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Small town, main character energy 🎬✨
Published about 7 hours ago • 6 min read
Hello, my dear Frankies!
So, sometimes, living in Franklin feels a bit like living in a small town movie - except instead of one main character, we’ve got heaps of local legends quietly doing cool, creative, generous things every single week. Businesses dreaming up weirdly wonderful events, community people stepping up in big ways, artists making magic in the background…it’s all happening, and half the time you only hear about it by accident.
That’s actually a massive reason why I started Dear Frankie. I kept stumbling across these brilliant people and ideas and thinking: why isn’t everyone hearing about this?! Our locals deserve a place to shine - and the rest of us deserve a fun, easy way to discover what’s going on right in our backyard. So here we are: tiny-but-mighty, and very lucky. ✨🏘️
And in this week's edition, we're highlighting some of these cool and unique happenings in our little corner of the world, so go give them some love!!
R. and the Frankie team xx
Featuring community news, groups, events, people, places and businesses. The very best of Franklin
Small Town, Main Character Energy 🎬✨🏘️
Franklin has this quiet superpower: we’ve got movers and shakers everywhere! We're surrounded by people who don’t just talk about “building community,” they actually build it. One week it’s an art pop-up full of local artists, the next it’s kids getting a no-questions-asked brekkie because someone decided that mattered, and then you’ve got barre and coffee in the park like…yes please!
Here’s what’s happening Around Town - cool, different, and very us ♥
🥣💛 Good Food, Bright Minds (Kids Eat Free Mondays)
A seriously lovely Waiuku initiative is kicking off next Monday, run by Lisa from Sanctuary Retreat alongside Max and the Café Queen crew.
Here’s the deal: every Monday, 7-9am, school-aged kids (primary or high school) eat for free. No parent purchase needed. No conditions, no questions asked - just a warm meal, a good start, and a whole lot of community care.
As Lisa shares, "It started as a simple conversation and has grown into something deeply meaningful, making sure children begin their day nourished, seen, and supported."
Max has also created a simple, nourishing menu made with care (the kind of food that feels like a hug, but for your brain).
How gorgeous is this initiative?! Make sure you share this with others and if you have any ideas to help Lisa and Max continue to run this beautiful offering, please reach out to Lisa on Instagram or Facebook!
🎨 Local Artist Pop-Up Exhibition
Franklin is quietly stacked with talented artists! And I'm always so inspired by these beautiul souls out here making beautiful things while I'm just trying to keep my basil alive. This pop-up is a chance to see what our creative Frankliners have been working on, all in one easy little wander.
So, pop in, take your time, and leave feeling slightly more cultured (and probably a bit inspired).
When: 15 Jan - 4 Feb Where: Community Gallery Space, Franklin Arts Centre (12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe)
🩰☕ Barre & Brew at the Park
If there's one place in Pukekohe to find that early-morning main character energy...it's Your Local Coffee! We're pretty lucky to have these guys in the neighbourhood, especially when they get together with other cool locals to put on unique events!
And this week's event is a 45-min barre-inspired Pilates session in the beautiful fresh air with Sarah from The Pilates Room, surrounded by the greenery (and roses!) at Seddon Park - then coffee and a catch-up after.
When: Monday 2 February 2026, 6:15am Where: Seddon Park (meet next to Your Local Coffee Roasters, 3 West Street, Pukekohe) Ticket includes: the class + one regular coffee/drink
Waiuku Business & Development is hunting for fresh, beautiful snaps to show off our town on socials (day or night) - and you could score Waiuku vouchers while you’re at it ♥
The winning shots will be featured on their Facebook page and website, and you can choose to be acknowledged. (Heads up: entries grant Waiuku Business and Development Association rights to use the photos for promo.)
Entries close: 28 Feb 2026 Email your two photos to Michelle: office@waiukutown.co.nz
Little brainteasers
taselip moro
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
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🏊 Whiteside Pool Rangitahi Fun Day Whiteside Pools, Waiuku | 12:00–3:00pm Summer fun at the pool with a community day vibe. Free tickets!
🎨 Local Artist Pop Up Exhibition Franklin Arts Centre (Community Gallery Space) | 9:30am–4:30pm A rotating pop-up showcasing local artists (running 15 Jan–4 Feb). Check it out!
🍸 Thursday Cocktail Happy Hour Little Ed | 6:00–7:00pm All your favourites, just a little bit cheaper.
🧠 Quiz Trivia Night Blue Ox Babe | 7:00pm Classic quiz night energy—bring a team and your best obscure knowledge.
🍔 Food Trucks at Pukekohe Park Raceway Pukekohe Park Country Racetrack | 4:30–8:30pm International street food lineup (Thai, Mexican, Indian, Greek/Turkish, hāngī, burgers + more) at easy dinner prices.
Friday
🎧 DJ Funky Harry Little Ed | 7:00–11:00pm Kick off the weekend with feel-good tunes and dancefloor energy.
Saturday
🩺 Family Open Day with Pukekohe Chiropractic 77 Seddon Street, Pukekohe | 10:00am–12:00pm Free spinal exams + school bag checks, face painting, music, activity packs, and free coffee for adults. More info!
🚶 Peace Walk at Harker Reserve Harker Reserve | 8:45am A gentle community walk with a mindful, reflective vibe. Check it out!
🛍️ Tuakau Community Market Central Park (corner of George St & Jellicoe Ave), Tuakau | 9:00am–1:00pm A classic community market wander—local stalls, snacks, and a cruisy morning out.
♻️ Homemakers Swap South Auckland 287 Clarks Beach Road | 10:00am Swap meet goodness—bring items, browse, and leave with something new-to-you. Here's the details!
🎒 Back to School Summit Waiuku Community Space | 2:00–4:00pm Support + resources for heading back into the school year. More info!
🧘♀️ Suspended in Sound at Sanctuary Sanctuary, 94 Bungard Road, Karaka | 7:00–8:30pm Float in the pool while crystal bowls + calming frequencies guide you into deep rest (booking link has full details). Get your tickets!
🎧 DJ Sai Funkin Little Ed | 7:00–11:00pm Disco, funky house, and smooth grooves—pair with good drinks and good people.
Sunday
🧺 Pukekohe Town Square Farmers & Artisans Market Pukekohe Town Square | 9:00am–12:30pm Fresh produce + artisan finds in the middle of town.
🎣 JFK Seadoo West Coast Gamefish Quest Hoods Landing, Ōtāua | 7:30am–3:00pm Big day on the water for the fishing crowd. More info
🐾 Pet First Aid Course St John Pukekohe | 9:00am–12:00pm Learn practical first aid skills for pets. Book now!
🛍️ Pollok Market 4 Cemetery Road, Pollok | 9:00am–1:00pm Local market morning—stalls, chats, and small-town charm.
🔫 The Joust Open Game at Asylum Paintball 833 Kingseat Road | 1:00–3:00pm Jump into an open game session—fast, muddy, and wildly satisfying. More info!
🛒 Franklin Market at Pukekohe Park Raceway Pukekohe Park Raceway, Pukekohe | 8:00am Produce, crafts, antiques, collectibles, car boot stalls, food trucks, and live music.
🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club (Sunday) 21 Martyn Street, Waiuku | 5:00pm Free, fun, pressure-free 3km—walk or run at your pace. Updates here!
monday
🩰 Barre & Brew at the Park Seddon Park (next to Your Local Coffee Roasters), 3 West St, Pukekohe | 6:15am 45 minutes of Barre-inspired movement with Sarah (The Pilates Room) + a regular drink included. Events page here!
🥣 Good Food, Bright Minds (School Brekky Support) Café Queen + Sanctuary Retreat, Waiuku | 7:00–9:00am A term-time collab helping Waiuku kids start the week with a nourishing breakfast.
🧠 Quiz Night at Appetite Appetite | 7:00pm Monday night laughs + quiz chaos.
🏃 The Wellness Run Club Your Local Coffee (Manukau Road) | 5:45pm 5km loop, all levels welcome—move your body, then hang around for the post-run chat.
🎲 Board Game Night @ Otakumart Otakumart | From 6:00pm Free entry—bring a game or borrow one and settle in for a low-key Monday hang.
Tuesday
🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club (Tuesday) 21 Martyn Street, Waiuku | 7:00pm Free 3km community run/walk—good vibes, zero pressure. Updates here!
🧠 Quiz Night at Ed Street 27 Edinburgh Street | (time not listed) Quiz night with prizes and plenty of banter.
Wednesday
🧘 The Relaxation Hour (Gentle Nervous System Reset) Waiuku Yacht Club | 6:45–8:00pm A midweek exhale—slow down, settle your nervous system, and feel human again. More info!
🧠 Malt N Steel Quiz Night Malt N Steel, Waiuku | 7:00pm Teams of 2–8, prizes up for grabs (book ahead).
🎤 Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Bar The Village Bar, Patumahoe | (time not listed) Free to play—comedy pub quiz hosted by quiz master Jim (call 09 236 3571 to book).
🧠 Quiz Night at Ed Street 27 Edinburgh Street | (time not listed) Midweek quiz + prizes—bring your smartest (or funniest) friend.
🏃 Ed Street Bar Run Club Ed Street Bar | 5:30pm 2.5km + 5km options, spot prizes, and bar menu discounts after.
Word Scramble answer: Pilates Room
p.s. If someone awesome sent you this email and you want to subscribe yourself, sign up here 👉 dearfrankie.co.nz
"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! 💥
*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! 👇
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