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
Poll: 🗑️ Would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Aucklanders, our weekly rubbish collections are staying after councillors voted to scrap a proposed trial of fortnightly pick-ups.
We want to hear from you: would you be keen to switch to a fortnightly rubbish collection, or do you prefer things as they are?
Keen for the details? Read up about the scrapped collection trial here.
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82.4% Same!
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17.6% Would have liked to try something different
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
East Auckland Christmas light displays 2025
Please help me find other light shows and updating this list!
Times when the lights turn on/off is helpful.
Last updated: 19 December 2025 18:47.
Google map with all of these houses pin pointed: maps.app.goo.gl...
Add a display: [Google forms] forms.gle... , or comment: [Location], [Lights on/off times], [Other features].
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CONFIRMED CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAYS 2025:
7 Northpark Ave, Northpark. 8pm to 10pm Mon-Thu, 8pm to 11pm Fri-Sun. Synchronized to music. Website with status/information: northparklights.remotefalcon.com... (my own light show).
6 Kookaburra Place, Botany Downs. 8:30pm to 10:30pm every night. Donations for Bellyful.
5 Ben Lomond Cres, East Gate Church Christmas Light show. 7Pm[?] to 11pm. Christmas walk-through running 18 – 23 December 7pm – 10pm.
18 Redcastle Drive, East Tāmaki. 9:15pm to 11pm. Synchronised to music. FB page: www.facebook.com...
13 Tui Vale Road Shelly Park. 6:30pm to Midnight. Santa visiting 23rd & 24th December.
9 Drysdale Place, Somerville 8.30 to 11pm.
10 Saidia Place, Huntington Park. 8:30pm to 10:00pm.
1 Woodview Rise, Botany. 8:30pm to 11pm.
57 Palmcrest Grove, Highland Park, 7pm & overnight.
1 Palmcrest Grove, Highland Park, 7pm & overnight.
51a Paparoa Road, Cockle Bay, 8pm to 10pm, 8th Dec to 24th Dec.
111 Bradbury Road, Botany Downs. 8:00pm to 10:30pm [Assuming last year's times].
9 Cyclades Place, Shelly Park. 8:00pm to 11:00pm [Assuming last year's times].
98 Angelo Ave, Howick. On all the time.
** John Brooke Crescent, East Tamaki Heights. Unknown number of houses & times.
** Trust Place, Sunnyhills. 8:30pm to midnight. Multiple houses.
** Fern Place Beachlands. 8:00pm to midnight. Multiple houses.
** Paerata Rise, Paerata. Unknown times. Multiple houses.
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NO LIGHTS THIS YEAR (Moved or other reasons):
44 Archmillen Ave, Pakuranga Heights.
9 Harford Place, Pakaranga Heights.
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FEEDBACK REQUIRED FOR 2025.
These were confirmed in 2024:
2 Edingale Court, Flat Bush. 8:30pm to 10:30pm.
56 Sorrel Cresent, Bucklands Beach. 7:30pm to 9:00pm. Trains/miniature displays in the garage Wednesday to Sunday.
6 Rothwell Place, Sunnyhills. 8:00pm to 10:00pm.
4 Greenbrooke Drive, Flatbush. 830pm to 11:00pm.
75 Hutchinsons Road, Bucklands Beach. 9:00pm and overnight.
6A Kentville Place, Somerville. 8:00pm to 12:00am.
27 Amberwood Drive, Northpark. 7:00pm to 12:00am.
136 Kilkenny Drive, East Tamaki Heights. 8:00pm to 12:00am.
86 Sandspit Road, Shelly Park. Unknown times.
81 Tiraumea Drive, Unknown times.
29 Meadowlands Drive, Sommerville. Unknown times.
** Headcorn Place, Botany. 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Multiple houses.
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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS 2025:
<none added so far>
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Please help find more houses and update this list!
Comment on this post.
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