Hello, my dear Frankies!

This week in Dear Frankie, we’ve got icy plunges, fire trucks, and cocktails on the agenda - which, frankly (see what I did there?), sounds like a pretty good time.

We’re shining a light on local legends (like the Waiuku volunteer fire brigade 🔥🚒), serving up your ultimate guide to Franklin hikes 🥾, and pointing you toward cocktails worth dressing up for 🍸 (hi, Dylan at Glow).

So grab a cuppa, get comfy, and let’s catch up on all the best bits around town.

Love,
R and the Frankie team x

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And to make this first month of Dear Frankie extra special, our friends at OHA Cafe have kindly donated loads of free coffee to our subscribers - if you make it to the end of the newsletter, you'll find out how to get your hands on one!

🔥 Waiuku’s Real-Life Superheroes

The one thing that all Waiuku peeps know and love (kinda) is the sound of the fire siren. 7:30am Monday to Friday like clockwork, and whenever there's an emergency.

But when we hear those sirens blaring, we also know what comes next. Someone’s having their worst day - and our local legends are about to put their lives on the line to help out however they can.

The Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade isn’t just a bunch of firefighters. They’re tyre-fitters, sparkys, plumbers, builders, dog walkers, factory workers - regular people who drop everything (sometimes literally mid-dinner, mid-gym sesh or mid-nap) to sprint toward danger when the rest of us would be running away. Fires, car accidents, medical calls, search and rescue, storm chaos, even natural disasters - they’re there, keeping us all safe.

And they do it all for free. Just guts, training, and a massive dose of heart, keeping our little corner of the world safe.

The fun side: Poker Run madness

Because the Waiuku brigade is completely volunteer, fundraising is a huge part of keeping them running. And, being Waiuku, it's not going to be just another boring raffle - it's one of the biggest, most fun days of the year: the Annual Poker Run.

Here’s how it works:

• Grab your car or motorbike (bonus points if you dress up).
• Tickets are $50 per poker hand - and yep, you can buy extra hands if you’re feeling lucky.
• Zoom around local spots, picking up playing cards.
• Finish back at the station with live entertainment, dinner, and the big reveal: who’s holding the winning hand?

It’s part treasure hunt, part pub crawl, part absolute chaos - and 100% in support of the crew who have our backs all year long.

Tickets sell out fast, so if you’re even thinking about it, grab yours now:
👉 Book here​

At Dear Frankie, we love meeting people who are chasing their passions, building businesses they believe in, and finding ways to give back to the community. So we were pretty stoked when Ben and Naomi from Counties Recovery House invited us to try a recovery session at their brand-new wellness centre in Pukekohe.

Ben and Naomi, along with their kids, have poured so much into building this space. It’s a business, yes, but it’s also a passion and a calling. They’ve made big sacrifices to create something that helps people feel and perform their best. From athletes and local sportspeople, to mums and dads, and everyone who wants to perform fully in every aspect of their life.

Recovery has exploded in popularity over the last few years – especially for active folks who put as much energy into looking after their bodies as they do into training them. At Counties Recovery House, you’ll spot everyone from rugby players to fighters to CrossFitters coming through the doors.

But it's super important to remember that it’s not just for athletes. Contrast therapy – and the unique protocols Ben has designed – are just as powerful for everyday people. It’s perfect if you want to:

• Clear your head after a stressful week
• Build mental resilience
• Escape the constant noise of work and family life
• Give your body (and mind) a proper reset

Ben and Naomi see it all - busy business owners who need to de-stress, chefs and retail staff who spend all day on their feet, and tired parents who just want thirty minutes of calm so they can show up fully for their families.

Their recovery sessions are based on the classic RICE method - rest, ice, compression, elevation - but with a modern twist. Here’s how it works:

1. Two rounds of contrast therapy: a quick ice bath plunge followed by a longer sauna session.
2. Finish with 30 minutes of compression therapy to flush your lymphatics and leave you feeling light, calm, and recharged.

The best part of our visit was experiencing Ben’s passion firsthand. This isn’t just a business for him - it’s a way to serve his community. He’s there for the sportspeople, the shift workers, the mums and dads… and he’s even using Counties Recovery House as a way to mentor locals, offering guidance and encouragement to help them stay on track toward their own goals.

If any of this sounds like what you need (and trust us, it probably is), book a session at Counties Recovery House. Follow them on Instagram for updates and grab their booking link in bio.

🏄‍♂️ Surfs up!

✨ Look Up!

This week we have a stunning conjunction of Venus and Saturn in the pre-dawn sky. If you're up before the sun is up, look east for two bright lights sitting close together - you're looking at Venus and Saturn!

From the 12th August we'll also have dark skies without the moon drowning out the stars. So if you find yourself outside after dark, take a second to appreciate the brilliance of the Milky Way ♥

Glow Restaurant & Bar ✨ – Waiuku’s Cocktail Secret

Okay, so you know how it's always been impossible to get a decent cocktail in Waiuku? Like, wine - sure, beer - on tap, but cocktails? Nope. Not until now, anyway.

Enter Glow Restaurant and Bar.

The magic is mostly thanks to Dylan, the bartender-slash-cocktail-wizard behind the bar. Talking to Dylan you can see how much he loves mixology and the art of the cocktail. And more than just fllowing recipes, you can see that he actually loves creating them. He’ll straight-up ask what flavours you’re into and then custom-make you something on the spot. Sweet, sour, tropical, boozy - whatever you’re vibing, he’s got you.

And he goes all-out for events, too. Christmas, Steels and Wheels, oh May the Fourth was a favourite! Blue Milk from Tatooine and Qui-gon Gin (STar Wars fans will get it!). This autumn we had Pineapple Jack. Winter? It's the perfect time for a s’mores cocktail with an actual toasted marshmallow on top - flamed right there at the bar. I dare you not to take a photo!

Fankie fam tip? Go late arvo, grab the window table with the church pews (elite people/car watching spot), order a round of cocktails and some loaded wedges, and settle in.

It’s the spot for when you want to feel a little fancy without leaving town.

sttranco pyerath

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

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So, turns out Franklin’s got some seriously good walking spots. And not just “I’ll take my coffee for a stroll around the block” walks (though, valid). We’re talking coastal tracks, hidden bush loops, dam lookouts – the kind of trails that make you feel like you’re doing something outdoorsy… without actually driving to the middle of nowhere.

Whether you want a quick wander with the kids, a sweaty bush loop, or a sunset picnic spot, here are our fave local hikes:

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​🥾 Massey‑Cossey Loop — The Classic

📍 Hunua | ⏱ ~2 hours | 💪 Medium

Probably the most popular of the bunch, this loop winds through farmland and native bush, with just enough climbing to feel like you’ve done something heroic. Great views, birdlife, and not too far from home.

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🌾 Pūweto Loop — The Peaceful One

📍 Hunua Ranges | ⏱ ~2 hours | 💪 Medium

A bit longer than Massey‑Cossey and even quieter. You’ll meander through open farmland and shady bush — perfect for clearing the mental cobwebs or listening to that podcast you’ve been meaning to finish.

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🌊 Wairoa Dam Lookout — The Challenge

📍 Clevedon | ⏱ ~2 hours | 💪 Hard

This one’s got a bit more bite, with some proper elevation and sweeping views over the Wairoa Reservoir. It’s a solid leg-burner but 10/10 worth it. Think smug Instagram selfies with dramatic backdrops.

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🏞 Awhitu Regional Park — The Chill One

📍 Awhitu Peninsula | ⏱ ~30 min | 💆‍♀️ Easy

Short, sweet, and stunning. Think estuary views, native birds, and grassy picnic spots. It’s the “let’s bring the kids and a thermos” vibe, or the perfect solo re-set button.

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🐚 Tāpapakanga Coastal Walk — The Scenic Route

📍 Orere Point area | ⏱ ~1.5 hours | 💪 Medium

Rolling coastal hills, native bush, historic stonefields, and sparkling sea views. You’ll want to bring your camera for this one — and maybe a snack to eat while pretending you’re in a doco.

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🕰 Franklin Early Settlers Walkway — The Local Gem

📍 Pukekohe | ⏱ ~20 mins | 👟 Easy

A short heritage trail through a slice of Pukekohe’s history. It’s more “stretch-your-legs-on-a-lunch-break” than “outdoor epic,” but it’s charming and full of local stories. Bonus points if you grab a coffee after and feel intellectual.divi

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🎒 A Few Tips Before You Go

• Bring water, snacks, and a hat — classic Kiwi advice, but still solid.
• Some of these tracks can get muddy, so maybe not your white sneakers.
• If it’s summer, go early to beat the heat (and the crowds).
• And always check for local updates or track closures!

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Now go forth and explore your own backyard. And if you spot a cheeky kererū or a stunning view, tag us so we can live vicariously (@todearfrankie). Happy hiking!

thursday

🎨 Y Studio: Creative Drop-In for Teens
​🕞 3:30–4:30 PM
📍Pukekohe & Waiuku Libraries
An after-school creative hub for teens to explore art, try new mediums, and work on cool projects—no booking required. Ages 13+.

📖 Cook Islands Storytime at Pukekohe Library
​🕥 10:30 AM
A lively 30-minute session of stories, rhymes, and dancing to celebrate Cook Islands Language Week. Perfect for little ones and a great way to build early literacy skills.

⚖️ Free Legal Advice Appointments
​📍205 King Street, Pukekohe
Book a free 15-minute session with a local lawyer. Great first step if you’re unsure where to begin. 📞 Contact Community Law: 09 274 4966

🥂 Ladies Business Lunch at Appetite
​🕛 12:00 PM | 📍Appetite, Pukekohe
No suits, no speeches—just great food, bubbles, and better company! Includes lunch, a goodie bag, and a chance to win tickets to the Girls in Business Conference. Book here​

🍸 Cocktail Happy Hour at Little Ed
​🕕 6:00–7:00 PM
All your fave cocktails at Little Ed… just a little bit cheaper. Treat yourself—it’s Thursday, after all!

🧠 Trivia Night at Blue Ox Babe
​🕖 7:00 PM
Gather your crew and test your smarts at Blue Ox Babe’s legendary quiz night.

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Friday

🧬 Genealogy Help at Waiuku Library
​🕥 10:30 AM–1:00 PM
Looking into your family history? The Waiuku Genealogy Group might have the info you’re after. Bring your dates, names, and questions!

🎧 DJ Martina Mak at Little Ed
​🕖 From 7:00 PM
Get into the weekend groove with soulful house and funky disco vibes, courtesy of DJ Martina Mak. Bring your dancing shoes.

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Saturday

💻 Coding Makerspace

🕤 9:30–11:30 AM | 📍Pukekohe Library
Create your own games in Scratch or Python—even if you’ve never coded before! Recommended for ages 7+

🎮 Assault on Precinct W.A.R – Night Game
​🕒 Gates open 3:30 PM | 📍58 Bird Rd, Waiuku
A glow-in-the-dark airsoft night game like no other. SWAT vs. GANG in a battle for turf, drugs, and redemption. 🔗 Book here 🔗 FB Event​

🎧 DJ Peezy/Parker at Little Ed
​🕖 From 7:00 PM
Back on the decks with your Saturday night soundtrack! Dance into the night with live mixes and party vibes.

🎥 Mountain Film Festival
​🕖 7:00 PM
An epic evening of mountain-themed films, featuring cycling, kayaking, hiking, and adventure racing from Aotearoa’s wildest corners. Profits support local youth adventure grants! Check it out!​

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Sunday

🌞 Pukekohe Market
​🕗 8:00 AM–12:00 PM | 📍Pukekohe Park Raceway
Handmade crafts, car boot treasures, food trucks, and local gems—this one’s a staple!

🛍️ Waiuku Sunday Market
​🕗 8:00 AM–1:00 PM | 📍9 Kitchener Rd
Artisan goods, vintage finds, fresh kai, music, and kid-friendly activities—your perfect Sunday morning.

🔫 Sunday Open Day at W.A.R
​🕣 Gates open 8:30 AM | 📍58 Bird Rd, Waiuku
Newbies welcome! With hire gear available, you can show up solo or bring your squad for a full day of adrenaline. 🔗 Book here​

🍖 Roast + The Rusty Angels at Little Ed
​🕐 All Day
The ultimate cozy Sunday: slow-cooked roast and laid-back live music from The Rusty Angels.

🐎 SHARE NZ Waiuku Series Ride One
​📍Waiuku Forest, Otaua
🚴‍♀️ Choose 6, 10, 20 or 40km of gorgeous off-road riding. Perfect for first-timers and seasoned distance riders alike.🔗 Enter Here 📎 Event Flyer​

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monday

🎙️ Open Mic Poetry Night
​🕕 6:00–7:30 PM | 📍Waiuku Library
Share your poems or favourite verses in a relaxed, supportive setting. First-timers welcome! 📧 Contact: franklinoutreach@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

🎲 Board Game Night at Otakumart
​🕕 From 6:00 PM | 📍Otakumart
Try something from the shelf or bring your favourite game. Free entry and good times guaranteed.

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Tuesday

🤝 Speed Networking @ Loom
​🕠 Doors open 5:30 PM | 📍Loom Shared Space
Small, fun, and effective business networking with food, wine, and follow-up contact sharing. Check it out here!​

🎨 Painting Club at Franklin Arts Centre
​🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
Two peaceful hours of creativity with fellow local artists. BYO project and chill vibes.

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Wednesday

🤣 Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Bar
​🕖 7:00 PM
Quizmaster Jim returns with jokes, jabs, and pub trivia gold! Free to play—call 09 236 3571 to book.

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Word Scramble answer: contrast therapy

Did you get it?! Now get yourself a FREE coffee by referring three mates with this magical link!

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