Hello, my dear Frankies!
It's been a big week in Franklin!
With lots of sunshine, it's the perfect time for the opening of Waiuku's new ice cream parlour, Scoopeez! We checked it out for you (multiple times) and tried everything from their classic ice cream cones (gotta get the choc dip!!), to their protein shakes!
Check out the Q&A below with owner Kelly ♥
And of course this Sunday is the Fun Run (or walk!) to raise money for Surf LifeSaving Kariaotahi! We talked to Head of LifeSaving Tara Coe, and got all the goss of the life guards, the upcoming comps they're taking part in, and all the behind-the-scenes info we often miss when we go down to Karioitahi for a nice sunset viewing!
Remember, we're always here on the other side of the newsletter, loving getting your emails and feedback!
Have a great week Frankies!
R. and the Frankie Team xx
Waiuku
- Scoopeez opened this week! Just in time for summer, selling ice creams (choc dip is $1 extra!!), protein shakes (catch ya there after gym!), and amazing sundaes! Follow them here, and check out our feature below!
- The amazing Dee from Botanica on Bowen has announced the opening of The Loft on Bowen in September - a gorgeous space for solo workouts, including dumbbells, a treadmill, and a reformer! The perfect space to work out when you really need to get away from the crowds. We really can't wait! Follow along for progress here 👉 The Loft on Bowen
Pukekohe
- It's the last day of winter this week! Which means Blue Ox Babe has brought back the slushies! Currently serving Mango Passionfruit Margarita Slushies (hell yes!) and the all-time favourite Strawberry Daquiri Slushies ♥ These are made with real strawberries and fruit and pair perfectly with the Asian Fusion menu! Get in there for a taste of summer ♥
- Want to meet the local candidates for coffee and a bike ride? Bike Pukekohe is making it happen! This Saturday, 30th August, join them at Your Local Coffee at 10 am to chat - or 9 am if you want to bike around this beautiful town too! Check out the details here!
Pokeno
- Did you know Pokeno Whisky do distillery tours, including tasting some of their speciality whiskies? The tours are about an hour long - check it out here! Maybe the perfect idea to take your dad for Father's Day??
🌊 Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi: more than just red & yellow on the sand
My early memories of Karioitahi Beach is playing in the black sand waaaaay back near the grass, as far from the water as I could get, because I was so scared of those fast waves that race in out of nowhere.
Now that I'm an adult, I'm a bit more brave, but if you've even just splashed around a bit in the shallows, you'll know how powerful the sea can be. And you'll also have a massive appreciation for the lifeguards with Surf Life Saving Karioitahi that patrol the beach
These legends cover the rugged stretch of coastline from the Manukau Bar to the Waikato Bar - and they don’t clock out when the sun sets. “We provide 24/7 on-call search and rescue personnel who help in a wide range of circumstances all over the country,” Tara Coe, Head of Lifesaving, explained. Every patrol, every training session, every late-night callout adds up to one goal: getting people home safely to their loved ones.
And right now, they’re gearing up for their big annual Fun Run fundraiser, this time in support of their Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) racing team.
Racing boats through the surf?!
Yep, you read that right. IRB racing is the adrenaline-fuelled sport where crews zoom inflatable rescue boats through the waves, battling surf and speed while “rescuing” a patient (played by a very brave lifeguard volunteer, usually the smallest one they can find!).
“IRB Racing is a great tool for membership retention, development and team building. It’s fun, safe, fast and exciting racing inflatable boats through the surf,” Tara told us. “Although the races aren't exactly like real-life rescue, it means we keep our lifeguards in good shape, used to being put into challenging scenarios, and motivated to stay active and focused.”
More than rescues
Ask the crew for their proudest moments and the stories come thick and fast: the first rescue a rookie lifeguard completes, juniors learning their water safety, or the day the club was nominated for an International Search and Rescue Federation Award after saving three lives off the Waikato Bar in hairy conditions.
“Every rescue we perform is pretty special in our eyes,” Tara said. “We try our best to get everyone home safe to their loved ones.”
What keeps them training in the cold, the rain, and the pounding surf? Simple: “The knowledge that our efforts directly save lives and keep our community safe,” Tara explained. “The ocean is unpredictable, and the only way to be ready for any situation is through consistent training, no matter the weather. When conditions are challenging, that’s when our community needs us most.”
Not just sitting on the beach
A lot of people don’t realise just how much goes into being a surf lifeguard. “It’s not just about sitting on the beach and waiting for someone to get into trouble,” they said. “Lifeguards put in countless hours of training outside of patrols - from fitness sessions and surf skills, to first aid, advanced rescue techniques, and scenarios that prepare us for any emergency. It’s physically demanding, mentally tough, and requires constant teamwork and communication.”
How you can help
The Fun Run is the perfect excuse to show some love! Lace up your shoes, bring the whānau, and help raise funds for essential gear and training. Not a runner? You can still donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word about water safety.
“Every bit of support makes a real difference in keeping our beaches safe,” Tara said. “Even small acts like following our updates on social media or encouraging young people to join juniors help us build a stronger, safer beach community.”
As we've all come to learn here in Franklin, Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi isn’t just a club - it’s a lifeline.
🏄♂️ Surfs up!
cie mraec lorpaur
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
Quick Scoops with Kelly from Scoopeez
For so many of us, the highlight of sneaking out of school early was stopping in at Dingle Dell for an ice cream cone. 🍦 But it’s been far too long since Waiuku’s had a proper ice cream spot. So when those Scoopeez signs started popping up on the old corner Ray White building, the town buzz was real.
And the best part? It’s not just cones on the menu – think sundaes, thick shakes, and even protein shakes for the gym-goers.
We popped in to check it out (ok fine… three times already) and sat down with Kelly, the friendly (and well-known!) face behind Scoopeez, to get the scoop.
Q: What inspired you to open Scoopeez in Waiuku?
We have lived in the area for a long time and always thought it was missing a good ice cream shop.
Q: What makes Scoopeez a little different from other ice cream shops?
I hope our atmosphere! We are friendly and are really hoping to bring an old school retro feeling to the shop. (editors note: Kelly and fam are looking to add framed photos of all the local hot rods - so if you have a cool car, get in there and talk to her!)
Q: Do you have a personal favourite flavour?
Mint choc chip allllll day!
Q: What’s been the most popular scoop so far?
Cookies and Cream and the new Fairy Bread!
Q: What’s your dream for Scoopeez?
Would love to expand it to bring a true old school diner experience - with booths, etc but I don't think I'll be serving on roller skates anytime soon 😁
And don't forget to follow Scoopeez on Facebook!
Thursday
🍸 Cocktail Happy Hour
Little Ed, Pukekohe
Thursdays 6–7pm
All your favourite cocktails, just a little cheaper!
🎨 Y Studio for Teens
Waiuku & Pukekohe Libraries
Every Thursday 3:30–4:30pm
Creative after-school art group for ages 13+. Drop in and explore new mediums with Hariata.
🧠 Quiz Trivia Night
Blue Ox Babe, Pukekohe
Thursdays 7pm
Team up for a fun trivia night with plenty of laughs.
Friday
🎶 Friday Night Bands – Loop
The Longkeeper, Pukekohe
Friday 29th, from 9pm
Loop is live at The Longkeeper! Free entry, great tunes, good vibes, and a late-night crowd.
🎧 DJ Cali Fresh
Little Ed, Pukekohe
Friday 29th, 7–11pm
High-energy mixes and bangers from the master DJ Cali Fresh. Perfect Friday night soundtrack.
Saturday
🎨 Coding Makerspace
Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave, Pukekohe
Saturday 9:30–11:30am
Learn to make your own games in Scratch or Python, even if you’ve never coded before. Bring your own device if possible. Ages 7+.
🎨 Thinking About Breathing – Exhibition
Franklin Arts Centre, Pukekohe
Opening Saturday 30th August
Exhibition by Judith Lawson exploring nature, trees, and interconnectedness. Includes free artist talks & workshops.
🚲 Ride, Coffee & Candidates
Your Local Coffee Roasters, 173 Manukau Rd, Pukekohe
Saturday 30th Aug, 9:15 ride & 10am–11:30 coffee/kōrero
Meet Franklin Local Board candidates with a social bike ride and coffee catch-up. Sign up
🎨 Baby Card Class
147 Harrisville Rd, Tuakau
Saturday 1pm
Make two themed baby cards (pop-up + 3D gift bag card). $25, RSVP with colour choice.
🍹 Bottomless Lunch
Little Ed, Pukekohe
Saturday 11:30am–3pm
A laid-back Saturday with endless drinks, good food, and better company. Perfect afternoon vibes.
🎶 DJ D’Ray
Little Ed, Pukekohe
Saturday 7–11pm
DJ D’Ray’s signature house remixes will keep the mood high while you enjoy food, drinks, and catch-ups.
🎶 Native Waves Live
Navigation Homes Stadium, PKJ Lounge
Saturday from 6pm
Local band Native Waves bring their live sounds to the stadium lounge for a free Saturday night gig. Doors open 6pm.
Sunday
🐾 Waiuku Sunday Market – Pet Event!
9 Kitchener Rd, Waiuku
Sunday 8am–1pm
Pet-themed stalls, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and plenty of furry fun! A paw-some family-friendly day out with market favourites.
🛍️ Pukekohe Market
Pukekohe Park Raceway, Pukekohe
Sunday 8am–12pm
Shop homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques, and delicious food trucks with live music. More info
🏉 Rugby Double Header – Counties Energy Heat & Steelers
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Sunday, Heat 11:35am & Steelers 2:05pm
Pasifika Round! Big rugby action plus kapa haka, Cook Island drummers, kids’ zone, giveaways, and live entertainment all day.
🔫 Airsoft – Save the Pilot Milsim
W.A.R, 58 Bird Rd, Waiuku
Sunday 8.30am
Tactical milsim event, hire gear available. Book online. Event link
🎶 Rusty Angels
Little Ed, Pukekohe
Sunday 1–3pm
Karl Mullan & Charmaine Moore bring smooth vocals and soulful melodies for a chilled afternoon session.
🏖️ SLSK Beach Run/Walk
Karioitahi Beach, Waiuku
Sunday, registration 7:15am, start 7:30am
5km walk/run or 10km run to support Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi’s IRB team. Family-friendly fundraiser. Event info
🏋️ Snatch Workshop with Megan Signal
CrossFit Pukekohe
Sunday 11am–1:30pm
Learn weightlifting-specific mobility, speed, coordination, and power. Book via CrossFit Pukekohe.
🍔 Cat Rescue Sausage Sizzle
Bunnings Takanini
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st, 8:30am–4pm
Grab a sausage and support Awhi Mai Cat Rescue’s desexing drive. Face painting & cake stall too.
🎶 Sacred Sound Journey
Hilltop Haven, Otaua
Sunday, 4pm
Lie back in a serene countryside setting with healing soundscapes of bowls, gongs, flute & handpan. A soulful evening of stillness.
monday
🎲 Board Game Night
Otakumart, Pukekohe
Every Monday from 6pm
Bring your own games or join in with the collection for a fun, free night of board gaming.
📝 Quiz Night at Appetite
Appetite, Pukekohe
Every Monday 7pm
Grab your mates for a night of laughs and trivia. Always lots of fun!
🍕 Pizza Class & Dinner
Pizzata Deli, 7a Glasgow Rd, Pukekohe
Monday 1st Sept, 6–7:30pm
Learn pizza oven techniques, dough stretching, toppings, and tips—then enjoy your own creation. $35pp.
Tuesday
🎨 Painting Club
Franklin Arts Centre, Pukekohe
Every Tuesday 6–8pm (term time)
Two hours of dedicated painting time to connect with fellow artists. Bring your own project.
🎤 Open Mic Night
Little Ed, Pukekohe
Tuesday 2nd Sept, 7–9pm
Showcase your talent or cheer on locals—music, poetry, and good vibes hosted by Dave Alley.
Wednesday
🎭 Anti-Social Social Club for Teens
Pukekohe Library
Wednesdays 3:30pm
Inclusive after-school hangout for teens with fun activities and new friends.
😂 Comedy Quiz Night
The Village Bar, Patumahoe
Every Wednesday 7pm
A free, hilarious pub quiz with Jim. Book a table at 09 236 3571.
Word Scramble answer: Ice Cream Parlour
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