"Think Waiuku + surrounds are boring? You haven't signed up for Dear Frankie yet!"
*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! π
Share
This one's for the volunteers π
Published about 15 hours agoΒ β’Β 8 min read
Hello, my dear Frankies!
Can you believe how icy those mornings have gotten?! Secretly though, March mornings are definitely my favourite. That perfect crispness in the air, the sun rising at exactly the right time, and those stunning clear-sky sunrises we've been getting lately. It's chef's kiss. So soak it all up while it lasts!
This week, we're shining a big, bright light on the absolute legends in our corner of the world.
So much of what makes this community safe and connected runs on volunteers - people who show up and give their time, their skills, and their energy, selflessly for the rest of us. Two examples that quickly come to mind - the Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade, and the Waiuku Search & Rescue Coastguard team - these people do hard, important work, and they don't always get the credit they deserve. This week, read up on our local Coastguard crew and the community variety show they're putting on to raise money for a much-needed boat upgrade. Go support them if you can!
Also in this week's issue - Zero Waste's Handbag Appeal is on, and if you've got a few items to spare, donating could make a real difference to women going through a tough time.
Have a beautiful week, and take a moment to appreciate all the wonderful people around you doing good. β₯
R. and the Frankie Team xx
Featuring community news, groups, events, people, places and businesses. The very best of Franklin
The neighbours who'll help us out of the sea ππ€
Somewhere in Waiuku right now, there's a plumber, a teacher, a tradie, maybe a retired farmer - living ordinary lives, but ready at a moment's notice to jump in a rescue boat and save ours β₯
That's Waiuku Coastguard. And they've been doing this since 1973.
Historical photos from coastguard.nz
After two drownings on the Waikato River, the local community refused to just shake their heads and move on. They got organised, formalised a search and rescue unit and started training. And over fifty years later, Waiuku Search and Rescue is still going strong - 27 volunteers cover a vast patch of water that stretches from Huntly on the Waikato River, all the way out 12 nautical miles into the Tasman Sea, and across the entire Manukau Harbour and its notorious bar.
And most locals know that bar is no joke. The Manukau has been identified as New Zealand's highest fatality blackspot on the water, having claimed 54 lives since 2000. These are the waters our volunteers patrol.
And they're busy. Last year alone, the Waiuku unit responded to 40 incidents and helped 117 people. That's real people - fishermen, families, divers, sailors - who went out on the water and needed someone to come get them. In October last year, when an overdue scuba diver was reported missing in the Waiuku Channel, volunteers had their rescue vessel in the water within 35 minutes. The diver was found more than a kilometre and a half from his last known position. And he made it home.
None of these volunteers get paid. They train every Tuesday night. They fundraise to keep the boats running. And when the call comes - day or night - they go.
Sadly, of course, the boats don't last forever. Waiuku Search and Rescue is already planning their next vessel - a new 12-metre rescue boat needed by 2029 - and the fundraising has begun. Which brings us to the most fun way you can possibly help out this month!
All Aboard! β A Variety Show to Support Our Coastguard
Saturday 14 March | Waiuku Memorial Town Hall | Doors 5:30pm | Show 6:30β9:30pm
The Lions Club is pulling together an absolute cracker of a night out, with every single dollar going towards Waiuku Coastguard's new boat.
Performers on the night include Jenni Smith, Albi and the Wolves, the Waiuku Theatre Group, and the UkuPella Choir - a proper mixed bill of local talent! Arrive from 5:30pm for drinks and nibbles from the bar, browse the silent auction and pick up raffle tickets in the foyer, then settle in for a great show.
Tickets: $35 early bird adult | $45 adult on the door | $15 under 18s
These legends have spent over five decades showing up for our community on the water. On 14 March, we get to show up for them on land β₯
Little brainteasers
gihh aess
Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!
β
That handbag sitting in your wardrobe could change someone's life β€π
You know the one. The bag you loved to bits, used for a season, and then stuffed in the back of the wardrobe? Well, it's time to give it a new purpose, and you've got until this Sunday to do it.
Waiuku Zero Waste is a drop-off point for the Love Grace Handbag Appeal, and the collection closes on 8 March.
So what is it? Love Grace was founded in honour of Grace Millane, the young British woman whose life was tragically taken while travelling in New Zealand in December 2018. Grace adored handbags. In her memory, her family turned that love into something beautiful - collecting handbags filled with everyday essentials for women escaping domestic violence. Women who often leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs. In New Zealand, donations go directly to women through Women's Refuge.
Here's how it works: grab a handbag - new, preloved, whatever you've got - and fill it with these new and unopened items: shampoo, conditioner, soap or body wash, deodorant, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. Then drop it to the Junktion Shop at Waiuku Zero Waste, 5 Hosking Place, before Sunday.
And the team there have thought of everything for those of us with the best intentions but complicated lives:
No handbag? They have some in-store you can grab.
Can't afford all six items? Bring what you can - they'll combine donations at the end to make sure every bag goes out fully stocked.
Want to go the extra mile? Check out the optional extras suggested by the Love Grace NZ Appeal
These legends are already out here diverting 70% of our community's waste from landfill, running a tool library, a community workshop, and a shop full of treasures at the Junktion - and then they set themselves up as a collection point for something like this too β₯ They deserve so much more credit than they get.
So - dig out that handbag, grab a few things off the supermarket shelf, and drop it in before Sunday. It's a small thing for us. For someone else, it might be everything. π
There's a lot going on in Franklin if you know where to look! And remember to submit your event for free!β
Thursday
π¬ Siser Pick 'N' Mix Tour 6c Cape Hill Rd, 1:00pm Siser fabric/craft tour stop. More infoβ
π Shooting Workshop for Netball Coaches Waiuku Netball Courts, 7:00β8:30pm Coaches shooting skills workshop. More infoβ
π¨ After School Art Club Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave, Pukekohe, 3:15β4:15pm Intermediate-aged kids explore creativity through nature and landscape themes. Bookings required. More infoβ
πΉ Cocktail Happy Hour Little Ed, 6:00β7:00pm All your favourite cocktails, just a little bit cheaper!
π Food Trucks at Pukekohe Park Pukekohe Park Country Racetrack, 4:30β8:30pm International street food - Thai, Asian, Mexican, Indian, Greek/Turkish, hangi, gourmet burgers and more.
β Quiz Trivia Night at Blue Ox Babe Blue Ox Babe, 7:00pm Weekly pub quiz night!
Friday
πΈ Take a Seat β Photography Exhibition by Raymond Ludlow Stable Light Gallery, 40 Queen St, Waiuku Running March 6βApril 3. Uniquely shaped seats from around NZ and Australia, each with its own story.
Saturday
π Franklin Home and Lifestyle Show 2026 PIA Events Centre, 9:30amβ4:00pm Home, garden and lifestyle expo (also Sunday). More infoβ
π£ Fish n Chicks Fishing Comp Ti Toro Boat Ramp, 6:00am Women's fishing competition. More infoβ
π¨ Create with Nature with Artist Rachel Schanzer Franklin Arts Centre, 10:00amβ12:00pm Nature-inspired art workshop. More infoβ
π§ Pukekohe Repair Cafe 12A Massey Ave, 10:00amβ1:00pm Bring your broken items and get them fixed! Get the details!β
π Tuakau Community Market Central Park, corner of George St and Jellicoe Ave, Tuakau, 9:00amβ1:00pm Weekly community market.
πΏ The Little Green Expo Pukekohe Anglican Church Complex, 43 Queen St, Pukekohe, 10:00amβ2:00pm Eco and sustainable living expo. More infoβ
π The After Hours Stylist 80 Razorback Rd, Bombay, 1:30pm Personal styling event and floral arrangements! Check it outβ
ποΈ MotoFest Bike Show Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, 9:00am Motorcycle show and display. More infoβ
π Poker Run Muddy Waters Irish Pub & Restaurant, 10:00am Motorcycle poker run event. Check it out!β
πΈ Gin Tasting Evening Waiuku Cossie Club, 6:00β8:00pm An evening of gin tasting. Don't miss it
π΅ Big Tasty Band β Live at Mr Henry 17 Patumahoe Rd, 7:00pm Funk, soul and seriously good vibes. Dance floor ready! Picnic tables available to book.
Sunday
π― Airsoft Open Game Day 58 Bird Rd, 8:30amβ3:00pm Open airsoft game day for all. Lots of info here!
ποΈ Hooncorp Autokhana Funday Meremere Drift Park, 8:30amβ2:30pm Fun motorsport autocross event. More infoβ
π Franklin Home and Lifestyle Show 2026 PIA Events Centre, 9:30amβ4:00pm Home, garden and lifestyle expo (also Saturday). More infoβ
π Puni Line Dance Club 'Black & White' Social 232 Pukekohe East Rd, 10:00amβ3:30pm Line dancing social event. Come have fun!β
π§ Rest, Reset, Reconnect β Women's Retreat Lake Hill Estate, Bombay, 11:00amβ3:00pm Wellness retreat created by women, for women. More infoβ
π Franklin Market at Pukekohe Park Raceway Pukekohe Park Raceway, 8:00am Homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques, collectables, food trucks and live music.
π STRIDE Tribe Run Club 21 Martyn St, Waiuku, 5:00pm Free, fun, pressure-free 3km walk or run. All welcome. Follow along!β
monday
π Margherita & Margarita Night at Pizzata Pizzata, 6:30pm Super popular - pizza and margaritas! Book now!β
π§ Quiz Night at Appetite Appetite, 7:00pm Weekly quiz night, lots of fun!
π§ Quiz Night at Good Home Pukekohe 65 Edinburgh St, 7:00pm Weekly quiz night. Bookings recommended.
π Wellness Run Club West St (Your Local Coffee), 5:45am 5km loop, all levels welcome. Grab a coffee after! β₯
π² Board Game Evening at Otakumart Otakumart, 6:00pm Free weekly board game night. Bring your own or try from their collection. All welcome.
Tuesday
π¨ Painting Club Franklin Arts Centre, 6:00β8:00pm Bring whatever you're working on for 2 hours of dedicated painting time. Connect with local artists. Term time only.
π STRIDE Tribe Run Club 21 Martyn St, Waiuku, 7:00pm Free, fun, pressure-free 3km walk or run. All welcome. More infoβ
β Quiz Night at Ed Street 27 Edinburgh St, 7:00pm Weekly quiz night with lots of fun and prizes.
Wednesday
β Malt N Steel Quiz Night Malt N Steel, Waiuku, 7:00pm Teams of 2β8, prizes to be won! Book nowβ
π Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Bar The Village Bar, Patumahoe Free weekly comedy pub quiz with quiz master Jim. Call 09 236 3571 to book.
π§ Anti-Social Social Club for Teens Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave, 3:30pm After-school club for teens β inclusive, safe space with fun activities. All welcome.
β Quiz Night at Ed Street 27 Edinburgh St, 7:00pm Weekly quiz night with lots of fun and prizes.
π Ed Street Bar Run Club Ed Street Bar, 5:30pm 2.5km and 5km options, spot prizes and bar menu discounts.
π Flying Mullet Run Group with Carl Read Waiuku College Running Track, 5:00β6:00pm Run technique, intervals, race prep and more. $5/session. Contact: reado79@gmail.comβ
Word Scramble answer: High Seas (sorry I missed the 'e' from "town square" last week! Starting to triple check them now!)
β
p.s. If someone awesome sent you this email and you want to subscribe yourself, sign up here π dearfrankie.co.nzβ
"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! π₯
*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! π
Read more from "Think Waiuku + surrounds are boring? You haven't signed up for Dear Frankie yet!"
Hello, my dear Frankies! This week has totally reminded me how much I love Franklin. Weβre honestly pretty lucky to live in this beautiful little corner of the world (I know I say this approximately 36 times a week - but it's true!) And writing Dear Frankie each week, I keep finding myself surrounded by the most inspiring people. The kind of people with gorgeous ideas AND the courage to actually do something about them. I canβt believe the rest of the world is just casually walking around...
Hello, my dear Frankies! Thereβs a lot going on in Franklin these days! This weekend alone, weβve got Holi celebrations, Chinese New Year festivities, the annual Pukekohe Showβ¦and those are just the headline acts! But before you dive into the events guide and start pencilling in your plans for the week, make sure you read about Danniella Bell - Waiukuβs wellness powerhouse (is βgirl bossβ still a thing or did we collectively retire it? π ). Sheβs building a health and wellness empire and...
Hello, my dear Frankies! I am so excited about Waiukuβs very first wellness event - The Stretch Collectiveβs Sunday Stretch Event! Iβve been chatting with the organiser, Danniella Bell, and seriouslyβ¦how is she this impressive?! Two businesses, putting on a whole wellness event, and sheβs still in her early twenties? Absolutely unhinged (in the best way). β¨ Sheβs got that rare mix of hustle AND heart that makes Franklin feel like its own little universe of legends, so Iβm locking in a full...
β