Thank you for using Neighbourly
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… View moreSunday 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
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… View moreSunday 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 with their letters to friends and loved ones back home.
Sergent George Glasgow, of the 24th Battalion 2 N.Z.E.F, writes to his niece Dawn:
Dear Dawn,
Mummy tells me that you don’t like Jack Frost; well next time he comes to see you, tell him to come over here and see me as it is very hot over here.
I hope you and Gordie are having lots of fun on your swing.
When I get home, I will be able to push it for you.
How is Bruce and Gran’s pup getting on?
Does Uncle Stan ever come and see you?
I hope you work hard and get put up into standard 1.
Then when I come home you will be able to read your new books to me.
When are you going to take Gordie to school?
I will be home to play with you and Gordie soon.
Lots of love till then,
Uncle George xxxx
Looking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?
From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!
Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the … View moreLooking for the perfect Mother's Day treat?
From now until Mother's Day, subscribe to the Sunday Star-Times for 6 months and you will receive a free Antipodes skincare gift, valued at $115!
Follow the link, select the 6-month option and use the promo code SSTMOTHERSDAY at the checkout to redeem.
T&C's apply.
New class starting on Tuesdays in Kumeu. Perfect for new beginners. Tuesday, May 4 - then every Tuesday $10 - includes 1 hour class then tea/coffee/biscuit. Come and have a try.
Reducing the number of shops able to sell tobacco is part of the Government’s world-leading draft Smokefree plan.
Show your support by signing our petition here.
Hi Auckland,
How are you commemorating Anzac Day? What stories have been passed down through your whānau?
April 25 marks the 106-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, one of the most costly campaigns for the Allied Forces during World War I.
Anzac dawn and commemorative services up … View moreHi Auckland,
How are you commemorating Anzac Day? What stories have been passed down through your whānau?
April 25 marks the 106-year anniversary of the Gallipoli landings, one of the most costly campaigns for the Allied Forces during World War I.
Anzac dawn and commemorative services up and down the country are scheduled to get underway after widespread cancellations last year, due to the nation being under Alert Level 4 restrictions.
The NZDF have advised of a reduced presence of military personnel at Anzac services due to deployment at MIQ facilities.
You can check out where the Anzac day services are on this interactive map on the RSA website.
Feel free and share your stories below and don't forget to type NFP if you don't want your comments used your local community paper.
Hi Neighbours, If buses are running near empty, maybe the traditional way of providing public transport needs a rethink. Read the story below on the empty buses of Hobsonville Point. What's the answer ?
The first quarantine-free flight from Australia has landed in New Zealand, less than an hour after the trans-Tasman bubble officially opened.
The Qantas flight took off from Sydney late Sunday night, and was initially due to land early Monday morning – six minutes after the bubble opened. It … View moreThe first quarantine-free flight from Australia has landed in New Zealand, less than an hour after the trans-Tasman bubble officially opened.
The Qantas flight took off from Sydney late Sunday night, and was initially due to land early Monday morning – six minutes after the bubble opened. It touched down in Auckland 41 minutes after the new rules kicked in.
From April 19, Kiwis and Australians are able to travel between the two countries without having to quarantine.
Stuff understands the Qantas flight was repositioning to Auckland and the only passengers on board were crew.
The flight was not listed on Auckland Airport’s arrivals board, but a Qantas A330 was initially listed on Flight Radar 24 as arriving at 12.05am. The border opened six minutes earlier.
Qantas refused to answer any questions about the flight, including who was onboard.
A Qantas 737 (different from the expected A330) was seen leaving Sydney Airport for New Zealand late on Sunday evening. Flight Radar 24, which plotted the flight heading towards the North Island, had no destination listed.
Aircraft can potentially arrive more than 30 minutes early if they have a strong tailwind across the Tasman, but if that happened, the pilots could intentionally slow the plane to ensure they arrive after the border opening. However, if they had a medical emergency on the plane or a mechanical issue, it would need to land as soon as possible.
That could be one of the reasons no passenger flights are scheduled to land overnight, just after the border opens.
Instead, the first quarantine-free passenger flight arriving from Australia is a Jetstar service from Sydney. JQ201 is due to land at 11.20am, where an official welcome is planned at Auckland Airport.
Remember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present this Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.
Auckland Council, in partnership with the Auckland RSA and local communities, offers more than 80 parades and services across Tāmaki Makaurau. Attend one near you with friends and family.
Go to … View moreRemember our servicemen and servicewomen past and present this Anzac Day, Sunday 25 April.
Auckland Council, in partnership with the Auckland RSA and local communities, offers more than 80 parades and services across Tāmaki Makaurau. Attend one near you with friends and family.
Go to ourauckland.nz/anzacday for a full list of services, parking, road closures and ways to commemorate at home.
COVID-19 precautions: please remember to use the NZ COVID Tracer app, stay at home if you are unwell and wear a mask on public transport. Anzac Day services will only proceed at Alert Level 1.
One of our most popular projects for our Level 4 Advanced Cookery students is to design a three-course menu, costed to a budget and then prepared for a friend to savour.
The three-course menu includes a fish dish, involving the filleting of a fish, freshly made ribbon pasta and dessert - all with… View moreOne of our most popular projects for our Level 4 Advanced Cookery students is to design a three-course menu, costed to a budget and then prepared for a friend to savour.
The three-course menu includes a fish dish, involving the filleting of a fish, freshly made ribbon pasta and dessert - all with a Mediterranean theme. Take a look at this week's impressive efforts enjoyed by the Advanced students. They then serve the meal for their own guest and also get to sit down and eat with them.
Here are some photos of the creative dishes prepared for the Mediterranean Luncheon.
Greenhithe RDA need volunteers to help with riding sessions on a Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. If you love helping people, working with animals and getting involved with your community then this is the perfect position for you. No experience necessary, all training will be provided. For more … View moreGreenhithe RDA need volunteers to help with riding sessions on a Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. If you love helping people, working with animals and getting involved with your community then this is the perfect position for you. No experience necessary, all training will be provided. For more information email us at greenhithe@rda.org.nz or visit our website.
does anyone happen to have a dehydrator they no longer have a need for ? would be great if somone can help me out with one going cheap
We are proud to partner with the Auckland RSA to deliver Auckland’s 2021 Anzac Day. Click on 'Read More' for are all the details you need to honour our veterans and armed forces this Sunday.
Your retirement should be stress-free and full of adventure. Life in a Ryman village can open the door to endless opportunities.
Moving to a village doesn’t mean giving up your treasures or your sense of style. Whether you choose independent living or a serviced apartment, you can make space … View moreYour retirement should be stress-free and full of adventure. Life in a Ryman village can open the door to endless opportunities.
Moving to a village doesn’t mean giving up your treasures or your sense of style. Whether you choose independent living or a serviced apartment, you can make space your own. You’ll benefit from a supportive community, as well as organised activities, outings and fabulous amenities to keep you entertained. If your needs change, our villages offer comprehensive care options.
Experience the Ryman difference—you’ll be surprised at how fun, easy and relaxed the lifestyle is.
© Neighbourly 2025
Loading…