Hello, my dear Frankies!
This week feels like it’s all about connection. The kind that fills your cup and reminds you why it’s so good to live in our little corner of the world. 💜
We’ve got Diwali celebrations lighting up Pukekohe, bringing together families, friends, and cultures in a day of colour, food, and festivity. And if you’re craving a little more human connection in your work week, our feature on Loom Shared Space might just be the sign you need to swap your kitchen table for a shared desk (and a proper coffee!).
The sunshine’s still playing hard to get, but the community vibes are definitely warming up! Check out all the events and stories below, and as always, if you know someone or something that deserves a Frankie spotlight, send them our way!
Hopefully see you at Diwali!
R. and the Frankie Team xx
✨ Frankie’s Guide to Diwali
Celebrating light, love, and community in Pukekohe
This weekend, Pukekohe will glow a little brighter. 🌟 And Arshdeep Kaur from the Pukekohe Indian Association and Franklin Indian Cultural Club was kind enough to talk with us about the amazing Diwali celebrations her clubs have been busy organising.
The Pukekohe Indian Association, alongside the Franklin Indian Cultural Club, is inviting everyone to join in the celebrations for Diwali 2025, a vibrant day packed with colour, music, food, and connection ♥
Expect over 50 vendors serving up fragrant Indian street food, handmade crafts, jewellery, and sweet treats. There’ll be dance performances, a fashion show, and activities for the kids - from carnival rides and face painting to candyfloss galore. Bike Pukekohe will even be on-site with a bike valet, so you can cycle over stress-free and park up in style.
🎉 Entry and parking are free, and everyone’s welcome.
🪔 So, what is Diwali?
Diwali - or Deepavali, meaning “row of lights” - is one of the most important festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs around the world. It marks the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.
- For Hindus, it honours the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana, and it’s also a time to worship Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
- For Jains, Diwali celebrates the day Lord Mahavira attained moksha — final liberation.
- For Sikhs, it coincides with Bandi Chhor Divas, when Guru Hargobind was freed from imprisonment in 1619.
Across faiths, homes are lit with oil lamps and candles, symbolising hope and renewal. As Arsh puts it, “It’s such a positive, happy, festive vibe - dressing up, visiting friends and family, sharing sweets, and lighting diyas together.”
🌸 A celebration for everyone
This year’s event is set to be bigger and brighter than ever, thanks to support from local schools, daycares, and businesses. It’s a true showcase of Franklin’s diversity - and a beautiful way to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of India right here at home.
Arsh hopes locals come away with a deeper appreciation of what Diwali represents: togetherness, generosity, and the joy of sharing. “Events like this give a sense of belonging to Indians who now call Franklin home, help our Kiwi-born youth connect with their roots, and offer everyone the chance to experience the multicultural community we live in.”
🤝 How to join in
Pop along with the family, try something new, and soak up the colours and flavours of Diwali. Follow the Pukekohe Indian Association and Franklin Indian Cultural Club on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok to stay updated - and you might even win a giveaway!
And if there’s one thing Arsh wishes everyone knew?
“India is incredibly diverse — travel from north to south and everything changes: the food, language, dress, dance, and art. Come and see a glimpse of it for yourself.”
📍 Where: PIA Event Centre - 55 Ward Street
🗓 When: Saturday 18 October 4pm-9pm
💰 Entry: Free entry & parking
🚲 Bonus: Bike valet by Bike Pukekohe
Weaving work, community, and caffeine into something beautiful...Welcome to Loom ♥
Founded by Catherine Tafto, a content and copywriter who got tired of talking to her pot plants, Loom was born from a simple realisation: just because you can work from home doesn’t mean you should work from home. What started as a few desks in Pukekohe has become a buzzing hub for freelancers, small-biz owners, and remote workers who wanted a better way to work - and a better crew to work alongside!
The people here call themselves Loominaries, and they’re the colourful threads that make up the fabric of Loom. One minute someone’s building a tech start-up, the next they’re teaching an award-winning VA how to hypnotise a chicken. (Yes, that actually happened).
But beyond the laughter and the caffeine, Loom is tackling something bigger: connection.
As Catherine puts it, humans are wired for connection, but we're losing all our traditional places of connection. So coworking has a huge role to play in solving the modern loneliness epidemic - especially when it comes to work! Think of Loom as your “third place” - not home, not the office, but the somewhere-in-between where ideas spark, collaborations happen, and you might just find your next business bestie ♥
And that's definitely one of Frankie's favourite parts of Loom Shared Space. They give their members so many fun opportunities to connect. Shared Waffle Wednesday (why isn't this a thing in every workplace?!), shared Matariki lunch, midwinter Christmas celebrations, shared Toastie Tuesday...and so many more! It's just like being at school during that last week of term four, when everything feels so fun!
And, if you're not quite ready to move in, but you need somewhere to actually impress a client (instead of apologising for the dog barking mid-Zoom 🤭), Loom’s meeting room can be hired by anyone! With space for up to ten clever humans, a smart TV, whiteboard on wheels, and enough caffeine to power an ideas marathon, it’s ideal for workshops, brainstorms, and board meetings alike. The setup’s totally flexible - tables on wheels, webcam for off-site attendees, and air-con that actually works (always a bonus when you finish a meeting with no sweat marks!) - and with easy parking right in central Pukekohe, it’s the perfect halfway spot between Auckland and Hamilton.
So, if you’ve been meaning to get out of the house, away from the commute, or into something that makes work feel good again, this is your sign!
Pop by for a free trial day (Catherine insists), or join their next Speed Networking Night on Wednesday 22 October. It's going to be a fun, one-on-one way to meet local legends over wine from 27 Seconds and bites from The Social Pantry.
Follow Loom Shared Space on Instagram here, or check out their website for memberships and book that meeting room!
thing thligs
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
💪 Coach Rosie’s Lean Body Challenge - Ready to feel stronger, leaner, and more confident? Coach Rosie’s 6-week Lean Body Challenge combines simple nutrition and weekly accountability to help you transform your body - and actually enjoy the process! More info and sign up here!
☕ Have you read Coffee News this week? - Pick up a copy in your favourite café or scan the QR code to read on your device
🎨 Franklin Painting Ltd - your local painting experts! With over 30 years’ experience and a trusted local team, they’re all about helping Franklin homeowners bring their vision to life - no job too big or too small. Locals supporting locals, with quality work at a fair price. Get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation!
📚 Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust - Struggling with reading or writing? Or know someone who is? The Rural Youth and Adult Literacy Trust offers free, one-on-one coaching for teens and adults across New Zealand — especially those living rurally or in isolated areas.
👉 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!
Thursday
🍸 Thursday cocktail happy hour – Little Ed
Little Ed, 6–7 pm
All your favourites, just a little bit cheaper!
🎨 Y Studio – teen creative drop-in
Waiuku & Pukekohe Libraries, 3:30–4:30 pm
After-school art space for high-schoolers to explore different mediums. Drop in, no booking needed.
🧠 Quiz night – Blue Ox Babe
Blue Ox Babe, 7 pm
Round up your smartest mates for a fun, friendly trivia night.
🚚 Food trucks – Pukekohe Park Country Racetrack
Pukekohe Park, 4:30–8:30 pm
Eclectic international street food at great prices (Thai, Mexican, Indian, Turkish/Greek, hāngi, gourmet burgers). More details!
Friday
🪔 Diwali celebration – henna, crafts & sweets
Waiuku Library (10 King St), 10 am
Free family-friendly morning of henna, crafts and treats for all ages.
🚚 Food trucks – Roulston Street carpark
1 Roulston St (by Town Square), 4:30–8:30 pm
Friday feast night with a rotating lineup of tasty street eats for the whānau. More details!
🎉 Pokeno Food Truck Fest
Outside Pokeno School (Helenslee Rd), 5–8 pm
Family-friendly kai and sweet treats—no dishes tonight! Free entry, takeaway available.
🧩 Buckland’s Best Brains – community quiz
Buckland Hall (18 Logan Rd), 7 pm
Teams up to 6; prizes and bragging rights. $12 prereg / $15 door. Register now!
🎧 DJ Martina Mak – disco, funk, R&B & more
Little Ed, 7–11 pm
Dance-floor vibes guaranteed all night.
🎸 Live band: LOOP at The Longkeeper
The Longkeeper (249 King St, Pukekohe), from 9 pm
Cold drinks, great food and big tunes till late.
Saturday
🧑💻 Coding makerspace – make your own games
Pukekohe Library (12 Massey Ave), 9:30–11:30 am
Create in Scratch or Python; BYO device recommended. Ages 7+.
🕯️ Candle-making workshop – Little Batch Wax Co
152A Manukau Rd, 10 am–1 pm
Pour a 400 g soy candle (≈75 hr burn) with cozy bites and drinks. Book now!
🎨 Create your own Rangoli art
Pukekohe Library courtyard (12 Massey Ave), 10 am–12 pm
Design a colourful Rangoli or join a larger collaborative piece. Free.
🚗 Waiuku Fords visit & Dickey Museum tour
Convoy departs Z Bombay, 9:30 am (tours from 10:30 am)
Classic Ford collections, Dickey Museum, optional lunch at Oha/Cossie. Info: smithfordnz@gmail.com / 027 485 2234.
🦶 DIY reflexology – seasonal allergy support
Hilltop Haven (473 Whiriwhiri Rd), 1–3:30 pm
Hands-on foot/hand techniques to ease sinus and support breathing. $110. Book: 021 546 460 or essentialsbyfleur@gmail.com
🌮 Kahawai Point Village Food Truck Night
Kahawai Point, Glenbrook, 4–8 pm
Top food trucks, pop-up bar, free kids’ face painting and plenty of seating—rain or shine.
✨ Neil Diamond tribute – Waiuku Cossie Club
Waiuku Cossie Club, 7:30 pm
Dress in sequins and sing along to all the hits.
Sunday
🛍️ Franklin Market – Pukekohe Park
Pukekohe Park Raceway, from 8 am
Produce, crafts, antiques, food trucks and live music. More details
🛍️ Waiuku Sunday Market
9 Kitchener Rd, 8 am–1 pm
Artisan stalls, vintage finds, coffee and music—make a morning of it in town.
🎪 Waiau Pa Central Market
571 Waiau Pa Rd, 9 am
Crafts, food and live tunes from Maranda—great community vibes.
🚲 Explore by bike – scavenger hunt
Colin Lawrie Fields, Pukekohe, 1–4 pm
Family wheels-friendly clue trail with spot prizes and gelato truck; map stays up for a month. More info!
🎯 W.A.R. open day – airsoft
58 Bird Rd, Otaua, 8:30 am–3 pm
All welcome; hire gear available. Book + safety briefing:
🔔 Sacred sound journey
Hilltop Haven (473 Whiriwhiri Rd), 4 pm
Deep rest with bowls, gong and harp. $35 via Humanitix
🍫 Sound bath & cacao ceremony – monthly gathering
Aligned Hart Wellness (see link), 2 pm
Heart-opening cacao, crystal bowls and Reiki. Book now!
🎯 1v1 match day – Asylum Paintball
833 Kingseat Rd, Karaka, 9 am
$100 entry incl. one box of paint. App encouraged: Hormesis Elite.
🚴 Sunset Coast BMX – have-a-go day
80 Attewell Rd, Puni, 10 am–1 pm
Ride the track, join demo races, borrow gear (limited). All ages/abilities welcome. Find more info!
monday
🎲 Monday quiz night – Appetite
Appetite, 7 pm
Local favourite quiz—good banter and bragging rights.
🎲 Board game evening – Otakumart
Otakumart, from 6 pm
Bring a fave or try theirs; chill Monday game night. Free entry.
🧙 Harry Potter quiz – Ed Street
Ed Street Pukekohe, 6:30 pm
Books + films trivia, bonus games and dress-ups. $90 team (up to 6). Buy tickets!
🍕 Margarita & Margherita night – Pizzata Deli
Pizzata Deli, evening
All-you-can-eat margherita pizza with a live margarita cocktail demo—long tables, loud laughs. Find more info!
Tuesday
🖌️ Open painting club – Franklin Arts Centre
Franklin Arts Centre, 6–8 pm
Bring your current piece for two focused hours; connect with fellow artists (term time).
🏃 TRIBE Run Club – walk/run for all
Waiuku, 6 pm
3 km at your own pace—fun vibes, zero pressure. Message @janaisdunnfitness for details.
🧘 Hatha yoga with Maureen – Yoga Collective
Waiuku Lions Hall, 9:30 am
Gentle, grounding movement to start your Tuesday. More info!
❓ Tuesday quiz night – Ed Street
27 Edinburgh St, evening
Laughs, prizes and friendly competition with the local quiz crowd.
💌 October Empower Her – email marketing mini-talk
Little Batch Wax Co Warehouse, morning
“Don’t send another newsletter until you do this” with Louise Deed—smart tips for small biz. Find out more
Wednesday
🎤 Comedy quiz – The Village Bar (Patumahoe)
The Village Bar, evening
Free to play with quizmaster Jim. Book on 09 236 3571.
🎮 Anti-Social Social Club – teens
Pukekohe Library (12 Massey Ave), 3:30 pm
Low-pressure after-school hang with rotating activities—everyone welcome.
🧘 Vinyasa yoga with Nigel – Yoga Collective
Waiuku Lions Club Hall, 6:30 pm
Flow to reset mid-week. More info!
❓ Wednesday quiz night – Ed Street
27 Edinburgh St, evening
Mid-week quiz fun with prizes and bragging rights.
🤝 Speed networking – Loom Shared Space
Loom Shared Space, 5:30–7:30 pm
Last one this year—small, curated and connection-focused with great kai.
🚴 Sunset Coast BMX – club nights
80 Attewell Rd, Puni, 5–7:30 pm
All levels welcome; hire gear available. Kitchen open; pre-order dinner at check-in.
🎵 Beats by Bingo – Disco Daddy
Franklin Taphouse & Kitchen (Beachlands), 7 pm
Sing, dance and win at musical bingo. Book: thefranklinpub.co.nz or 09 536 5978
🪴 Gardening evening – Mitre10 MEGA Pukekohe
Mitre10 MEGA Pukekohe, 4–7 pm
Workshops, supplier demos, BBQ, raffles, face painting, specials and giveaways.
Word Scramble answer: Night Lights
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