Hello, my dear Frankies!

Okay, I’m going to say it again: Franklin is full of such cool, brave, inspiring people.

Meeting Jess and the team at The Best Bites food truck, and hearing the story of the bravery and sacrifice it took to follow this dream, just felt like such a perfect reflection of our gorgeous little corner of the world. So please have a read, soak it all in, and maybe even feel a little inspired to follow your own dreams too - whatever they might be ♥

We’re also featuring our very last column with Woofles Petfood, who’ve been with us all month long to celebrate 18 - yes, 18! - years of serving locals. And honestly, as much as I go on about people following their dreams and starting new businesses or side hustles based on their passions...how much passion and dedication does it take to keep a business going for 18 years? That is seriously something worth celebrating.

And if you need one more inspiring person this week, Jo from Jo Griffin Real Estate is here to remind us that you really can use your passions - and even your day job - to give back to the people and causes you care about most. She’s also a bloody good real estate agent, and definitely someone to chat to if you’ve got any real estate questions at all.

So this week, let’s just bask in the brave and inspiring people we have in our community ♥

See ya out there!

R. and the Frankie Fam xx

P.S. I went to a lilac festival this last week and it included a handmade market of Hokkaido artisans - and it was so beautiful! I've bought a few little things to remind me of Sapporo so far - a coin necklace from the handmade market, a coin purse from the indigenous Anui from Northern Japan (so many coins in Japan!), a happiness talisman from the Hokkaido Shrine and of course a replica taxi because they are SO CUTE!! You can follow our Japan travels here!​

Meet Waiuku’s new burger truck with a super brave beginning

There’s a new food truck in town! The burgers are so amazing, the bagels are delicious, and the milkshakes are dangerously good. But as good as the food is, the story behind The Best Bites might be even better ♥ Jess and Taylor’s shiny new Waiuku truck has come from a whole lot of hard work, risk, and serious bravery, and I was so glad to chat to Jess about the journey that brought them here.

A big dream, a lot of guts

For Jess, this all started when she realised she was done with the rat race and wanted to build something that actually made her happy. After years working in heavy administration, she knew she wanted her next chapter to feel different - more meaningful, more exciting, and more like her. And it was food that kept pulling her back in. She’s always loved cooking, hosting, and seeing people enjoy what she’s made...and eventually that feeling became too strong to ignore.

As Jess put it, she “made the decision that this was going to be my next chapter, something that actually brought me joy.”

And hearing Jess talk about her journey is so inspiring, because starting something new is scary at the best of times - let alone when life has already thrown a few punches your way ♥

She sold her car to make it happen

Yep, her actual car!

Jess told me they’d originally bought it as a reward for all the hard work she’d put in over the years, so letting it go was no small thing. But after redundancy, eight months of struggling to find work, and just a whole lot of uncertainty, selling it became the thing that helped get The Best Bites off the ground.

She said it “felt like letting go of something I’d worked really hard for,” but at the same time, “it was a no-brainer. We needed the funds to make this happen.”

Which really tells you everything you need to know about how badly she wanted this dream - and how brave you have to be to back yourself like that ♥

The behind-the-scenes bit was not cute

We all love the finished version of things. The polished truck, the cute logo (and isn't it so cute?!), the stacked burgers, the dreamy iced drinks. What we don’t see is everything it took to get there...

For Jess and Taylor, getting The Best Bites off the ground was a full-on mission. Jess has been running the business full-time behind the scenes - branding, recipes, the website, budgeting, marketing, ordering, all the moving parts - while Taylor works a full-time physical job and then comes home to jump straight into truck life too, helping with cooking, installs, setup, lifting gear and whatever else needs doing.

And the road to opening was not exactly calm. There were delays, equipment issues, loans, budget stress, long drives to collect bits and pieces, and a trial run that came after more than 48 hours on their feet trying to get everything ready. As Jess said, “There were moments where we didn’t think we were going to make it.”

But they did!

Built in Franklin, for Franklin

We all love stories of local success, and this is my favourite part of The Best Bites story.

The Best Bites didn’t start as some big glossy business idea. It started much more simply than that - with Jess living in Waiuku, craving a really good chicken burger, and not wanting to have to mission to Pukekohe every time. So she started testing recipes at home, got friends and family to taste things, listened to the feedback, and slowly turned that little idea into something real.

That part is super Frankie - local people seeing a gap, backing themselves, and building something good for the community around them ♥

And the Waiuku community has absolutely shown up for them in return! I asked Jess what the best part of running a food truck in Waiuku is:

“The people, easily. We’ve had so many kind, supportive and wonderful people come through to support us.”

So…what should you order?!

The Classic Cheese Burger has been the early standout with customers, with the Luxe Cheese Burger and Crispy Chicken Burger close behind. Jess’s own favourite is the Meltdown with beef, bacon, cheddar and mushroom sauce, while Taylor’s pick is the Smoke Stack (I also love the smoke stack!). And if milkshakes are your thing, cookies & cream sounds like the one to beat.

The best bit

What I loved most about chatting with Jess was how real she was about all of it. Starting a business is exciting, but it’s also stressful, exhausting and messy. Things go wrong. You don’t always feel ready. But, sometimes, you just have to start anyway.

“If you wait until everything feels perfect, you’ll never start.”

And because Jess and Taylor did exactly that, Waiuku now has a new little food truck to love! Not bad for a dream that started with a craving, a lot of courage, and one very committed goodbye to a car ♥

Feeling hungry yet? Same.

🍔 Follow The Best Bites on Instagram here​
💛 Find them on Facebook here​
🧾 And find them online here - with a full menu!

ryfru driesnf

Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

Meet Jo Griffin: local agent AND one of Franklin’s biggest cheerleaders ♥

Some people work in a community.

And some people are part of the community in every possible way.

Jo Griffin is definitely the second kind!

If you live around Franklin, chances are you’ve seen Jo somewhere - at a local event, supporting a fundraiser, backing a school, helping a club, or cheering from the sidelines. She’s a mum of two active boys - both of whom will be putting Waiuku on the sporting map one day soon! - and she’s deeply involved in the people, places and causes that make this area feel like home ♥

That local connection is a big part of how Jo works in real estate too. Her knowledge of Franklin isn’t just “market-based”. It comes from school runs, sports sidelines, community fundraisers, local events, and years of living here and loving the place. She knows the little details that matter when people are making big decisions about where to live, invest, grow a family, or start a new chapter.

And if you’ve ever bought or sold a house, you’ll know the rollercoaster. It’s exciting, emotional and overwhelming all at once. But, Jo brings a calm, organised and very human approach to the process, taking the time to understand each client’s situation before building a strategy around their goals - whether that’s achieving the best possible sale result, finding the right next home, making a smart investment, or simply feeling confident about what comes next.

Of course, behind all that warmth is a very strong skill set. Jo is experienced in pricing strategy, market analysis, negotiation and property marketing, and she’s known for keeping clients informed clearly and consistently from start to finish.

Jo's Franklin connections

But what really stands out is how much Jo cares about Franklin beyond the property market. She contributes time, help and funds to local groups, charities and schools, especially those supporting local kids.

And now she’s adding another layer to that. For every property Jo lists and sells, she’ll donate $500 to a local charity or school of the seller’s choice - a beautiful way to turn each sale into something that gives back locally ♥

For Jo, real estate is about more than houses. It’s about families, neighbourhoods, community, and helping people make good decisions in a place she absolutely loves.

So, whether you’re buying, selling, upsizing, downsizing or just wondering what your next step might look like, talk to Jo!.

Contact Jo:

📧 Jo.griffin@bayleys.co.nz

📞 021 912 058

📸 Instagram: @jogriffin_realestate​

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👉 Want a featured note on the notice board? - Simply book your feature here or just send us a quick email and we'll help you out!

Little ways to spoil your pet (without going completely nuts)

Let’s be honest: most of us do not need much encouragement to spoil our pets! One hopeful little face (those eyes!) and suddenly it's like they’re the most important person in the house (which...yeah, they are).

The good thing is, spoiling them doesn't have to mean going crazy over the top. The team at Woofles Petfood have spent 18 years helping Franklin’s furry locals, and they know it’s often the little things that make pets happiest.

1. Add a new chew or treat​
A long-lasting chew or special little treat can turn an ordinary afternoon into an event. It gives them something fun to focus on and feels like a proper reward.

Can't go past the Daisys Delights Beef Paddywack Large 2 pack!

2. Make dinner more exciting​
Try a new flavour, a different texture, or a little splash of something tasty like bone broth. Sometimes a small change is all it takes to make the bowl feel much more special.

Cats and dogs LOVE bone broth!​

3. Give them a cosy little setup​
A comfy bed by the window, a warm blanket, or a quiet lookout spot can feel like luxury to a pet. Especially in winter, a snug little corner goes a long way.

4. Turn food into a game​
Scatter treats for a sniff hunt, use a puzzle feeder, or roll food into a towel for them to work out. It keeps their brain busy and makes snack time much more fun.

Try some of the great treats from Woofles! Like Beef Jerky or Lamb Liver treats!

5. Bring home something new​
A new toy, chew, or flavour can add a little novelty to their week. Pets love having something different to explore, sniff, or proudly carry around the house.

That’s the best thing about Woofles. They’re not just here to sell pet food - they’re the local experts who know that happy pets need good food, little joys, and the occasional bit of spoiling too!

So, a big Happy 18th birthday to Woofles Petfood - and cheers to 18 years of helping Franklin’s furry locals eat well, live well, and feel very loved indeed. 🐾

Thursday

🎨 Art Party with Toni Dolan Clark's Beach Golf Club | 7pm A relaxed creative night out — all art supplies provided, painting varnished at the end | $45pp, register at the bar by 25 May.

🍹 Cocktails & Candles Blue Ox Babe | 6pm–9pm Cocktail on arrival plus a full candle-making workshop with Little Batch Wax Co | Tickets in person or via instagram.com/blueoxbabebbq or call 2381079.

🧠 Quiz Night Pukekohe Golf Club | 6:30–8:30pm A fun weekly quiz night — grab your team and head on down. More info here​

🃏 Housie 78 Nelson Street | 11am–1pm Classic housie fun in a casual setting. Check it out!​

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Friday

🎸 Friday Night Bands ft. LOOP The Longkeeper, 249 King Street, Pukekohe | 9pm–late Kick off King's Birthday weekend with live music, cold drinks, tasty bites and good vibes. All the details here​

📸 The Onion Field — Opening: Pinhole Photography Exhibition The Stable Light Gallery | Opens 29 May, runs until 28 June A compelling lensless photography exhibition by Leonie Richardson and David Collier, part of the Auckland Festival of Photography — blurring the line between photography and painting.

🎧 DJ Joe Knows Little Ed, Pukekohe | 7–11pm Start your long weekend the fun way with a night of great music.

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Saturday

🌿 Workshop: Make Your Own Organic Creams & Lotions 66 Duff Road, Waiuku | 10am A hands-on workshop to craft your own organic skincare products. More info here​

💪 The Women's Reset Series: Reclaim Energy & Momentum Spartan Combat Gym, Pukekohe | 10:15am (3 hours) A body-first workshop for women experiencing burnout or overwhelm — new faces warmly welcome | $59 + 1% processing fee. Check it out!​

🎵 Local Sounds Showcase Franklin Arts Centre | 10–11:30am NZ Modern School of Music presents student performances for Music Month — free and fun for all.

♻️ Waiuku Repair Café Waiuku Zero Waste, 5 Hosking Place | 10am Bring your broken items and get them fixed by skilled volunteers. All the details here​

🥕 Food Waste Busters Workshop Waiuku Zero Waste, 5 Hosking Place | 2pm Learn practical tips to reduce food waste at home. More info here​

🎸 A Tribute to Queen Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club | 7:30pm A big night of Queen's greatest hits performed live — dust off your best Freddie moves.

🖼️ The Golden Triangle: 3 Artists Exhibition opening — runs 30 May–18 July 2026 Work by Abigail Aroha Jensen, Nadia Marychurch and Robyn Stewart, deeply engaged with the land, material history, and myth of their region. Check it out!​

🕺 The WolfPack Male Revue Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club | Doors 7pm, Show 8:30pm A high-energy live stage show — perfect for a girls' night out | GA $40pp, VIP tables $70pp (includes wine, cheese platter & front row) | R18, email admin@waiukucossie.co.nz to reserve.

🚂 Glenbrook Vintage Railway — Classic Train Experience Glenbrook Vintage Railway | All King's Birthday weekend A classic Auckland train experience running all long weekend. All the details here​

🛍️ Tuakau Community Market Central Park, corner of George St & Jellicoe Ave, Tuakau | 9am–1pm A great local market with produce, crafts and more — every Saturday.

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Sunday

🛍️ Franklin Country Market Pukekohe Park Raceway | 8am Homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques, food trucks and live music all in one place. More info here​

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monday

🍳 Good Food, Bright Minds — Free School Breakfast Café Queen, Waiuku | 7–9am A community initiative providing nourishing breakfasts for school kids every Monday during term time.

🧠 Quiz Night Good Home Pukekohe, 65 Edinburgh Street | 7pm Booking recommended for this popular weekly pub quiz.

🏃 The Wellness Run Club West Street (your local coffee) | 5:45am A 5km loop open to all levels — a great way to start the week.

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Tuesday

🎨 Painting Club Franklin Arts Centre | 6–8pm Bring whatever you're working on for two hours of painting time and good company — term time only.

🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club 21 Martyn Street, Waiuku | 7pm A free, fun, pressure-free 3km walk or run — zero expectations, great community vibes. More info here​

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Wednesday

🧠 Malt N Steel Quiz Night Malt N Steel, Waiuku | 7pm Teams of 2–8 with prizes to be won — book your spot.

🎤 Comedy Quiz Night The Village Bar, Patumahoe | Weekly A free comedy pub quiz with quizmaster Jim — call 09 236 3571 to book your table.

👾 Anti-Social Social Club for Teens Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue | 3:30pm A safe, inclusive after-school space for teens to hang out, make friends (or not!) — all welcome.

🏃 Fire Station Run Club Fire Station Eatery, Pukekohe | 5:30pm Choose your 2.5km or 5km route, with spot prizes and bar menu discounts to follow.

🏃 Flying Mullet Run Group Waiuku College Running Track | 5–6pm Run technique, intervals and race prep with Carl Read | $5 per session, contact reado79@gmail.com.

🧘 The Relaxation Hour with The Pause Society Waiuku Yacht Club | 7pm A weekly wind-down session to reset your mind and body. All the details here​

🍽️ Bottomless Dinner with MAF's Becs Appetite, 8 Massey Ave An indulgent bottomless dining experience — details and booking via More info here​

🏺 Playing with Clay Course with Margaret Feeney(starts Monday) Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave | 6pm Mondays A creative course in clay with local artist Margaret Feeney — register to secure your spot. Check it out!​

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Word Scramble answer: Furry Friends

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