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Flickering flames, secret brews, and TWO stories worth sipping ๐ฏ๏ธ๐บโจ
Published 28 days agoย โขย 9 min read
Hello, my dear Frankies!
Lately, Iโve been thinking about just how many amazing businesses we have in our little corner of the world. So many locals have taken an idea, followed their passion, and jumped in - sometimes before they even felt ready! - and grown something truly wonderful.
It feels like thereโs something in the air in Franklin - a spark thatโs inspiring people to chase what they love and create something that lights them up every day.
Iโd love to share more of these stories, so tell me: do you have a local business?
Or reply to this newsletter to let me know your favourite local businesses and inspiring stories!
And now! Time to read about two very cool local legends that we've had the privilege of meeting this week!
R. and the Frankie Team xx
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๐ฏ๏ธ Little Batch Wax Co.
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Pukekoheโs New Candle Haven
It's so rare to find a space that instantly feels warm and inviting the moment you walk in. But thatโs exactly what stepping into Little Batch Wax Co. at 152A Manukau Rd, Pukekohe feels like. Itโs not just the shelves of glowing amber jars or the cosy corners tucked around the store; itโs Beth herself, the heart behind Little Batchโ Wax Co., who welcomes you in like an old friend.
Beth grew up in a tiny Midwestern town where candles were woven into everyday life - the holidays, the changing seasons, the special moments. But when she moved to New Zealand, she couldnโt find the candles she loved from home. So she started pouring her own. What began in 2017 with a single Pumpkin Chai candle pour has grown into a thriving business, now with a beautiful new warehouse and retail space, every bit as thoughtful as the candles themselves.
When I met Beth at the grand opening, what struck me most was how much community and connection are at the heart of everything she does. Her candles arenโt just about fragrance, theyโre about slowing down, savouring small moments, and creating that sense of belonging we all crave.
โจ The Workshopsโ โLittle Batchโs workshops are a perfect example of this. Imagine a cosy afternoon with friends, delicious grazing bites, and the soft hum of conversation while you blend, pour, and create your very own 400g soy candle. Youโll leave with not just a beautiful candle (75+ hours of burn time!) but the memory of actually slowing down for an afternoon and making something from scratch with your own hands.
โจ The Candle Clubโ And then thereโs The Candle Club! Bethโs truly unique creation. Each month, members receive a candle subscription box, delivered straight to their front door. Inside is a seasonal exclusive scent, a sneak peek mini of whatโs coming next month, a little seasonal gift to match the candle, a postcard with journal prompts, and even a curated playlist to set the mood. Itโs a monthly dose of hygge delivered right to your doorstep - the perfect excuse to slow down and create little rituals that make everyday life feel special.
As Beth says, โAt its heart, Little Batch is about creating cozy, slow-made moments that connect us back to ourselves, our homes and each other.โ
I couldnโt agree more. Whether you join a workshop, sign up for the Candle Club, or simply stop in for a chat and a sniff, Little Batch Wax Co. is a little pocket of warmth in Franklin.
๐ Gelish Cream Nail Gel and Sip Evening - Join us for a fun night of tips, tricks, and hands-on learning with the NEW Gelish Cream Nail Gel! Ticket includes a gel starter kit, drinks, nibbles, giveaways, and more. Beautiful, lasting nails await! Don't miss out โ
โ Have you read Coffee News this week? - Pick up a copy in your favourite cafรฉ or scan the QR code to read on your device ๐
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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!
Highlighting all the happenings in the local food and drink scene!
Aka Aka Brewing: Franklinโs Own Craft Beer Story
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On a quiet stretch of Aka Aka Road, just ten minutes from Waiuku, sits Aka Aka Brewing. We visited the Cellar Door on a busy Saturday to learn more about how a craft beer brewery ended up in our beautiful part of the world.
From the Garage to Aka Aka
Founder and brewer Trev Rollinson has been brewing for more than 30 years, but the dream of his own brewery started small - literally, in his garage! When his homebrew setup began spilling out the door, Trev and partner Debbie knew it was time to find a bigger space that would allow them to grow. After a long search, they chose Aka Aka, a quiet pocket of Franklin surrounded by farms, families, and beautiful rolling countryside. It had everything they needed - from the commercial shed large enough to fit brewing vats, to the road front, perfect for setting up a retail space.
Over weekends and late nights, Trev built the brewery by hand - machining, welding, and piecing it all together while Debbie managed the business side. In August 2024, Aka Aka Brewing finally opened its doors, a true Franklin project built from the ground up โฅ
A Brewer with Global Experience
Trevโs not just any brewer. With a background in microbiology and a Masterโs in Brewing Science, heโs worked alongside some of the worldโs top brewmasters, from Carlsberg to Asahi. He even rose to Head Brewer for a global brand before deciding to pour his skill back into Franklin. That depth of experience shows in every glass.
Brewed for Franklin, With Franklin in Mind
Right from the start, Trev and Debbie wanted Aka Aka Brewing to centre around giving back to the local community and strengthening the region:
Sustainable practices: rainwater for brewing and cleaning, recycled building materials, and spent grain going straight to local farms.
Locally and NZ-sourced ingredients: New Zealand malt is at the heart of the brewing process, and if you try the Ironsand, those hops actually came from a neighbouring farm!
Supporting local life: creating a space Franklin can be proud of, while producing beer that belongs here (you'll find the beer on offer at all the cool local eateries!)
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The Beers
The line-up is true-to-style and handcrafted:
NZ Country Lager
NZ Pilsner
Hazy Pale Ale
India Pale Ale
Seasonal specials like the Ironsand Pale Ale
Available at the cellar door, through local stockists, or delivered across the North Island.
Frankie tip: We definitely suggest you visit Trev on a Saturday at the Cellar Door, for a walk through of the brewery and a tasting of all their craft beers.
A Local Legend in the Making
Aka Aka Brewing is more than just a faceless brewery. Itโs Franklin ingenuity, sustainability, and craftsmanship opened up for everyone to enjoy. What started in a garage is now a space that belongs to the land and the people around it - a reminder that some of the best things grow close to home โฅ
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
There's a lot going on in Franklin if you know where to look! And remember to submit your event for free!โ
Thursday
๐ฟ Mฤori Language Week Storytimeโ ๐ Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave ๐ 10.30am A 30-minute themed storytime with stories, rhymes, singing and dancing. Encourages a love of books while building language and literacy skills.
๐จ Y Studio (Ages 13+)โ ๐ Waiuku Library, 10 King St ๐ 3.30โ4.30pm Drop-in art group for high schoolers to explore creative projects and mediums. Runs every Thursday during term time.
๐ Gelish Cream Nail Gel & Sip Eveningโ ๐ Unichem Waiuku Pharmacy, 40 Queen St ๐ From 6pm Learn tips and tricks for applying Gelish Cream Nail Gel in a fun, social evening with drinks, nibbles, demos, and giveaways. Ticket includes a starter kit.
๐ธ Cocktail Happy Hourโ ๐ Little Ed ๐ 6โ7pm Every Thursday your favourite cocktails, just a little cheaper.
โ Quiz Nightโ ๐ Blue Ox Babe ๐ 7pm Weekly Thursday trivia nightโbring a team and test your knowledge.
๐ฅ Skrewball Whiskey Eventโ ๐ Little Ed ๐ 6โ9pm Meet Skrewballโs ambassador Savanna, sample whiskey and cocktails, and try the crowd-favourite Salty Nuts Shot. A fun, social evening with friends.
Friday
๐ญ The Day the Internet Died / When Bad Things Happen to Good Actorsโ ๐ Rising Stars, 2 Harrington Ave, Pukekohe Junior show: A hilarious look at how society copes when the internet goes down for a week. Senior show: A chaotic Wizard of Oz production full of forgotten lines, rogue cues and laughs.
๐ Food Truck Festโ ๐ Outside Pokeno School, Helenslee Rd ๐ 5โ8pm Family-friendly evening with a delicious lineup of street food, sweet treats, music, and community vibes. Free entry.
๐ง DJ Martina Makโ ๐ Little Ed ๐ 7โ9pm An electrifying mix of disco, funk, R&B, hip-hop, and Latin grooves to fill the dancefloor and keep the vibes high.
Saturday
๐ฑ Terrarium Workshopโ ๐ Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave ๐ 11amโ12.30pm Create your own miniature garden ecosystem. All materials, refreshments, and guidance included. Book here.
๐ธ Creating Beautiful Balms Workshopโ ๐ Leafy Hollow, 66 Duff Rd, Waiuku ๐ 10amโ12.30pm Learn to make natural balms using organic ingredients and oils. Includes morning tea. $60 pp. lavendergarden.nz/workshopsโ
๐ Family Trees: Drop-in Mixed Media & Poetry Workshopโ ๐ Franklin Arts Centre ๐ From 10am Make art with fallen leaves, words and watercolour. Materials providedโbring your own photos or leaves if you wish. Suitable for all ages.
๐๏ธ Moon Bloom Markets at Spookersโ ๐ 833 Kingseat Rd, Kingseat ๐ 1โ9pm Celebrate the end of winter with whimsical stalls, food, and a touch of magic.
๐จ Shorthand Family Craft Studio Open Dayโ ๐ 521 Grahams Beach Rd, Waiuku ๐๏ธ Saturday A fun open day at the family craft studioโexplore, create, and get inspired.
๐ป Coding Makerspaceโ ๐ Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave ๐ค 9.30โ11.30am Learn Scratch or Python in this hands-on coding session. Ages 7+, devices recommended.
๐ Author Talk โ Dermot Rossโ ๐ Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave ๐ 11am Free talk about Rossโs debut novel Hemingwayโs Goblet, exploring Hemingway and modern relationships in the #MeToo era.
๐ฆ Pekapeka Acoustic Monitoring Wฤnangaโ ๐ Waiuku ๐ฅ 10.30amโ12.30pm (Saturday & Sunday sessions) Learn how to detect pekapeka/bats in your backyard with this hands-on monitoring workshop.
๐ Double Header vs Auckland (Counties 70th Anniversary)โ ๐ Navigation Homes Stadium, 35 Franklin Rd, Pukekohe ๐ 11.35am & 2.05pm Counties Energy Heat and Steelers face Auckland. Plus kids zone, kapa haka, dance, food trucks, live music, and anniversary gear. Ticketsโ
๐ฅ Saturday Bottomless Lunchโ ๐ Little Ed ๐ฆ 11.30amโ3pm Good food, bottomless drinks, and great companyโlaid-back Saturday vibes.
๐ฅ Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade Annual Poker Runโ ๐ Waiuku (tickets online) ๐๏ธ All-day Saturday Support the local brigade with a fun community poker runโbuy tickets online and join the ride. BUY TICKETS NOW!!โ
๐ถ Hen Kelish | Shovaavโ ๐ Little Ed ๐ 7โ11pm High-energy global grooves, tribal rhythms and percussion for a dance-filled night.
Sunday
๐๏ธ Waiau Pa Central Marketโ ๐ Waiau Pa School Events Centre ๐ 9amโ1pm Crafts, artisan foods, indoor/outdoor stalls, coffee, live music, and community vibes.
๐ฅ Pukekohe Marketโ ๐ Pukekohe Park Raceway ๐ 8am UpMarket with homegrown produce, crafts, antiques, food trucks and live music. Detailsโ
๐ Waiuku Sunday Marketโ ๐ 9 Kitchener Rd, Waiuku ๐ 8amโ1pm Local artisan stalls, vintage finds, coffee, food, music, and family activities. Perfect morning out in Waiuku.
๐ฅ Waiuku Softball Have-a-Go Dayโ ๐ Waiuku Rugby Fields ๐ 11amโ1pm Friendly morning of softballโlearn skills, play games, and meet the community. All ages welcome.
๐ฎ Sunday Open Game Day @ W.A.Rโ ๐ 58 Bird Rd, Otaua, Waiuku All welcomeโequipment available for hire. More infoโ
๐ถ Sound Journey with Sikaโ ๐ 15 Percy Graham Dr, Tuakau ๐ค 9.30โ11am Immersive sonic experience featuring didgeridoos, drums, flutes, and more. Bring a mat, blanket and pillow for comfort.
monday
๐งฉ Lego Challenge (School Holiday Program)โ ๐ Waiuku Library ๐ 3.30โ4.30pm Get creative with Lego challenges at this fun after-school session.
๐ผ Weaving Flowers (School Holiday Program)โ ๐ Waiuku Community Space ๐ 3.30โ4.30pm Drop in to weave flowersโpart of the holiday program.
๐ฒ Board Game Nightโ ๐ Otakumart ๐ From 6pm Weekly board game evening. Bring your favourites or play from the collection. Free entry.
โ Monday Quiz Nightโ ๐ Appetite ๐ 7pm Test your knowledge in this relaxed weekly quiz night.
Tuesday
๐จ Facepainting (School Holiday Event)โ ๐ Pukekohe Plaza, Muffin Break ๐ 11amโ2pm Free facepainting fun across multiple daysโperfect for families.
๐ช Baking (School Holiday Program)โ ๐ Waiuku Community Hall ๐ 10amโ12noon Bake cookies with Waiuku Community Space.
๐จ Painting Clubโ ๐ Franklin Arts Centre ๐ 6โ8pm Bring your current project and paint alongside other local artists.
๐ Tribe Run Clubโ ๐ Waiuku ๐ 6pm Free community run/walk group. 3km at your own paceโeveryone welcome.
Wednesday
โต Womenโs Sailingโ ๐ Waiuku Yacht Club, Sandspit Rd ๐ฅ 10.30amโ2.30pm Empowering sailing day for womenโlearn, build confidence, and connect. Registerโ
๐จ Recycled Crafts with Zero Wasteโ ๐ Pukekohe Library ๐ฅ 10.30โ11.30am Make crafts inspired by play, using recycled materials.
๐ญ Girlsโ Holiday Workshopโ ๐ Aka Aka Hall ๐ค 9.30amโ3pm Spring-inspired day of painting, bath-bomb making, crochet and hand knitting. $65 pp. Event infoโ
๐ต Beats by Bingoโ ๐ Little Ed ๐ข 7.30โ9.30pm Half bingo, half singalong, all fun! Midweek party vibes.
๐ค Comedy Quiz Nightโ ๐ The Village Bar, Patumahoe ๐ 7pm Weekly comedy quiz with quizmaster Jim. Free to playโbook a table.
๐ฑ Housie Nightโ ๐ Pukekohe Cossie Club ๐ 7pm Monthly housieโbring friends and enjoy a fun night.
Word Scramble answer: Craft beer
And that's all for this week!
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p.s. If someone awesome sent you this email and you want to subscribe yourself, sign up here ๐ dearfrankie.co.nzโ
"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! ๐ฅ
*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! ๐
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