Hello, my dear Frankies! 💜

Well, it’s finally the week all the Frankie petrolheads have been waiting for - Steel ’n’ Wheels is set to roar into town this Sunday. Read on for the Frankie guide to the festival, including what’s on, when it’s happening, and the practical logistics you’ll want to know before you head out.

This week we’re also so excited to be partnering with local baker Sarah from ​Puffed for our very first Frankie Partner Series. For the next four weeks, Sarah will be co-hosting a column called The Busy Mum’s Guide to... and this week she’s kicking things off with The Busy Mum’s Guide to Cookies. Se also has some great busy-mum hacks, so go save this recipe!

And finally, it’s the last week of Frankie Fest, and some very special local businesses are helping us celebrate mums of all kinds - new mums, bonus mums, nannas, dog mums, chosen family, and those lovely people who are forever looking after everyone else. Yes, even Dave from accounting, who is always making sure you’ve eaten your fruit at morning tea. The full prize includes all of this...

✨ Garden walk and Devonshire Tea for Two from @puririlane_addenbrooke​
✨ A Moments photoshoot with @marie_clare.creative​
✨ Ice creams from @scoopeez.waiuku​
✨ Flowers from @harrisblooms​
✨ A massage from @pureindulgence_​
✨ A Mama frame from @creativeaddictionsnz​

Make sure you follow these lovely businesses and head to the post on Instagram to tag all your mum-friends. Yes, even Dave.

See ya out there!

R. and the Frankie Team xx

p.s. Make sure you enjoy the little pockets of sunshine!

🚗✨ The Little Frankie Guide to Waiuku Steel ’n’ Wheels Festival

​Waiuku Steel ’n’ Wheels Festival is back THIS Sunday 19 April, from 10am to 2pm, bringing a big, noisy, FUN day out to the Waiuku town centre.

This festival really is one of the best days out in Waiuku in the best possible way: classic cars and hot rods, bikes, markets, entertainment, food, music, and plenty of reasons to wander the streets and catch up with friends.

It’s not just a vehicle show, either. Steel ’n’ Wheels has been running for well over a decade now, and has grown into a full-town festival with engines at the centre of it.

Plan your day

But! If you want to make the most of all the attractions and entertainment on offer, here's the rough timeline of the day from the events poster!

10:00am — Mini Cannon
​10:05am — Pistol Club Gun Display
​10:10–11:00am — Elvis Tribute Show
​10:15am — Chainsaw Racing V8 + Harley

11:00am — Fire Brigade demonstration
​11:00am — Franklin Rockers
​11:20am–12:00pm — RnR Tribute Show

12:00pm — Warbirds Display (Look up!)
​12:00pm — Quad 50 Gun Carrier Fires!
​12:10pm — Steel Wearable Arts fashion show
​12:20pm — Cackle Fest
​12:30pm — Exhibitors & Steel Wearable Arts Prize Draws
​12:45pm — Waiuku Cossie Club Line Dancers

1:00–1:45pm — RnR Tribute Show
​12:45pm — Waiuku Cossie Club Line Dancers
​1:00pm — Chainsaw Racing V8 + Harley
​1:00pm — Franklin Rockers
​1:15pm — Kids’ Beatz Drummers
​1:30pm — Car Crush Display
​1:45pm — The Mount Shop Vaporiser JET Car Fire Up

2:00pm — Chainsaw Racing V8 + Harley
​2:00pm — Event closes

As you can see, you'll be constantly entertained no matter what time you come!

The practical bits

Entry is $5 for adults, and kids a gold coin donation with proceeds going to ensure the event keeps running for another 10 years!

Parking is available at Waiuku Business Park off Kitchener Road, at the Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club in Victoria Ave for $5, and on surrounding streets. There are also a few safety rules in place: no dogs, alcohol, bikes or scooters inside the event area.

One especially fun addition this year is the Steel Wearable Arts Competition, running alongside the festival from 10am to 2pm. Entrants need to create costumes using steel or metal products, and there are two categories: kids aged 10–14 and adults aged 15 and up. Entry to the wearable arts competition itself is free, with donations welcomed to support the event.

The Frankie game plan

My advice would be to arrive early enough to get a decent park and have a good wander before the centre gets too packed. Start with a slow lap of the cars and bikes, grab something delicious from a food truck or local shop, and then keep an eye on the clock for the midday stretch when the day really gets into full swing.

🚗 If you’re there for the classic Steel ’n’ Wheels experience, you’ll want the engines, the displays, and probably the jet car fire-up.

🍕 If you’re there more for the vibes, the markets, music, and wearable arts add plenty to the day.

👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 And if you’ve got kids with you, there’s enough variety that you can mix loud, exciting stuff with snack stops and wandering in between.

Basically, don’t over-plan it! This is one of those events best enjoyed by knowing the highlights, then letting the rest of the day surprise you ♥

Before you go

Waiuku Steel ’n’ Wheels Festival​
​🗓 Sunday 19 April 2026​
​🧭 10am–2pm​
​📍 Waiuku Town Centre​
​🎟 $5 adults | kids: bring a gold coin​
​🚗 Parking: Waiuku Business Park off Kitchener Rd, Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club in Victoria Ave, and surrounding streets.

For updates and festival info, check the official Waiuku Town channels and follow along on Facebook through the Waiuku Steel 'n' Wheels Festival event page!​

ringomn ate

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

The Busy Mum's Guide to...Baking Cookies! 🍪✨

Meet Sarah Baker, market-stall treat maker, mum to Milo Bear, and the hands behind Puffed - where cookies, cinnamon scrolls, cheesecakes and choux buns are made with a lot of butter and a very optimistic amount of spare time ♥

You’re reading The Busy Mum’s Guide to…, a cosy little baking series for mums who miss the magic of baking but also have approximately twelve thousand other things to do. Each week, I’ll share a simple, lovely bake to help you bring a little sweetness back into family life - without needing a free afternoon, a spotless kitchen, or a child who isn’t hanging off your leg.

🍪✨ Sarah's Puffed Cookies

"Cookies are such an easy thing to have on hand - make a big batch of dough to keep in the freezer, and you can just grab a few dough balls out when you need them and add different chocolates and extras for endless flavour combos.

This recipe makes beautifully soft and chewy cookies. I like to use chopped up Whittikers for the chocolate, but you can use anything you have on hand!"

Ingredients

• 140g Butter (room temp)
• 150g Brown sugar
• 100g white sugar
  ​
• 1 egg
  ​
• 250g flour
• 4g baking soda
• 3g baking powder
• 4g salt
  ​
• 180g chocolate chips

Method

1. Cream the butter and sugars until fully incorporated. A little paler but not fluffy.
   ​You can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld electric whisk. Or even a wooden spoon. If your butter is room temp it won't take long. You can soften it in the microwave if you don’t have time.
2. Add the egg. Mix until evenly combined.
3. Now add the dry ingredients and chocolate on top and mix till completely combined.
   ​If you are using a stand mixer just make sure the check the bottom of the bowl and scrap down regularly.
4. Now scoop out 60g balls of dough onto a tray. Refrigerate overnight.
5. When you are ready to bake, evenly place about 6 on a tray to give them room to spread.
6. Bake at 160 degrees C- fan for 12 min. Or 14min if frozen.
7. Allow to cool if you can.
8. DEVOUR!

Now for the busy mum hacks.

• Make a big batch and put them in the freezer to bake whenever you need a sweet treat. They are also very handy when you have a school event you need to do some baking or to take to a dinner party.
• You can also make the dough balls smaller for littler kids. 30g is super cute.

Flavour variations

• I love to make some crazy flavours. My signature cookie is what I call Everything But the Kitchen Sink. So for that I like to add ready salted chips, pretzels, chocolate, biscoff and sprinkles. You really can't go wrong. It's the sweet and salty combo you want to aim for. It's also great for using up little bits of stuff from your pantry. Just make sure to stick to the 180g weight of the chocolate for all the add-ins.
• A kids favourite flavour I sell is Birthday Cake. I add sprinkles and vanilla paste (measure with your heart) and replace the dark chocolate with white chocolate.

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So save this recipe, and make a big batch of dough this weekend to get you through school lunches, weekend play dates, an those times you just need something sweet! Follow Sarah on Instagram here, and cme back next week for another busy mum recipe!

🖼 Find Your Renovation Style with No Buttercups - If your renovation ideas are currently living in Pinterest boards and saved posts, this relaxed hands-on workshop will help you find a clear style direction before you start locking in big decisions. Held on May 7, 6:00–7:30pm at Little Batch Wax Co HQ, 152A Manukau Road, Pukekohe, the session includes mood board creation, guidance on spotting patterns in your inspiration, and help building confidence in your vision for your space. Book tickets now!​

Kai Franklin, Chef’s Table - A one-night celebration of Franklin’s food scene, Chef’s Table brings together some of the region’s most loved chefs, producers and venues for a curated four-course dining experience in the heart of Pukekohe. Expect beautiful local flavours, great company, and a special evening that shines a light on the people and produce of Franklin. Book tickets 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:

👉 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

🌊 Rivers: Metaphor for a Journey
Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave · 9:30am–4:30pm
A full-day creative event exploring rivers as a metaphor for life's journey. Check it out!​

📸 $25 Pop-In Photo Day
Buckland Hall · 9:00am–12:00pm
Drop-in kids or family portrait photo day with no appointment needed. All the details here​

☕ Elevate & Exhale Business Morning Tea
Sanctuary Retreat, 94 Bungard Rd · 10:00am–12:00pm
A 2-hour session blending practical business strategy with nervous system reset practices. More info here​

🍪 Cookie Decorating Workshop
Sparrow and Sweet, Pukekohe · 11:00am–1:00pm
Walk-in school holiday cookie decorating for kids — $10 per child includes decorating and a hot drink.

🧠 Quiz Night at Pukekohe Golf Club
Pukekohe Golf Club · 6:30–8:30pm
A fun weekly quiz night at the golf club. All the details here​

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Friday

🔨 Free Tradies Breakfast: Surviving the Slowdown
Hunter Withers, 3 Harris St, Pukekohe · 6:30–7:30am
A free BBQ breakfast and straight-talking session on cashflow pressures for tradies in the Franklin area. More info here​

🎭 The Girl Whose Twin Was a Bird — Free Puppet Show
Waiuku Community Space · 10:30–11:45am
A free puppet show for kids at the Waiuku Community Space. Check it out!​

🎨 Mosaic Art Craft — Eco Fest School Holiday Programme
Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave · 10:30–11:30am
A hands-on mosaic art craft session for kids as part of the Eco Fest programme. All the details here​

🦈 Little Labs: Sharks & Insects — Eco Fest
Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Ave · 1:00–2:00pm
A school holiday science session exploring sharks and insects as part of Eco Fest. More info here​

🦈 Little Labs: Sharks & Insects — Eco Fest
Waiuku Library, 10 King St · 3:30–4:30pm
Another session of the popular school holiday science programme. Check it out!​

🎭 Free Theatre & Puppetry Show - The Girl Whose Twin Was A Bird​
Franklin: The Centre, 12 Massey Ave · 3:15–4:30pm
A free afternoon theatre and puppetry performance for all ages. All the details here​

🎸 Cover Up Live at The Kentish
The Kentish Hotel, Waiuku · 9:00pm
Live cover band performance at The Kentish Hotel. More info here​

🎵 Friday Night Bands Feat. Loop
The Longkeeper, 249 King St · 9:00pm Live band night featuring Loop.

🎤 Friday Night Live with Che Orton
Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, 78 Nelson St · 9:00pm
Live music from Che Orton to close out the week. All the details here​

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Saturday

🏪 Tuakau Community Market
Central Park, corner of George St & Jellicoe Ave, Tuakau · 9:00am–1:00pm
A community market in the heart of Tuakau with local vendors and produce.

🖼️ Exhibition: Moments in Translation
Franklin Arts Centre, 12 Massey Ave · 9:30am–2:30pm
An art exhibition running through the weekend at the Franklin Arts Centre. More info here​

🏺 Handmade Clay Pot Workshop
Kiwi Colour Nursery, 352 Kingseat Road · 10:00am
A hands-on workshop with Madison from The Best Potter, to create your own handmade clay pot. Check it out!​

🌿 Sustainable Art Substrates & Processes — Eco Fest
Waiuku Zero Waste, 5 Hosking Place, Waiuku · 1:00pm
This Eco Fest session explores sustainable art-making materials and methods. All the details here​

🎩 Andre Vegas Family Fun Magic & Illusion Show
Buckland Hall, 18 Logan Rd · 2:00pm
A family magic and illusion show perfect for kids and adults alike. More info here​

📚 Blood by the Bombays: Pukekohe MITL
Pukekohe Library · 2:00pm
A Made in the Library event featuring Blood by the Bombays. Check it out!​

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Sunday

⚙️ Waiuku Steel N Wheels Festival 2026
Queen St, Waiuku · 10:00am–2:00pm
A celebration of classic cars, steel, and community spirit on Waiuku's main street. All the details here​

🥣 Glenbrook Country Market — Steampunk Theme
Glenbrook Memorial Hall · 9:00am–2:00pm
A steampunk-themed country market with fashion parade, prizes, high tea, and games. All the details here​

🌿 Franklin Country Market
Pukekohe Park Raceway · 8:00am
A weekly market with homegrown produce, crafts, food trucks, and live music. Check it out!​

🧘 Sunday Stretch Sessions
RxFitness235, 42 Belgium St, Waiuku · 9:00am
A 45-minute stretch session open to everyone — bookings required. More info here​

🏹 Open Airsoft Game Day
W.A.R HQ, 58 Bird Rd · 8:30am–3:00pm
An open game day for airsoft players of all experience levels. All the details here​

🏋️ Pilates in the Park
Bledisloe Park (John St side), Pukekohe · 12:30pm
A free community mat Pilates session raising money for the Breast Cancer Foundation — koha appreciated.

🏺 Pottery for Processing Grief
Franklin Arts Centre · 1:00–4:00pm
A gentle creative workshop with Madison Cowper for those who have lost someone they love. Check it out!​

🦝 Waiuku Predator Trap Library Open Day
Waiuku Zero Waste, 5 Hosking Place · 2:00–4:00pm
Learn about predator trapping and conservation at this community open day. More info here​

🏎️ Franklin Dirt Kart Swap Meet
Meremere Dragway · 8:00am–4:00pm
A full-day swap meet for dirt kart enthusiasts at Meremere Dragway. More info here​

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monday

☕ The Wellness Run Club
At Your Local Coffee, West St · 5:45am
A welcoming 5km loop run club open to all levels.

🍳 Good Food, Bright Minds
Cafe Queen, Waiuku · 7:00–9:00am
A free school-term breakfast programme for kids run in collaboration between Cafe Queen and Sanctuary Retreat.

🧩 Board Game Evening
Otakumart · 6:00pm
A free weekly board game night — bring your own or try something from the collection.

🧠 Quiz Night at Good Home Pukekohe
Good Home, 65 Edinburgh St · 7:00pm
Weekly pub quiz — bookings recommended to secure your spot.

🛸 Waiuku UFO Crafting Circle Launch
5 Hosking Place · 7:00–8:30pm
The launch of Waiuku's new UFO (Unfinished Objects) crafting circle — bring your projects! Check it out!​

🥣 Kai Franklin, Chef’s Table
​Some of the region’s most loved chefs, producers and venues for a curated four-course dining experience in the heart of Pukekohe. Book tickets here!​

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Tuesday

☕ Coffee Cupping at Your Local Coffee Roasters
173 Manukau Rd · 10:00–10:30am
A short guided coffee tasting session at the local roastery. More info here​

🎨 Painting Club at Franklin Arts Centre
Franklin Arts Centre · 6:00–8:00pm
Two hours of dedicated painting time alongside other local artists — term time only.

🏃 STRIDE TRIBE Run Club
21 Martyn St, Waiuku · 7:00pm
A free, pressure-free 3km walk/run club with great community vibes. All the details here​

🧠 Quiz Night at Ed Street 27 Edinburgh St · Evening A weekly quiz night with lots of fun and prizes up for grabs.

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Wednesday

🔥 Fire Station Run Club
Fire Station · 5:30pm
A weekly run club with 2.5km and 5km options, spot prizes, and bar menu discounts.

🏃 Flying Mullet Run Group with Carl Read
Waiuku College Running Track · 5:00–6:00pm
Coached sessions covering run technique, intervals, and race prep — $5 per session, contact reado79@gmail.com.

🍷 A Taste of Veneto: Monthly Wine Tasting
Pizzata, 7A Glasgow Rd · 6:30pm
A monthly wine tasting evening featuring wines from the Veneto region of Italy. More info here​

🧠 Malt N Steel Quiz Night
Malt N Steel, Waiuku · 7:00pm
Teams of 2–8 compete for prizes at this weekly quiz night — bookings recommended. Check it out!​

😂 Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Bar
The Village Bar, Patumahoe · 7:00pm
A free comedy pub quiz hosted by quiz master Jim — call 09 236 3571 to book your table.

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Word Scramble answer: Morning Tea

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