2099 days ago

The Story of Ella Cooke

The Team from Auckland Museum

In the winter of 1914, Ella Cooke was looking forward to a grand adventure. The Auckland-born nurse and her twin sister Lily had just departed New Zealand in a boat bound for Vancouver, New York and finally England. She was looking forward to seeing the sights, and eventually a working holiday in London, or maybe Paris.

The outbreak of war in July 1914 dashed all her plans. Rather than return home, Ella joined the Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve. The work was extremely difficult, and Ella described it in her letters as 'frightfully hard'.

The story of Ella Cooke, captured below in our Online Cenotaph, is one of ceaseless dedication to nursing the ill and ailing back to health. Her work is reflected in the remarkable efforts of New Zealand's doctors, nurses and healthcare staff, who are taking every measure to ensure the ongoing safety of New Zealanders. A huge thank you to these essential workers for the incredible job they do.

www.aucklandmuseum.com...

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More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Create a Stunning Stain Feature Wall with Resene Colorwood

The Team from Resene ColorShop New Lynn

Transform your living room into a work of art with Resene Colorwood wood stains. Find out how to create your own stain feature wall with these easy step by step instructions.

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4 days ago

Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!

Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?

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Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
  • 79.7% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
    79.7% Complete
  • 20.3% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
    20.3% Complete
812 votes
M
12 hours ago

Age Well Kiwi

Mabel from Hillsborough

We are a new support group for seniors. We meet once a month to share our experience and discuss our challenges & concerns.

With the growth of our ageing population, and more seniors living alone, this group would explore and advocate/address the social, emotional and physical needs of our seniors, and promote positive and healthy ageing.

We meet on the first Saturday afternoon of the month in Mt. Roskill. Our next meeting will be 3 Jan 2026.

If you are interested in joining us and contribute your ideas, knowledge, experience, talents and resources, we would love to hear from you. Please contact us at agewellkiwi@gmail.com.