"Think Waiuku + surrounds are boring? You haven't signed up for Dear Frankie yet!"
*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! π
Last weekend we popped into the Your Local Creatives Christmas Market at Your Local Coffee - and wow it was such a spark of inspiration. Walking around reminded me just how many insanely talented makers we have right here in Franklin. I came away determined to do as much of my Christmas shopping locally as possible, and I met some brilliant creatives youβll definitely want to follow.
βDakoda And Me - you need to treat your dogs this Christmas too!
βR Ceramics - gorgeous, whimsical ceramics and pottery
βLittle Batch Wax Co - The most beautiful hand-poured candles, candle subscription boxes and workshops!
There is actually a Christmas Candle Workshop on this Saturday at Little Batch Wax Co - see more details here! How perfect to get your home ready for Christmas β₯
And there's lots of other Christmas goodness in Franklin this week! So enjoy this week's edition and let us know all your local Christmas plans!
R. and the Frankie Team xx
π Counties Energy Christmas on the Green & Laser Show Spectacular
Christmas on the Green is the big, sparkly, stay-up-late Christmas event in Franklin. Navigation Homes Stadium turns into a full festive playground with rides, markets, food trucks, live music and an epic laser finale.
Hereβs the vibe:
Kids Fun Zone with free rides and inflatables thanks to Mitre 10 MEGA Pukekohe
Santaβs Grotto (photos with the big guy between 7-8pm)
Christmas market stalls with plants, art, decorations, sensory kits and more
DIY for the kids at Mitre10 MEGA market stall - kids can build their very own pirate ship or fairy house!
An insane food lineup: dumplings, tacos, burgers and fries, smashed potatoes, ice cream, doughnuts, coffee, smoothies, Vietnamese, Thai - plus locals Sparrow & Sweet and TerriYummies
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On stage and around the stadium, youβll spot:
Pukekohe High School Jazz Band
Steelβn Beats steelband
Te Kapa Haka o Te Raki o Pukekohe
RSA Franklin Pipe Band
Vocal Frenzy Choir
The RVMES
DJ Melton John (Flynny) on the decks before the big finale
And of course the night wraps up with a Laser Light Show Spectacular, which is basically guaranteed to make everyone go quiet and stare at the sky in wonder. The perfect end to a great night β₯
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Frankie Favourite - Sharlene and Linda's Represent Boutique
Stepping into Represent Boutique is like walking into your dream wardrobe - calm, uncluttered, gorgeously curated.
And at the centre of it all are co-owners Sharlene and Linda, quietly curating these beautiful pieces for women who care about style and sustainability.
Sharlene and Linda (and incredibly stylish and helpful part-timer Nelly) are deeply passionate about βslowβ fashion: pieces that are made well, loved well, and passed on thoughtfully. Together they curate the racks with an eagle eye for quality and fabric - think linen, silk, cotton and beautifully cut garments - but keep everything at prices that feel realistic, not ridiculous.
When we popped in, one of the Frankie fam walked out absolutely stoked with a Kiwi designer Ruby & Rain dress for just $79! (christmas parties sorted!) Sharlene was super helpful - happy to chat through styles, fabrics and fit, and point out pieces that might suit, all without a hint of pressure. It actually felt like shopping with the gentle guidance from a stylish friend β₯
Linda and Sharlene β₯
On the racks youβll spot so many Kiwi and Australian favourites: Gorman, Kowtow, Trelise Cooper, Spell - even Zimmerman and Alexander Wang - in sizes 6-20. Whether youβre a romantic dress girl, a relaxed-linen-pants person, or still figuring out what your βthingβ is, these gorgeous women will help you explore pieces that feel like you - not like everyone else on Instagram.
Represent Boutique is all about buying better, not more; choosing pieces with stories instead of adding to landfill; and making beautiful designer fashion genuinely accessible.
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
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Countdown to Christmas Club π
Calling all people working on their health and fitness goals!
December doesnβt have to be a write-off for your health.Coach Rosieβs Countdown to Christmas Accountability Club is a super simple way to stay on track without saying no to all the fun. Think three tiny daily habits to tick off (hello, streaks!), 5β10 minute βget it doneβ workouts, easy mix-and-match meal ideas, and cheat sheets for snacks and drinks so you can enjoy the parties and still feel good in your jeans.
Youβll get travel + holiday workouts, emergency family-friendly dinners, extra recipes and mindset tips, plus a crew of other everyday athletes who want to roll into January already ahead - not starting from scratch. 24 days of fitness and accountability for $24!
βSign up now! and you won't have to start from scratch in January β₯
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π Toys and food Christmas Collection - Waiuku Barfoot & Thompson and Tuwhera Trust are now collecting new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items for their Christmas collection. Help create magical holiday memories for the families in Franklin this year. Drop in to Barfoot & Thompson at 16-18 Queen St, Waiuku before December 19th.
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β¨ Christmas at Buckland Hall - Tickets are live now at bucklandhall.nz/christmas. Book & pay by 30 Nov to snag a FREE Santaβs Snow Photo (snow machine + props!). Lunchtime features Franklinβs Got Talent finalists, plus an 18m mega obstacle course, toddler castle, ball pit, popcorn, candyfloss, Tip Top Popsicles, and a tasty lineup for lunch!
π 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!
Thursday
β³ Pukekohe Rugby Club Ambrose Golf Tournamentβ Onewhero Golf Club, time TBC Social ambrose golf day fundraising for Pukekohe Rugby Club β limited spots, email gdm@pukekoherugby.co.nz to register.
π¨ Y Studio: Teen Art Clubβ Waiuku & Pukekohe Libraries, 3.30β4.30pm After-school art club for high schoolers to explore different mediums, build creative and critical thinking skills, and work on fun projects together β drop in, ages 13+.
πΈ Thursday Cocktail Happy Hourβ Little Ed, 6β7pm All your favourite cocktails, just a little bit cheaper β the perfect way to start your Thursday night.
π§ Thursday Quiz Night at Blue Ox Babeβ Blue Ox Babe, 7pm Weekly trivia night with plenty of laughs and friendly competition.
π Thursday Food Trucks at Pukekohe Parkβ Pukekohe Park Country Racetrack, 4.30β8.30pm Big weekly line-up of international street food β Thai, Asian, Mexican, Indian, Greek/Turkish, hΔngi, gourmet burgers and more. Info: www.franklinmarkets.comβ
ποΈ Late Night Christmas Shopping at Oohlala Vintage Studioβ Oohlala Vintage Studio, 55D Colombo Road, Waiuku, from 6pm Browse candles, vintage treasures, Christmas treats and more with a glass of bubbles in hand at this festive late-night shopping evening.
π΅ Friday Night Band: LOOP at The Longkeeperβ The Longkeeper, Pukekohe, from 9pm Live band LOOP brings big energy and favourite tunes for a late-night session of good music, good vibes and good company.
π Friday Food Trucks at Roulston Streetβ Roulston Street Carpark, Pukekohe, 4.30β8.30pm Weekly food truck gathering with an eclectic mix of international street food at competitive prices.
Saturday
π―οΈ Christmas Candle-Making Workshopβ Little Batch Wax Co. HQ, 152A Manukau Road, Pukekohe, 10amβ1pm Festive, hands-on workshop inside the Little Batch warehouse where youβll create your own 400g pure soy candle (75+ hour burn), learn the candle-making process step-by-step, and enjoy Christmas music, seasonal treats, and complimentary festive refreshments. Book hereβ
π» Coding Makerspaceβ Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue, 9.30β11.30am Make your own games in Scratch or Python β perfect for beginners, ages 7+ (BYO device recommended).
π The Beauty Spot Annual Christmas Eventβ The Beauty Spot, Waiuku, 11amβ2pm Gather your gals for drinks, nibbles, demos, giveaways, a hamper draw and loads of gorgeous stocking fillers and gift ideas for Christmas. Tickets and infoβ
πΆ Barking Mad Christmas Marketβ Pukekohe Showgrounds, 10amβ3pm Dog-friendly Christmas market with races, dog show, obstacle course, food, stalls and charity fundraising β strictly on-lead, gold-coin donations encouraged. More info!β
π² Pukekohe Play Timeβ Te Pae Mahara, Roulston War Memorial Park, from 10am Free family fun day with giant games, VR experiences, DJ and choir performances, treats for sale, spot prizes and the chance to explore the historic house. Info hereβ
π¦ Pekapeka Night Walk with Finding Franklin Batsβ Franklin (meeting point advised on booking), 7.30pm Guided evening walk using bat detectors to listen for pekapeka calls and, with luck, spot them in flight, while learning about their role in the local environment. Tickets available!β
πΈ Rock the Cooβ The Kentish, Waiuku, from 7pm Rock night at the Kentish with performances by Skitch Hiker, Wicked Creature, Model T and Double Back β $20 on the door.
Sunday
π§Ί Franklin Sunday Marketβ Pukekohe Park Raceway, from 8am Upmarket vibe with homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques, collectables, food trucks, live music and car boot stalls.
β³ FHGC Annual Charity Golf Bashβ Waiuku Golf & Squash Club, 8.30am Charity golf day with Fiji-style vibes, prizes and plenty of fun β swing for a good cause and register your team here!β
π¨ Bauble Painting Workshop (Sunday Session)β Little Batch Wax Co, 152A Manukau Road, Pukekohe, 10.30am Cozy, creative workshop where youβll paint three ceramic baubles, enjoy festive treats and leave with hand-painted decorations or gifts. Tickets here!β
πΉ Rose Scents 6th Birthday in the Cutting Gardenβ Rose Scents, 5 Frederica Rise, 12β2pm Celebrate six years of Rose Scents with homemade rose jelly, artisanal rose vinegar, 30% off storewide and a chance to create your own bouquet in the cutting garden (bookings essential).
π² Monday Board Game Nightβ Otakumart, from 6pm Casual board game evening β bring your own favourites or try something from the in-house collection, free entry and everyone welcome.
Tuesday
π¨ Painting Clubβ Franklin Arts Centre, 6β8pm Bring whatever painting project youβre working on and enjoy two hours of focused creative time with other local artists (term time only).
πββοΈ STRIDE Tribe Run Clubβ Waiuku, 6pm Free, pressure-free 3km walk/run for all paces and fitness levels β come for the movement, stay for the community. More detailsβ
β Tuesday Quiz Night at Ed Streetβ Ed Street (27 Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe), evening Lively weekly quiz night with lots of fun and prizes up for grabs.
Wednesday
π¨ Bauble Painting Workshop (Evening Session)β Little Batch Wax Co, 152A Manukau Road, Pukekohe, 6.30pm Evening bauble-painting workshop with three ceramic baubles per guest, festive treats and all materials provided. Tickets!β
πΏ Festive Reuse: Make Your Own Christmas Wreathβ Waiuku Zero Waste, 5 Hosking Place, Waiuku, 5.30β7.30pm Create a low-waste Christmas wreath using scrap fabrics and coat hangers, with Christmas music, snacks and crafty vibes. Free workshop (koha appreciated); register here.β
π§ Relaxation Hour with The Whyte Collectionβ Waiuku Yacht Club, 7β8pm Wind down with a guided relaxation session β bring a yoga mat, towel, two pillows and a cosy blanket; $20 or koha.
π§βπ€βπ§ Anti-Social Social Club for Teensβ Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue, 3.30pm Inclusive after-school hangout space for teens of all kinds, with rotating fun activities and a come-as-you-are vibe.
β Wednesday Quiz Night at Ed Streetβ Ed Street (27 Edinburgh Street, Pukekohe), evening Midweek quiz night with plenty of prizes and a buzzy atmosphere.
π» Malt n Steel Quiz Nightβ Malt n Steel, 7pm Teams of 2β8 battle it out for quiz glory and prizes β booking recommended.
π Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Barβ The Village Bar, Patumahoe, evening Free weekly comedy pub quiz hosted by Crack-Up Quiz Nights β call 09 236 3571 to book your table.
Word Scramble answer: Romantic Dress (tried to make it harder this week!)
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p.s. If someone awesome sent you this email and you want to subscribe yourself, sign up here π dearfrankie.co.nzβ
"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! π₯
*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! π
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