Hello, my dear Frankies!

It's been a busy week around Franklin and the Frankie team have been lucky enough to visit so many cool local places - Aka Aka Brewing (needed some Father's Day gifts!), Mr. Henry's (have you noticed how many people have birthdays at this time of year?!), the Waiuku Sunday Market, the opening of 53Açaí (omg, we're going here like, every day in summer!), and of course we've had coffees at almost every coffee shop in town 🤭🤭

We’ve also been chatting with Peakway Construction this week and…wow. How many building companies actually inspire you? 🏡✨ Check them out if you’ve got renovations on the horizon - or if you just love a good local legend story

And this coming week looks like a stunner as well!

One new thing we're doing in the newsletter is starting a community notice board! We've had heaps of feedback from locals wanting to advertise everything from events to jobs to recruiting players for their social netball team! And until now, we've had no real way of doing that! So make sure to check out our Community Notice Board! And check out this if you have something cool for the notice board!

Ok, and now let's see what awesome things are happening in Franklin!

R. and the Frankie team xx

My first memories of Glenbrook Vintage Railway come from a boy from my class at Waiuku Primary School (approx. 300 years ago lol). He was so in love with trains and the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, that everyone in our class also grew a love for the local steam trains ♥

And then later, as a mum, we went to every Thomas the Tank Engine day out, Christmas Lights night and in the last few years, the amazing Matariki festival featuring the gorgeous Taiki Te Tirema.

Glenbrook Vintage Railways has been a beautiful part of the Franklin community for many, many years.

Since the 1970s, passionate volunteers (over 80 people volunteer there at the moment!) have worked tirelessly to restore the historic locomotives and carriages, turning them into a living, breathing experience for locals and visitors alike. From the smell of coal smoke to the polished brass fittings and the rhythmic chug of the engine, every detail is lovingly cared for, preserving an era when travel was slow, scenic, and a little bit glamorous.

You can actually experience the glamour for yourself (and share it with your loved ones!), because Glenbrook Vintage Railway also operates some unforgettable experiences around New Zealand.

This weekend (Saturday 13 September), they are actually running one of their coolest experiences - The Western Wine and Dine Express.

Starting in Waiuku, Glenbrook or Pukekohe, you’ll board beautifully restored heritage carriages, hauled by classic diesel locomotives (DC 4818 and DBR 1254 for those that know!) and enjoy the romance of the rail for the night!

✨ Choose your adventure:

Soljans Estate Winery Buffet Dinner - Travel to the gateway of West Auckland wine country for a 3-course buffet that celebrates local produce: think roast sirloin, pulled pork shoulder, and tender broccolini, all paired with Soljans’ own wines.
William C Daldy Steamship Dinner Cruise - Dine aboard New Zealand’s largest operational steamship as you glide across the Waitematā Harbour at sunset.
Onboard Multi-Course Meal - Keep your seat on the train itself, where attentive service, a licensed bar, and ever-changing scenery turn the carriages into your restaurant for the night.

🎟️ Fares start at $125–$165, and every ticket helps keep this community-run railway alive, funding restorations, supporting volunteers, and preserving our heritage for future generations.

So if you’ve been looking for a night out that’s different – something romantic, nostalgic, and proudly local - this is your chance.

Find out more info, and buy tickets here!

*Celebrating all the businesses, artists, creators and crafters we have here in Franklin ♥* **Nominate your favourites here**

✨Frankie Favourite✨

Peakway construction - Building with communication, care, and craftsmanship

When it comes to building or renovating a home, the process should feel just as rewarding as the finished result. That’s the philosophy at the heart of Peakway Construction, a Franklin-based building company led by local builder Marchant Pepler.

From day one, Marchant set out to do things differently. Having worked alongside his father from the age of 16 and learning the ropes from high-end residential builders, he understands the value of hard work, fine craftsmanship, and strong relationships. Today, he leads a handpicked team and a trusted network of subcontractors who share the same values.

At Peakway, three words guide everything:

💡 Communication - open, transparent, proactive updates so you’re never left wondering what’s happening with your project.

🔨 Quality - workmanship that pays attention to every last detail, whether it’s a new build, renovation, or extension.

🤝 Respect - for your home, your time, and your vision.

Peakway Construction offers a complete service, whether you’re designing and building from scratch, bringing architectural plans to life, or transforming an existing space (make sure you check out these before/afters!). Clients appreciate the end-to-end project management, Peakway’s Fixed Price Contract, and the care taken to ensure the process feels clear and stress-free.

“Being trusted with someone’s home is an honour I don’t take lightly,” says Marchant. “We want you to love your home, but also enjoy the journey of building it.”

Working with Peakway Construction is not just hiring another builder; it's actually partnering with a team dedicated to delivering clarity, confidence, and craftsmanship, every step of the way.

Peakway Construction - Working with you to build a beautiful home

💅 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

🥎 Waiuku Softball Have-a-go Day - Come along to a relaxed, family-friendly morning with Waiuku Softball Club with fun games, new skills, and community spirit. Open to all ages and abilities. Sunday 21 Sept, 11am–1pm, Waiuku Rugby Fields. Bring your mates and give softball a try! Or register now!

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!*

Sweet beginnings at 53Açaí 🍓✨

Pukekohe showed up hungry for the grand opening of 53Açaí!

And wow, did they deliver!

The line stretched out the door, the vibe was buzzing, and even when we popped back in on Monday, the place was still absolutely pumping.

So what’s all the fuss about?

It’s the cups. The glorious, towering açaí cups. Start with your choice of sauce (we went classic PB and white chocolate, but there are boujee options like Kinder Bueno and pistachio crème). Then comes the magic: açaí or soft-serve vanilla, a sprinkle of crunchy granola, more açaí, fresh strawberries and banana, and finally a drizzle of more sauce to finish. Heaven in a cup ♥

We also couldn’t resist the pistachio croissant - a golden, flaky, still-warm croissant stuffed with sliced strawberries, whipped cream, and pistachio crème. Truly next-level. And then there was the Dubai strawberry cup: whole fresh strawberries dunked in melted chocolate, smothered with pistachio crème, and topped with toasted kiffah. Trust us, this is a treat worth sharing…or not 🤭🤭

And that’s barely scratching the surface! 53Açaí is loaded with toppings, sauces, milkshakes, sodas, waffles, croissants, and more. Basically, if it’s indulgent and delicious, you’ll find it here.

Frankie's advice? Go hungry, take a friend, and don’t be afraid to load up your cup.

Pukekohe, we’ve got ourselves a new sweet spot!

idabu telcoacho

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!*

Thursday

🎨 Fun & Social Pottery Workshop
19 Market St, Pokeno | 6–8pm
Hands-on pottery session with expert guidance. Stress-free, creative, and perfect for all levels. $55 adults / $40 kids. Book here

✨ The Loft on Bowen Opening Evening
Upstairs at Botanica on Bowen, Waiuku | 5–7pm
Explore the new private Reformer Pilates & Fitness Studio, ask questions, and enjoy special $12 intro sessions. Access via driveway side door.

🍸 Thursday Cocktail Happy Hour
Little Ed, Waiuku | 6–7pm
All your favourites, just a little bit cheaper. The perfect after-work wind-down.

🎭 Y Studio (Teen Art Group)
Waiuku Library | 3:30–4:30pm (term time)
Creative drop-in group for high schoolers to explore art mediums and projects. No booking needed.

🧠 Quiz Trivia Nights
Blue Ox Babe, Waiuku | 7pm
Weekly Thursday quiz fun with friends, drinks, and plenty of laughs.

Friday

🎶 DJ Cali Fresh Live at Little Ed
Little Ed Pukekohe | From 7pm
Kick off your Friday night with soulful house and funky disco beats from @dj_califresh.

Saturday

👕 $5 Fill-a-Bag Clothing Sale
Zero Waste Waiuku, 5 Hosking Place | 8:30am–4pm
Fill a supermarket bag with clothing for only $5! Men’s, women’s, and kids’ items. Runs Sat & Sun.

🛍️ Karaka Market
113 Harbourside Drive, Karaka | 9am–12:30pm
75+ stalls with food, coffee, live music, pony rides, face painting, and artisan crafts. Bring cash in case EFTPOS isn’t available.

🚂 Western Wine & Dine Express
Departs Waiuku, Glenbrook, Pukekohe, or Papakura | Evening
Ride the Glenbrook Vintage Railway and enjoy a unique dinner: Soljans Winery buffet, steamship cruise, or onboard dining. Book now

💆‍♀️ The Wellness Club Open Day
Pukekohe Park Raceway | Morning
$20 includes Pilates fusion, contrast therapy (sauna + ice bath), granola bowls, giveaways, and intro offers. Get all the info!

🌿 Botanical Bliss Workshop
Botanica on Bowen, Waiuku | Evening
Create your own Kokedama plant and custom-fragrance candle, with grazing platter and drinks. Tickets $95.

💫 Pukekohe Mind Body & Spirit Expo
PIA Centre, 57 Ward St, Pukekohe | 10am–4pm (Sat & Sun)
Talks, workshops, healing, crystals, massage, readings, crafts, and more. Adults $6, kids free.

💻 Coding Makerspace (Ages 7+)
Pukekohe Library | 9:30–11:30am
Make games in Scratch or Python. Bring your own device. Beginners welcome!

🎵 Hen (Shovaav Music) Live at Little Ed
Little Ed Pukekohe Pukekohe | From 7pm
Hen brings the vibes and tunes to keep the good times rolling. Skip the rugby or swing by after the final whistle to keep the night going.

Sunday

🌞 Franklin Market
Pukekohe Park Raceway | 8am
Homegrown produce, crafts, antiques, food trucks, live music, and car boot stalls. Details

🛍️ Waiuku Sunday Market
9 Kitchener Rd, Waiuku | 8am–1pm
Bustling family-friendly market with artisan stalls, vintage finds, food, coffee, and live music. Perfect for a morning out.

💃 Puni Line Dance Spring Social
Pukekohe East Hall | 10:30am–3:30pm
Spring-themed dance social with raffles for St John. Beginners welcome at 10am. $10 entry, BYO lunch. Spring into it!

🐄 Crafty Cows Market
Pokeno Hall | 10am–2pm
Family-friendly community market full of local crafts, food, and unique finds.

🎸 The Shed Shakers Live at Little Ed
Little Ed Pukekohe | Sunday 1–3pm
Foot-tapping Rockabilly favourites to soundtrack your lazy Sunday afternoon.

monday

🧙 Harry Potter Quiz Night
Ed Street, Pukekohe | 6:30pm
Themed trivia night with prizes and a chance to qualify for the National Champs. $90 per team (up to 6 players). Book here

🕯️ Little Batch Wax Co Grand Opening Party
152A Manukau Rd, Pukekohe | 10am–2pm
Celebrate the new warehouse with discounted candles, goodie bags (first 40), refreshments, and cozy vibes. Follow along!

🍔 Monday Quiz Night
Appetite, Waiuku | 7pm
Classic weekly pub quiz with laughs and great prizes.

🎲 Board Game Evening
Otakumart, Pukekohe | 6pm
Relax and play your favourite board games. Bring your own or join in with others. Free entry.

Tuesday

🎨 Painting Club
Franklin Arts Centre | 6–8pm (term time)
Two hours of dedicated painting time with fellow artists. Bring whatever you’re working on.

🏃 Tribe Run Club
Waiuku | 6pm
Fun, free run/walk club for all levels. 3km loop, supportive vibes, and community connection. Get your running shoes on

Wednesday

😂 Comedy Quiz Night
The Village Bar, Patumahoe | Evening
Weekly comedy pub quiz with Jim. Free to play, call 09 236 3571 to book.

👥 Anti-Social Social Club (Teens)
Pukekohe Library | 3:30pm
A safe, inclusive after-school hangout for teens with fun activities. Be social or just do your own thing.

💡 Good Works Beyond Philanthropy Workshop
Tuakau | Evening
Learn how business and community can align for impact. Gain tools, strategies, and a roadmap for high-value collaborations. Check it here

Word Scramble answer: Dubai chocolate

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Rails & red wine, legends with toolbelts, and fruity frozen magic 🍷🔨🥣