Hello, my dear Frankies! 💜

Okay, I am way too excited about this…Frankie Fest has officially started 🎉

This idea has been living rent-free in my brain since we hit 1,000 email subscribers last year (!!!), but between the absolute chaos of 2025, I never actually stopped to celebrate it properly. And now we’ve flown well past that number (and still growing every week - thank you so much for sharing it with your people 🙏), so I thought, why not stretch out the summer vibes a little longer and throw a full-blown giveaway festival?

And I have been completely blown away by the generosity of our local businesses. The fact that so many of them jumped in to be part of this just reminds me (again!) how lucky we are to live here ♥

This week’s giveaway is a self-care dream, featuring:​
– a gorgeous alpine candle from Little Batch Wax Co.​
– a recovery voucher from Recovery Lane​
– a Pause session with The Pause Society​
– a brow tint and shape from Franklin Beauty Collective​
– 10 free coffees from Your Local Coffee ☕️
– a gift box of goodies from Rimu Gully​
– and a cocktail voucher from Little Ed

Franklin has really come together to make sure you're well taken care of!

​So, head over to our Instagram to find the giveaway post and enter ✨

And stay tuned for next week's giveaway…hint: what does Franklin do very well? 🍔🍷

And I'll see you all out there!

R. and The Frankie Team xx

Turns out, this is how you build a Community 🏃‍♀️🌿

Community isn’t something you can force. In fact, it usually starts really small - a few people showing up, not knowing each other yet, but connecting over something shared, and then coming back again and again.

Right now in Franklin, a lot of that community building seems to be happening through run clubs!

This week, meet two more Franklin run clubs (and their founders!) that have quietly become a super cute way for Frankie's to feel less isolated, and more connected ♥

Ed Street Run Club

On a Wednesday afternoon in Pukekohe, around 5:30pm, people start arriving at Ed Street for Franklin's newest Run Club - aptly named Ed Street Run Club.

Some come straight from work. Some have kids and prams in tow. Some bring their dogs (secretly still waiting for a cat to show up!). There’s a lot of shouted hellos, hugs and fist bumps, then a quick briefing, and then the group heads off toward Bledisloe Park.

Some take the 5km loop. Others go shorter. Some run, some walk, some do a bit of both.

No one’s timing you. No one’s checking your shoes.

You just move, have fun, and feel good.

And Ed Street Run CLub founder, Victor, watches it happen every week.

When he first thought about run clubs, this wasn’t what he had in mind.

“We pictured the typical scene,” he says, “fast-paced, fancy running gear and places like Mission Bay or Newmarket.”

But that version didn’t really feel like Pukekohe. Apparently, us Frankies weren't after the sterile run club with the little race trackers and trying to beat your time every week. We wanted more connection and less isolation. To feel like we belonged to something.

So Victor built something more reachable. He started with Blacksmith Runclub in Takanini - a super relaxed, no-pressure space where people could just show up. And when people from Pukekohe kept saying they couldn’t make it over, the answer was simple. "Bring it closer."

Now, Ed Street Run Club has become a bright part of the week for so many people!

Yes, there’s running. Yes, there are spot prizes and food discounts afterwards. But Victor is quick to point out that those aren’t the reasons people come back.

“The run is important,” he says, “but what makes us unique is community and genuine connections.”

And you can definitely see it when you watch people arrive - marathon runners alongside first-timers. Families out for a stroll. People who just need somewhere to be for an hour that isn’t work or home.

Victor works in Youth Justice, using movement and sport to connect with young people. He comes from a fitness background, but his thinking has grown beyond that.

“I’ve always believed movement is life,” he says. “But I’ve come to realise that health and wellbeing goes much deeper than just the physical.”

And Victor sees that show up in the small moments every day...

Someone turns up for the first time, keeps to themselves, not quite sure where to stand. A few weeks later, they’re the one introducing themselves first, making sure no one else feels out of place.

“One of the coolest things to witness,” Victor says, “is people who first come to Runclub not talking to anyone… and over time they become the ones welcoming others in.”

And Victor's favourite part? “The connections and friendships made through Runclub,” he says, “with total strangers becoming whānau.”

And with Ed Street Run Club, that’s exactly what it feels like ♥

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The Stride Tribe (Janais Dunn Run Club)

On the other side of Franklin, Janais Dunn was thinking about a different problem when she started her run club.

The quiet hesitation people feel before they even arrive - the worry about not being fast enough, or not knowing what they’re doing (yep - can definitely relate!).

So she took that pressure out of it completely ♥

​The Stride Tribe isn’t built around distance. It’s built around time.

You head out for 10-15 minutes, turn around, and come back. Everyone finishes around the same time, no matter their pace. It’s simple, but it changes how people show up (read: it makes people want to show up!).

“I wanted to create a space where people feel welcome to show up, no matter their fitness level,” Janais says. “Running can feel intimidating, so the goal was to build a supportive community where there’s no pressure.”

Janais is a personal trainer, so helping people step outside their comfort zone is already part of her world. The run club gives people a way to do that without feeling like they’re being watched or measured.

“Running with others makes it so much more enjoyable,” she says. “There’s always someone to chat with, people encouraging each other…and it helps with accountability too.”

And the group around her really reflects that.

“It’s a real mix of people,” she says. “I’m lucky to have an amazing group who are incredibly welcoming and encouraging.”

And because of that, new people don’t stay on the edges for long - they’re quickly brought into the fold, and before long, it's like they've always been there!

Janais loves watching people go from unsure beginners to finding a love for running. Two women from the group have since used it to train for a 5km race, and ten (!!) members recently completed the Round the Bays! Others have found themselves running regularly for the first time in their lives - even making sure to get some runs in on holiday. And seven regulars have also gone on to complete their very first Hyrox this year!

“It’s been amazing seeing people find their love for running,” she says.

And while these milestones are great, the really special part is finding something you actually enjoy, and people you want to keep showing up for.

“I want them to feel welcomed and comfortable straight away,” she says. “There’s no pressure - you can run at your own pace and just enjoy being part of the group.”

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Talking to Victor and Janais, it becomes really obvious - the thing about community is that it's not built in a big, loud, obvious way.

It's quieter, warmer - people turning up, moving together, and slowly becoming part of each other’s lives ♥

📲 Follow Victor and Ed Street Run Club, and Janais and The Stride Tribe on Instagram now!

umtuna ciinpc

Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

🧸 Teddy Bears’ Picnic with Waiuku Toy Library

Pack a picnic, grab your favourite teddy, and settle in for a wholesome day of fun in the park 🌿

Expect bouncy castles, obstacle courses, bear hunts, dance parties, story time, colouring, and plenty of chances for your little ones (and their bears) to play, explore, and make memories. There’ll even be a photo booth and purchase tasty treats like a sausage sizzle and hot chips to keep everyone fuelled!

Behind the fun is a really special cause. The Waiuku Toy Library is a volunteer-run community hub that allows local families to borrow high-quality toys for a low cost - helping keep play fresh, affordable, and a little less cluttered at home ♥

It’s an amazing resource for parents, caregivers, and tamariki of all ages, but like many grassroots services, it relies on funding and community support to keep going. After missing out on a key funding round, this fundraiser is all about helping them continue doing what they do best.

For all our local mini-Frankie's, it’s a beautiful way to spend the day - and a lovely chance to support something that gives so much back to our Waiuku whānau!

🗓 Day and time: Saturday 21st March at 10am
​📍 Location: Kevin Laurence Park (the reserve outside Waiuku Library)
​🎟 Tickets: $10 per child, or $30 for a family of three or more children. Adults and under 1s free!
​🎡 More info: Check it out here!​

🧠 The Franklin Club Trivia Hop - Quiz Night Fundraiser - Grab your friends (or join a team on the night!) for a fun evening of trivia, games, prizes, and laughs - complete with raffles, spot prizes, and optional 1950s dress-up 🍻 It’s held at The Franklin Club, and all in support of Pukekohe Central Kindergarten! So you can enjoy a great night out while backing a much-loved community staple 💛

🏊‍♀️ Fulton Swim School Open Month - Puni and Patumahoe locations - All through March, you can trial a full 25-minute swim lesson for free - perfect for seeing if it’s the right fit for your little swimmer! Book on the day to unlock a special discount and go in the draw to win free lessons, with sessions available across all Fulton Swim School locations - www.fultonswimschool.co​.nz 💦

☕ 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:

👉 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

📸 Pop-in Photo Day
Buckland Hall | 9:00am–12:00pm
Drop in for a photo session — no appointment needed. More info here!​

🥋 Waiuku Tai Chi
10 King Street | 9:30–10:30pm
Weekly Tai Chi session in Waiuku. Check it out!​

🎨 After School Art Club
Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe | 3:15–4:15pm
A creative space for intermediate-aged kids to explore art. Term 1 focuses on landscape and the natural world. Booking required. All the details here​

🐣 Easter Basket Craft
Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue | 3:30pm
A fun hands-on Easter craft session. More info here!​

👩‍🔧 Free Women in Trades Evening
4 Massey Avenue | 5:00–7:00pm
A free evening event for women interested in or already working in the trades. Check it out!​

🍜 Food Trucks at Pukekohe Park Raceway
Pukekohe Park Country Racetrack | 4:30–8:30pm
An eclectic mix of international street food including Thai, Mexican, Indian, Greek/Turkish, hangi and gourmet burgers at competitive prices.

🍹 Cocktail Happy Hour at Little Ed
Little Ed, Pukekohe | 6–7pm
All your favourite cocktails, just a little bit cheaper!

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Friday

🦇 Ngā Pekapeka (Bats): Through Our Lens
12 Massey Avenue | 9:30am–4:30pm
A photography exhibition celebrating our native bats. All the details here​

🏎️ Trades Day at Pukekohe Park
Pukekohe Park | All day
Put the tools down and wrap up the working week early at this racing day. More info here!​

🎬 Movie Night at Paerata Rise
Paerata Reserve | 7:30pm
Free outdoor screening of Despicable Me. Bring a picnic and cosy blankets. Food and drinks available, spot prizes on offer!

🎵 Mitch French – Live Music at Mr Henry
Mr Henry | 5pm onwards
Live music to kick off your Friday evening.

🎸 Queen & BeeGees Tribute Night at The Cossie Club​
4 Victoria Avenue | 7:00–11:00pm
A live tribute to two of the greatest bands of all time. Check it out!​

🎵 DJ Les – 80s, 90s & 00s Night
Little Ed, Pukekohe | 7–11pm
DJ Les spinning timeless anthems and classic throwbacks all night long.
​

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Saturday

🏎️ Legends of Speed
Hampton Downs Motorsport Park | 8:00am onwards
A massive day of motorsport action. All the details here​

🚂 Steampunk Express – NZ Steampunk Photography
Glenbrook Vintage Railway | 10:00am
A unique steampunk-themed photography event on a vintage railway. More info here!​

🧸 Teddy Bears Picnic
Kevin Lawrence Park, outside Waiuku Library | 10:00am
A sweet community picnic for little ones and their teddies. Check it out!​

🫐 Pleasant Valley Blueberries – Last Pick Your Own Day
Awhitu Gully Road, Wattle Bay, Awhitu Peninsula | All day
Last chance for the season to pick your own blueberries!

🛍️ Tuakau Community Market
Central Park, corner of George St and Jellicoe Ave, Tuakau | 9am–1pm
Local community market with a range of stalls and produce.

🗃️ Waipipi Hall Jumble Sale
Waipipi Hall | 9am–1pm
Bouncy castle, yummy treats, coffee and lots of fun thrifting! Contact info@waipipihall.com​

🎨 A Brush With Fame – Art Exhibition Opening
Franklin Arts Centre | All day (21 March–15 April)
A gorgeous music-inspired collection by local artist Patrick Murphy.

🏁 Napa Auto Parts Competition Meeting #5
Meremere Dragway | 7:00am
Drag racing competition meeting. All the details here​

🌍 Multicultural Festival hosted by Puni School​
PIA Event Centre, 57 Ward Street | 11:00am–6:00pm
A celebration of cultures from around the world. Markets, food stalls and more. More info here!​

🎵 Edwin Judd – Live at Mr Henry
Mr Henry | 5pm
Live music with delicious food.

🎶 BeWild Ecstatic Autumn Equinox
Karaka Primary School Hall | 7–9pm
An ecstatic dance event to celebrate the autumn equinox. All the details here​

🧠 The Franklin Club Trivia Hop
The Franklin Club | 6:30–9:30pm
A fun quiz night fundraiser. More info here!​

🏀 Quiz Night by ClueHQ – Franklin Basketball Fundraiser
Navigation Homes Stadium | 6:30pm
Quiz night raising funds for Franklin Basketball. Check it out!​

🎵 DJ NPeezy
Little Ed, Pukekohe | 7–11pm
Smooth house beats, fresh remixes and laid-back energy with Auckland's own NPeezy.

🎲 HANDS OFF! Live at Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club​
Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, 78 Nelson Street | 10:00pm
Live musi by HANDS OFF! All the details here​

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Sunday

🧘 Sunday Stretch Sessions with The Stretch Collective​
RXFitness235, 42 Belgium Street, Waiuku | 9:00am (45 mins)
A weekly stretch session with The Stretch Collective. Check it out​

🛒 Franklin Market at Pukekohe Park Raceway
Pukekohe Park Raceway | 8am–1pm
Homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques, food trucks, live music and car boot stalls.

🌍 A World of Cultures in Waiuku
8 Bowen Street | 10:00am–2:00pm
A celebration of multicultural community in Waiuku. Check it out!​

🐣 Easter Basket Craft in Waiuku
10 King Street | 10:30am
A fun Easter craft activity for the kids. All the details here​

🏎️ Hampton Downs Street to Track
Hampton Downs | 2:00pm
Bring your road car and take it to the track! More info here!​

🔔 A Place to Land: Sacred Sound Journey
473 Whiriwhiri Road | 4:00–5:15pm
An immersive sound healing experience. Check it out​

🏃 STRIDE Tribe Run Club – Waiuku
21 Martyn Street, Waiuku | 5pm
A free, fun and pressure-free 3km walk or run for all paces. All the details here​

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monday

🍳 Good Food, Bright Minds – Free Kids Breakfast
Cafe Queen, Waiuku | 7–9am
A community collaboration providing nourishing breakfasts for school kids every Monday during term.

🧘 The Monday Reset Room
473 Whiriwhiri Road | 9:30–10:30am
A weekly reset session to start your week right. More info here!​

🏃 The Wellness Run Club
Your Local Coffee, West Street | 5:45am
A 5km loop open to all levels — a great way to start the week.

🎲 Board Game Evening at Otakumart
Otakumart | 6pm
Bring your own games or try something from their collection. Free entry, everyone welcome!

🍷 Premium Sparkling Wine Tasting Challenge & Dinner at Pizzata​
Pizzata Deli, 7A Glasgow Road | 6:30pm
A special evening of sparkling wine tasting and dining. Check it out​

🎨 A Brush With Fame Exhibition
12 Massey Avenue | 9:30am–4:30pm
Music-inspired art by local artist Patrick Murphy. Running 21 March–15 April. All the details here​

🍺 Quiz Night at Good Home Pukekohe
Good Home, 65 Edinburgh Street | 7pm
Weekly Monday quiz night. Booking recommended.

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Tuesday

💼 LinkedIn Workshop with PeopleInk
Location TBC | 11am–1pm Turn LinkedIn into a client-attracting machine for your business. More info here!​

🎨 Painting Club at Franklin Arts Centre
Franklin Arts Centre | 6–8pm
Bring whatever you're working on for two hours of dedicated painting time. Connect with other local artists. Term time only.

🏺 Vase-Making Workshop with Bex from R Ceramics
Sweetgum Cottage, Hunua | 6:30–9:30pm
A hands-on ceramics workshop making beautiful vases. All the details here​

🏃 STRIDE Tribe Run Club – Waiuku
21 Martyn Street, Waiuku | 7pm
A free, fun and pressure-free 3km walk or run for all paces. More info here!​

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Wednesday

🏃 Flying Mullet Run Group with Carl Read
Waiuku College Running Track | 5–6pm
Run technique, intervals and race prep. $5 per session. Contact Carl at reado79@gmail.com​

🏃 Ed Street Bar Run Club
Ed Street Bar | 5:30pm
2.5km and 5km options with spot prizes and bar menu discounts.

🎵 Beats by Bingo at Little Ed
36 Edinburgh Street | 7:30–9:30pm
A fun bingo night with beats. Check it out!​

🎸 Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Bar
The Village Bar, Patumahoe | Evening
Free to play comedy pub quiz with quiz master Jim. Call 09 236 3571 to book.

🍺 Malt N Steel Quiz Night
Malt N Steel, Waiuku | 7pm
Teams of 2–8, prizes to be won!

🦇 National Pekapeka Hui 2026
Rereteewhioi Marae, Waiuku | 25–27 March
A national gathering celebrating our native bats. More info here!​

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Word Scramble answer: Autumn Picnic

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