Anzac Day: War letters to home
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.
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
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For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?
Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.
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31.8% Only in designated areas
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40.4% No, it should be outdoors only.
The $200,000 mistake thousands of KiwiSavers made
Thousands of KiwiSaver members who switched their investments into less risky funds when Covid-19 first hit still haven't switched back - and it could cost them hundreds of thousands of dollars.
There was a surge in switching from growth funds to conservative funds in March 2020, when sharemarkets around the world wobbled.
Westpac said it processed 18,140 requests to switch in that time.
Markets soon recovered, but 27%of those KiwiSaver members never switched back to more growth-focused assets, Westpac said.
Another 17% took more than a year to switch back and 12% switched back in between six to 12 months.
If an investor is investing for a long time - such as for retirement - growth funds often deliver better outcomes because they tend to have higher returns, although they are more volatile. Shifting from a growth fund when markets are weak can mean locking in losses.
Morningstar research shows that, as a group, conservative KiwiSaver funds have returned an average 4.1% a year over 10 years, compared to 8.2% for growth funds and 9.1% for aggressive.
Westpac projected that someone with $25,000 in KiwiSaver who switched from a growth fund to a conservative fund on March 20, 2020, would end up with $387,938 in 2054.
But if they had left their money in a growth fund, they would have $615,423 - boosting their final outcome by more than $225,000.
If they had shifted in March 2020 and then moved back a year later, they would have $588,955 in 2054.
Even over a shorter term, the impact can be seen. Someone who shifted on March 20, 2020 and left their money in a conservative fund would have $120,880 in 2034. If they shifted back after a year, they could have $145,693 and if they had not shifted, and stayed in growth, they would have $156,472.
That assumes that person is earning the median wage, getting a 3% pay rise a year, and making 3% KiwiSaver contributions matched by a 3% employer contribution.
Westpac head of KiwiSaver Nigel Jackson said the number of people who had not switched back highlighted the "education gap" for New Zealanders in relation to long-term saving and retirement.
"Being in the right fund is really important and being in the wrong fund will cost you money in the long term."
Westpac has now launched a new high-growth fund that will have 100% growth assets and Jackson said it would be important that investors understood the possibility for volatility, as well as the potential returns available, so that they could stick with it and not switch out at the wrong moment.
"It's one of those challenges, you can tell people it's going to happen but it's still a challenge for them when it does happen. It's critical they understand the possibility is there so they have the context. If they don't have the right information, that's the point of highest risk when they can lock in unrealised losses by transferring to lower-risk funds and experience that loss at retirement."
Westpac NZ general manager of product, sustainability and marketing Sarah Hearn agreed long-term investors who were not in the right fund would probably short-change themselves at retirement.
"The Covid-19 experience and more recent market fluctuations should serve as a reminder to regularly think about your investment goals, whether you're saving for retirement or a first home deposit. That includes checking you're in the right type of fund for you and your stage in life," she said.
"Market volatility is normal and expected. Those of us who aren't nearing retirement will see our balances affected by more economic peaks and troughs before we get there."
The latest Financial Markets Authority annual KiwiSaver report showed growth funds now represent 46% of total funds under management, with $51.4 billion invested, and a total of 1.53 million investors. This is more than double the $24.5b in 2021.
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