Anzac Day: War letters to home
This 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.
Captain Ernest Hugh Densem of the New Zealand Army Medical Corps 2nd New Zealand Expedition wrote this letter to daughter Mary McNair, who lives in New Lynn:
Medical Headquarters
Trentham
10.6.45
Dear Mary,
Daddy received your letter. You remember you told me about John going to Sunday School all by himself with Mr Hawkey.
I’m glad you liked the bonfire.
There was a very good drawing of it in one of your other letters that wasn’t there.
We had some funny bonfires here one night.
There were a lot of flowers and the soldiers shot flames out of their guns like this:
Mummy says you sleep in a different room now.
Where does Auntie Eva sleep?
Daddy.
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Notice of intention to control targeted weeds
Weather permitting spot spraying will be carried out in the following areas during March 2026.
Albert-Eden,
Puketapapa & Whau
Local Boards,
Auckland Domain,
Manukau Memorial Gardens,
North Shore
Memorial Park,
Waikumete Cemetery.
Herbicide applications will be carried out in reserves, cycleways, street gardens, street kerb and channels and berms/boundary edges. No spraying will be undertaken in agreed no-spray zones, during this period.
Auckland Council operates from a Code of Practice that governs all spray operations. Spraying will be undertaken by Programmed Facility Management.
For more information please phone Auckland Council on 09 301 0101.
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