2152 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
2 hours ago

Auckland Seniors & Travel Expo

Seniors & Travel Expo

Neighbourhood locals are invited to the Auckland Seniors & Travel Expo, a relaxed and welcoming event bringing lifestyle, leisure, and travel together under one roof. Meet 50+ exhibitors showcasing travel ideas, retirement living, mobility solutions, health services, finance, and local clubs. Enjoy live music from Kulios, café seating, door prizes, and be in to win a Luxury Beachfront Escape for Two to Rarotonga.

North Harbour Stadium
28 February & 1 March
10:00am – 3:00pm
$10 entry
More Info & Tickets

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5 days ago

Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙

One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.

So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?

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Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
  • 60% Yes, supporting people is important!
    60% Complete
  • 25.7% No, individuals should take responsibility
    25.7% Complete
  • 14.3% ... It is complicated
    14.3% Complete
1021 votes
11 hours ago

SAVE THE DATES 9-11 October: Auckland Family History Expo, Kings College

Seonaid from Mount Albert

ALL WELCOME

The New Zealand Society of Genealogists are excited to announce the dates for the 2026 Auckland Family History Expo. This will be held 9-11 October 2026 - mark your diaries now!

We have changed the dates to coincide with the Auckland Heritage Festival and to take advantage of the school holidays.

We are upgrading the venue to the historic King's College, which offers superior facilities, more on-site parking and is just a 400-metre walk from the Middlemore train station.

We look forward to seeing you there. This event is open to everyone.

Join our Facebook page for updates!
www.facebook.com...

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