Two great Howick RSA men pass on
Sad news. Two of Howick’s finest gentlemen have died this week. Howick RSA life members respectively, Eric Wilson, a World War II veteran aged 103; and Colin Smith, in his mid-80s, originally of Australia and long-time RSA volunteer executive committee member and vice-president.
It was always a pleasure to be with them, usually at the Wellington Street clubrooms on a bustling Friday night.
There they’d be, at Eric’s table – Eric, Colin and Bev, Ben, Ray and Fay, Ken, Peter, and many more. The ladies at the raffles table just next door.
They always had the welfare of the Howick RSA in mind. That was the subject of most of the conversation.
Eric would say: “I’ll do anything for this club.” He did, in spades, forking our happily for raffles, and he loved his beers and his meals and the music, especially piano. He won his fair share of raffles that is for sure.
As most endure in their golden years, Eric had his health issues but soldiered on. He was a legend at age-carer Gulf Views in Selwyn Road, disciplined to his army core, carrying out his physical exercises every morning and always encouraging other residents and helping with tasks. He was amazing, so positive and always looking forward, especially during this two-year Covid period.
He loved the company of people – family, of which there are many and they all loved him so much, with great respect. You saw it at each birthday.
We will all remember fondly, Eric, at 100, and in his late-90s, leading the Howick RSA parade at Anzac Day down off Stockade Hill, down Picton Street and then right around the long block of the Howick Village back to the clubrooms. That was legendary.
Eric served as a driver in the New Zealand Army in the Second World War, seeing plenty of action and adventure in Greece, Crete (where he was on one of the last vessels to evacuate), Syria, Egypt and Italy.
Colin Smith was a tireless worker for the Howick RSA, always determined and committed to seeing affairs were in order. Inspiring dedication.
He also had a very funny sense of humour, and a character in his delivery and laughter. We could be talking about the RSA and the world in general, and being a good Sydneysider, he’d also have one eye on the rugby league.
Colin ran the Howick RSA’s Poppy Day campaign with distinction. It’s a job requiring lots of hours of organisation and work and Colin always delivered a professional volunteer operation that generated considerable revenue for the RSA Welfare fund for veterans.
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
Eric Wilson and Colin Smith were Howick legends.
Our sincere condolences and love to Eric’s family – Noelene Hugh and all the relatives; and to Beverly Smith and her and Colin’s family. – Phil and Janine
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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82.3% Same!
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17.7% 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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