 563,303 transactions
Per second peak - 167 transactions
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Number of sales beats Black Friday, but lowest Christmas Eve in six years
Christmas Eve has been the busiest shopping day of the year with 9,745 sales a minute at its peak.
Payments company Worldline says noon to 1pm saw 563,303 sales recorded on its network, down by about 7 percent on a year ago.
The company's network covers about three-quarters of the electronic terminals in operation.
Worldline did not have a dollar value for spending, but the peak number of transactions was the lowest for the past six years and well shy of the record 679,436 in 2019, before the pandemic.
Earlier this month it noted rising sales in the first three weeks of the month, but they remained 1.3 percent lower than 2024, with most parts of the country trailing the previous year's spending.
Official data from Stats NZ to the end of November showed a small rise in spending on the previous month, to 1.6 percent higher for the year.
Retail spending has been subdued as households have remained cautious because of high prices and a slow benefit from lower interest rates, and as well as concerns about the soft labour market.
However, recent surveys have shown improving consumer sentiment with ANZ bank's monthly report showing confidence at its highest level in four years.
Boxing Day is traditionally the country's favourite shopping day, but with Black Friday spending also softer this year the amount going through retailers' terminals may also be down on a year ago.
Adding a dampener to consumer spending may be the recent rises in longer term fixed mortgage rates because of higher wholesale rates.
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