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A 22-year-old is quietly taking over Waiuku 💪✨
Published 12 days ago • 8 min read
Hello, my dear Frankies!
There’s a lot going on in Franklin these days! This weekend alone, we’ve got Holi celebrations, Chinese New Year festivities, the annual Pukekohe Show…and those are just the headline acts!
But before you dive into the events guide and start pencilling in your plans for the week, make sure you read about Danniella Bell - Waiuku’s wellness powerhouse (is “girl boss” still a thing or did we collectively retire it? 😅). She’s building a health and wellness empire and bringing together a whole crew of local legends in the process ♥
And yes, she’s 22 - which I keep mentioning not as a “can you believe it?!” in a weird way, but because it’s just so inspiring to see people of any age back themselves and build something special in our little corner of the world. Danni’s one of those “brb I need to lift my standards” kind of humans…and I reckon you’re going to love her story.
R. and the Frankie Team xx
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She’s 22, runs Waiuku’s busiest body-fixing empire...and she’s just getting started ♥
Danniella Bell - AKA Danni ♥
Some people collect hobbies. Danniella Bell collects businesses - and somehow still has time to help half of Waiuku walk around lighter and less creaky.
At 22, Danni is the owner of DB Remedial Massage, the founder of The Stretch Collective, and the brain behind Waiuku’s upcoming wellness event The Sunday Stretch Wellness Event Edit. She’s basically building a whole wellness ecosystem while the rest of us are still trying to remember where we put our water bottles 💜
Five jobs, one big leap
So how does a 22-year-old end up running a whole wellness empire in Waiuku? Before Danni founded DB Remedial Massage, she was juggling five part-time jobs.
“I was working five part-time jobs and decided that I wanted to work for myself!” Danni says. “I think knowing that I wanted to run my own show was definitely the driving factor - and not liking being told what to do contributed majorly.”
So why remedial massage? “I wanted to be a physio but dreaded four years of uni!" Danni says. “I also love problem solving and helping people achieve what they want to achieve.”
She didn’t wait around for the mystical moment where you feel “ready.” “I just took the chance, and there was nothing to lose at the time and I knew I'd regret it if I didn't,” she says. And there wasn’t even a dramatic I’m really doing this moment either: “I was pretty determined and knew it was going to do well (I was very naive to it all at the time but I'm grateful for that).”
Her only fear in those early months was advertising. It was terrifying “putting myself out there onto the Waiuku Grapevine…that place is ruthless.” (And I'm sure we can all relate to that 🤭)
Danni has built a great team around in a few short years ♥
The Stretch Collective and the wellness event
2026 will be the second year Danni has been running The Stretch Collective from RX Fitness 235 in Waiuku. “There was such a gap in the market, especially in Franklin,” Danni says. “So, I took the chance!”
After their first class, people always say “I feel so much better/looser/mobile” - which is basically the best review a body can give, and definitely the sign of a great session!
And The Wellness Event Edit? Danni’s wellness event idea came from a moment of why don’t we have this here? “I did one last year in the city and loved it!” she says. So she decided Waiuku deserved the same energy.
Her hope for the day isn’t fancy or corporate - it’s simple. “That everyone gets something out of it, big or small,” Danni says. She wants locals to experience the kind of wellness stuff you usually have to drive into Auckland for, and to prove that our small town can absolutely host big, feel-good things. “There is so much potential here that isn't being used,” she says. “So to spark that would be pretty cool.”
And if you can’t make it on the day, she’s got one easy ask: “Share it to your socials and tell your friends! Word of mouth is the best advertising.”
Waiuku’s been home since she was five
Danni has such a strong place in the Waiuku community. “My parents and I moved here when I was five… And I love it! It's definitely home.”
She actually enjoys the small-town closeness - with one caveat. “I avoid new world like the plague,” she laughs. But what Danni really loves and what she thinks outsiders don’t get, is the magic of it - the “knowing everyone,” and the fact we’ve got harbour, west coast beach, forestry and river all in one place. “You don't need to travel too far if you don't want to!”
she’s building a little wellness community.
Danni wants people in Waiuku to feel better in their bodies, but also to feel more connected to themselves while they’re at it. “I hope DBRM helps people…to prioritise movement and to be more connected with themselves and their bodies!” she says.
The dream is a tight-knit crew of locals who care about the same things: health, movement, and feeling good. And the best part? She’s not trying to be some glossy, untouchable “wellness professional” from a brochure. “Professionalism isn't in my nature unfortunately 😂,” Danni laughs and jokes it might be her biggest “downfall”, but actually we think it's exactly why people love her 💜
Wellness trend she hates: “Undereating and taking advice from social media…do your research!”
Best decompression spot: “Recovery Lane in waiuku, or DBRM ;)”
Waiuku is super lucky to have Danni - one of those rare people who doesn’t just dream - she builds! Hard-working, funny, wildly capable…and making our little town feel a lot more mobile, connected, and inspired 💜
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
🌈 Holi: Colours in the Park
Pukekohe is getting its first-ever (and one of the biggest) Holi celebrations - and it's the kind of day where you turn up in a white tee and leave looking like a walking artwork ♥
Presented by the Pukekohe Indian Association, and Franklin Indian Cultural Club, this is a full community-style celebration: free entry, colour play, loads of food, kids’ rides, and non-stop family-friendly entertainment with live performances, a DJ, and Dhol beats bringing the energy all afternoon.
🗓 Saturday 21 Feb 2026 ⏰ 12pm – 6pm 📍 PIA Centre, 55 Ward Street, Pukekohe 🎟 Free entry
🎨 After School Art Club Franklin Arts Centre (Wētā Room), 12 Massey Ave, Pukekohe — 3:15–4:15pm Intermediate-aged kids explore mixed media and landscape-inspired ideas of “home” Book here
🚚 Food Trucks at Pukekohe Park Raceway Pukekohe Park Raceway — 4:30–8:30pm A rotating lineup of international street food (Thai, Mexican, Indian, Greek/Turkish, hāngī, burgers + more).
🏃 Fun Run Fundraiser Rise & Shine, Paerata Rise — 5:00pm Fun run supporting Child Cancer Foundation, with raffles and bar/kitchen open late. Check it out!
🌈 Rainbow Perler Craft Waiuku Library — 5:00–6:00pm Make colourful Perler bead creations (great for crafty kids). More info
🧠 Quiz Trivia Night Blue Ox Babe — 7:00pm Weekly trivia night for teams who love a challenge (and a bit of chaos).
🍸 Cocktail Happy Hour Little Ed — 6:00–7:00pm All your favourites, just a little bit cheaper.
Friday
🎬 Movie in the Park Night Paerata Rise — 8:10pm Outdoor movie vibes—bring a blanket and settle in. Don't miss out
🌙 Luna Bites Night Market Navigation Stadium — 5:00pm Night market eats and a fun Friday atmosphere. More details
🎸 Friday Night Bands at The Longkeeper 249 King Street — 9:00pm Live bands and late-night tunes. Check it out
🎤 Gerry Lee Live at Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club 78 Nelson Street, Pukekohe — 10:00pm Late-night live music session. More info
Saturday
🛍️ Tuakau Community Market Central Park (corner of George St & Jellicoe Ave), Tuakau — 9:00am–1:00pm A classic community market for browsing, snacks, and local stalls.
🎡 Pukekohe Show Pukekohe Showgrounds — 9:00am (Sat)–5:00pm (Sun) Two-day show fun with rides, exhibits, and all the showday energy. Follow along here
🧧 Pōkeno Chinese New Year Celebrations 2026 69 Great South Rd, Pōkeno — 3:00pm A lively community celebration for Chinese New Year. Don't miss it
🧘 Aroha Meditation Workshop Hilton, Karaka — 1:00pm A guided workshop to slow down and reset. Get tickets here
🎶 Aroha Meditation + Kirtan (Free Event) Hilton, Karaka — 7:00pm An evening of meditation and kirtan music—free to attend. Check it out
🏎️ Hampton Downs Track Day Hampton Downs Racetrack (National Circuit) — 7:00am–5:00pm A full day of motorsport action at the track. More info here
Sunday
🛒 Franklin Market Pukekohe Park Raceway — 8:00am Produce, crafts, antiques, collectables, car boot bargains, plus food trucks and live music.
🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club (Waiuku) 21 Martyn Street, Waiuku — 5:00pm A free, friendly 3km walk/run—zero pressure, all vibes. Follow here
🪢 Kids Jump Rope Class (Skipping NZ) 232 Pukekohe East Rd — 11:00am Learn jump rope skills with Skipping New Zealand. Check it out
🎯 Rebel Sunday Showdown (Kids Gotcha Paintball) Asylum Paintball — 1:00pm Kids paintball showdown—expect adrenaline and laughs. Don't miss it!
🔫 Airsoft Open Game Day 58 Bird Road — 8:30am–3:00pm Open play airsoft day—gear up and get amongst it. More info here
monday
🥣 Good Food, Bright Minds (School Brekky) Cafe Queen, Waiuku — 7:00–9:00am A term-time collaboration with Sanctuary Retreat to help local kids start the school day with a nourishing breakfast.
🧠 Quiz Night Appetite — 7:00pm Monday night quiz fun.
🧠 Quiz Night The Good Home, 65 Edinburgh St, Pukekohe — 7:00pm Quiz night—booking recommended.
🏃 The Wellness Run Club Your Local Coffee, Manukau Road — 5:45am All-levels 5km loop with a friendly crew.
🎲 Board Game Night Otakumart — from 6:00pm Free entry board games—bring your own or jump into the collection.
🧘 Yoga + Coffee in the Park Your Local Coffee — 6:15am Start the week with a stretch and a coffee outdoors. Get your tickets now
🎨 An Adventurous Introduction to Painting (4-Week Programme) Franklin Arts Centre — 10:00am–12:00pm Mondays (23 Feb, 2/9/16 Mar): learn formal techniques + experimental creative play with artist Margaret Feeney ($160, materials supplied). Book here
Tuesday
🎨 Painting Club (Term Time) Franklin Arts Centre — 6:00–8:00pm Bring your own project for two focused hours of painting and connection with other local artists.
🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club (Waiuku) 21 Martyn Street, Waiuku — 7:00pm A free, friendly 3km walk/run—zero pressure, all vibes. Follow here
🧠 Quiz Night Ed Street, 27 Edinburgh St — (time not listed) Quiz night with prizes and plenty of laughs.
🎨 Painting Group 12 Massey Ave — 6:00–8:00pm Dedicated painting time with fellow creatives. More info here
💼 Women in Business 87 Manukau Road, Pukekohe — 6:00pm An evening for networking and connecting with other women in business. It's going to be great
🍷 A Taste of Sicily (Wine Tasting + Food Matches) Pizzata — 6:30pm A guided wine tasting paired with matching bites. Don't miss out
Wednesday
🧠 Quiz Night Malt N Steel, Waiuku — 7:00pm Teams of 2–8, prizes to be won—book ahead. More info
😂 Comedy Quiz Night The Village Bar, Patumāhoe — (time not listed) Free-to-play comedy pub quiz with quiz master Jim (call 09 236 3571 to book).
🧠 Quiz Night at Ed Street Ed Street, 27 Edinburgh St — 5pm Quiz night with prizes and good banter.
🏃 Ed Street Bar Run Club Ed Street — 5:30pm 2.5km or 5km options, spot prizes, and bar menu discounts.
🎶 Beats by Bingo at Little Ed Little Ed, Pukekohe — 7:30pm Bingo… but make it music. Check it out here
Word Scramble answer: West coast (and sorry for misspelling Sunday in last week's scramble!)
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"Think Waiuku + surrounds are boring? You haven't signed up for Dear Frankie yet!"
Find out what's going on in town this week - the fun way! 💥
*NEW FREE LOCAL NEWSLETTER!* Covering Franklin's community gatherings, gigs and events, job postings, digital farmers market, weekend getaways, local stories and more...all delivered straight to your inbox for free! New editions every Thursday at 9:16 am. Subscribe free! 👇
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