Hello my dear Frankies!

This week, we’re going hard celebrating our local legends ♥

I had an inspiring chat (and tour around the station!) with Grace from the Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade, and I’ve just been sitting here in awe of what our volunteer firefighters do for our community. It is one of the most important jobs around, and one of the toughest too - physically, mentally, and emotionally. And they do it all as volunteers. Seriously, can you imagine what we’d do without them? On some of the worst days of people’s lives, these are the people who show up for us. They really are incredible.

We’re also kicking off a new partner series this month with Woofles Pet Food, who are somehow celebrating 18 years in business! Eighteen years! That is a whole lifetime ago. Out of curiosity, I looked up my emails from 7 May 2008 and discovered I had just moved to Brazil for a job and was emailing my family about how cheap the beer was - NZ$1, in case anyone was wondering. Since then, most of us have lived about a thousand different lives, and all that time Woofles has been faithfully feeding Franklin’s dogs and cats the good stuff ♥

And finally - with Mother’s Day this weekend, I hope you’ve all got something lovely planned. And if baking is not on the cards, but eating delicious baking absolutely is (🙋‍♀️), make sure you pre-order a Mother’s Day Treat Box from Puffed.​

Have the best week, and I’ll see you all out there!

R. and the Frankie Team xx

P.S. Did you know there's a fig farm in Glenbrook that sells the sweetest figs?! It's 20 Brookside Rd, Glenbrook - no gatekeeping here!

I've been eating figs on PB, figs and cottage cheese, figs and maple syrup, fig and cheese with crackers...always looking for more fig inspiration if you have any favourite ways of eating them!

Grace Morrison: The firefighter behind the gear, the grit, and the giving back 🚒💛

Our local volunteer firefighters are about as close to real-life superheroes as we get. They leave dinners, gym classes, coffee catch-ups, family time, and warm, cosy beds, as soon as they hear that siren. They head out into the unknown when someone in our community needs help. They do hard, frightening, physically demanding work. And they do it for all of us. We are very, very grateful for every single one of them.

So it was such a privilege to talk to Grace Morrison, one of Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade’s female firefighters, whose story is full of courage, heart, humility, and a deep love for our beautiful community ♥

Finding her way into the brigade 🚒

Grace did not grow up assuming firefighting was something she would do. She says she hadn't even really considered it, until one day long-time brigade member Rangi approached her at the gym and asked if she had ever thought about joining. “When I realised it was actually an option for me,” she says, “I was all in.”

And when you hear Grace talk about the brigade, that instant pull makes perfect sense. "I've always had a huge respect for people who work and volunteer in emergency services,” and after watching friends run out of gym classes and coffee catch-ups to answer the siren, she realised she wanted to be part of that.

“I actually just really wanted to help people too,” she says.

The hard road to becoming “fire fit” 🏋️‍♂️

Deciding to join, however, was the easy part!

There was a long wait before a place in the brigade opened up. “Waiuku has so many people wanting to join the brigade that there is a waitlist...I think it took about two or three years for a spot to become available,” she says.

And when that call finally came, the learning curve was steep. “Training nights in particular at the start is A LOT of familiarisation,” Grace says. “I’d held high pressures hoses in the cow shed but the force that comes out of the hoses is next level! I’d also never had to roll those up so hose drills were a big learning curve for me.”

After Grace showed me around the station and the fire appliances, it was very easy to see what she meant. There were so many different tools, fittings, hoses, and pieces of equipment for different jobs that it honestly felt a little mind-blowing. Just looking at it all made me realise how much firefighters have to learn, remember, and be ready to use at any moment.

Even with a solid base of strength and fitness behind her (she's also a coach at RX Fitness 235!), firefighting challenged her in ways she did not expect, with some of the training drills leaving her absolutely wrecked. "Being fire fit is a whole different world of fitness,” she says.

For Grace, though, the biggest challenge has been the mental side. “Throughout the course of your firefighting career you are constantly learning and expanding what you can tolerate physically and mentally,” she says. During recruits course - a grueling week-long gauntlet where you either pass or fail to earn your place as a volunteer firefighter - she found herself having “some pretty serious chats” with herself. “That week was just as tough physically as it was mentally and I was so proud of myself at the end.”

A small-town role with a big heart 🧡

The more you hear Grace talk, the clearer it becomes that this role is about much more than sirens and callouts. Through the Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade, she is part of a 28-strong team - exclusively volunteers - that helps keep the community safe in all kinds of ways. From emergency response to school visits, fire education, home safety checks, and showing up at local events.

That care runs right through the way Grace talks about Waiuku too. “Community to me is about safety. People who you feel most safe with, you trust and you respect. Without my family and the people I surround myself with I wouldn’t be who I am today,” she says. And being part of the brigade has only deepened that feeling. “We have such a close knit town and when times get tough you can see the town rally around each other which is so special.”

It is also part of what makes Grace such a great role model. One of her favourite things about the job is seeing “kids light up” when they meet the brigade, especially young girls who are surprised to see that a firefighter can be female. Grace was the brigade’s second female firefighter, after her best friend Cassie, and she is super clear that what counts in this job is not gender, but attitude, mental fortitude, fitness, and a willingness to serve.

That is what makes her such a true local legend. Grace waited years for the chance to join, worked through the physical and mental demands of becoming fire fit, and now gives her time and energy to one of the most important roles at the heart of our community.

Climbing for a cause 🗼

Alongside her work with the brigade, Grace is also taking on the Sky Tower Stair Challenge to raise money for Blood Cancer NZ - and this is now her third year doing it.

“I am quite partial to a challenge,” she says. And she trains hard for it! Combining strength and conditioning with heavy carries, box step-ups, stair climbing, endurance work, and practice in full firefighting gear. As Grace puts it, “Training in full gear is an absolute game changer.” She even organised a whole group from the gym community and beyond to participate in a 1000 box step-up challenge to raise funds for Blood Cancer NZ.

But what stays with you most is her reason for doing it.

“My key reminders during the climb are that I GET to do this when so many others can’t. It’s less than 30 minutes of my time compared to that of someone who has had a lifetime of chemo, hospital appointments, hospital stays and sometimes heartbreakingly, losing their fight with cancer.”

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How you can support Grace and the brigade 🚒

If Grace's story has moved you, here's how to show your support for her and the whole Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade. Grace is taking part in the Sky Tower Stair Challenge to raise money for Blood Cancer NZ, and you can support the Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade team here:

​Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade Sky Tower Challenge fundraiser​

You can also back the brigade by keeping your smoke alarms up to date, making sure nearby hydrants are easy to access, driving safely, and supporting local brigade fundraisers like the annual Poker Run ♥

And stay up to date with all Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade news on Instagram!

Waiuku is very lucky to have Grace - and very lucky to have a brigade full of real life superheroes willing to drop everything when their town needs them.

komes ramsla

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

Woofles turns 18 🎉🎉 (but they’re not moving out of home just yet)

When most of us turn 18, we’re thinking about leaving home, flying the nest, and making our way in the world...

Luckily for us, not Woofles!

This May, Woofles Petfood turns 18 - and they’re staying right where they belong: on Pukekohe’s main street, where they’ve been helping local dogs and cats eat well for nearly two decades.

Woofles specialises in fresh, natural raw food for pets, and they’ve built a lovely reputation for being knowledgeable, practical, and super helpful for all the Franklin pet owners! No fuss, no pressure, no making pet owners feel like they need a degree in nutrition before buying dinner.

Just good food and friendly advice from people who know their stuff ♥

And that’s a big part of what makes Woofles so special. They’ve spent 18 years becoming a trusted local favourite for pet owners who want to feed their animals well, whether they’re raising a greedy puppy, a fussy dog, or a cat with very strong opinions about dinner.

So yes, Woofles may be 18 now.

But they’re not moving out of home just yet - and Franklin’s pets are probably very happy about that!

And in more good news for local pet people, Woofles will be hanging out with us for the rest of the month, sharing fun, helpful ideas for dogs, cats, and the humans obsessed with them - from rainy-day dog games to making mealtimes more exciting, plus easy enrichment ideas to keep clever pets busy and happy!

So follow Woofles on Facebook, and check out their website...but most importantly - visit them instore at 222 King Street and say happy birthday!!

Empower Her Networking: Nervous System Regulation in Business Join Lisa Jeffrey of Sanctuary Retreat for a grounded networking session exploring ways to regulate your nervous system and run your business from a calmer, clearer place. Tuesday 12 May, 11am–12.30pm at 152A Manukau Rd, Pukekohe Tickets here!

Intuition and Balance Workshops 🌿 Take a breather from the busyness of everyday life with these calm, guided workshops designed to help you feel more grounded, clear, and connected. Held fortnightly from Thursday 7 May, 6–7.30pm at Living Being Well, 14 Nelson Street, Pukekohe Email tanith@xtra.co.nz for more info

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!

A Delicious Box of Love for Mum 🧁💞

To finish our baking series on the sweetest note possible, Sarah from Puffed has created the dreamiest little Mother’s Day Treat Box.

Filled with

• Gooey, chocolatey cookies as big as your hand
• A slab of herby focaccia fresh from the oven
• A thick, decadent slice of strawberry Biscoff cake
• And a large silky slice of vanilla burnt Basque cheesecake

It’s enough for Mum to savour and still have a little to share with the family…if she feels like it!

Even better, they’ll be delivered free Franklin-wide on Saturday afternoon, just in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday.

And the sweetest part? Everything in the box is made using the recipes Sarah has shared over the last three weeks, and the burnt Basque cheesecake comes with its own recipe card so you can make this delicious (and very impressive!) cheesecake at your next gathering too. It’s a real-life patisserie favourite that even the busiest of mums can make ♥

​Pre-order your box here!​

Thursday

🎭 A Soldier's Story – Closing Weekend Waiuku Town Hall, 7pm
The closing weekend of Waiuku Theatre's production runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. All the details here​

🧘 Intuition and Balance Workshop Living Being Well, 14 Nelson Street, Pukekohe, 6–7.30pm
A calm, guided fortnightly workshop with Lesley from Tanith Inc to help you feel grounded and connected — $20 per session, drop in anytime. Email tanith@xtra.co.nz for details.

🎨 Adult Art Adventures with Young at Art Location via youngatart.co.nz, 6.30–8pm
A 6-week Thursday evening art class for adults — Check it out!​

🍸 Happy Hour at Little Ed Little Ed, 6–7pm
All your favourite cocktails, just a little bit cheaper every Thursday evening.

🎯 Quiz Night Pukekohe Golf Club, 6.30–8.30pm
A fun regular Thursday quiz night — More info here​

🕯️ Pour Your Own Custom Candle Botanica on Bowen, Waiuku, 4–7pm
Drop in to pour a custom candle for Mum or as a gift — $30 per candle with complimentary refreshments.

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Friday

🔍 Waiuku Genealogy Waiuku Library, 10.30am
A regular genealogy group at the library — All the details here​

🎉 Quiz Night Fundraiser for Pukekohe Maternity Hospital Pukekohe Golf Club, 6pm
A fun quiz night raising funds for a great local cause. More info here​

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Saturday

🏃 Mums Morning Out with Sisu Franklin Food Forest / Your Local Bakery, 8am
A 3km social walk, stretch and breathing session in the food forest followed by treats and chats at the local bakery — just for you.

🧵 Miniature Loom Weaving Franklin Arts Centre, 10.30am
A hands-on weaving workshop — Check it out!​

🌸 Ararimu Mothers Day Market Ararimu Community Hall, 10am
A lovely local market to browse for Mother's Day — All the details here​

🌿 Nature Connection Walk at Waiuku Forest Ghezie Rd Entrance, Waiuku Forest, 10am
A guided nature walk with breath, massage and reiki therapy. More info here​

🏋️ Reformer Pilates Workshop Edge Fitness, 9.30am
A special Saturday reformer pilates workshop — Check it out!​

🌺 Expressive Floral Painting Workshop – Mother's Day Edition 152a Manukau Road, Pukekohe, 10am–12.30pm
Paint loose, expressive florals on canvas with Michelle Neale in this intimate 10-person workshop — all materials, nibbles, tea and coffee included.

♻️ Free Love Food Hate Waste Workshop: Pickling and Preserving 43 Queen St, Pukekohe, 1pm
A free hands-on pickling and preserving workshop by the Compost Collective. All the details here​

🕯️ Mother's Day Candle Making Workshop Little Batch Wax Co. Warehouse, 152A Manukau Rd, Pukekohe, 4.30–7pm
Create your own 220g soy candle and matching room & linen spray with a full fragrance library to blend your own scent, plus complimentary drinks and a cheeseboard — a beautiful way to celebrate Mum. All the details here​

🚂 Mother's Day Eve Express – Glenbrook Vintage Railway Departing Waiuku 8.35am / Glenbrook 9.05am / Pukekohe 9.30am
Treat Mum to a heritage train day out — choose from a trip to Vilagrad Winery with buffet lunch ($165 adults), The Base shopping centre ($59 adults), or a rail outing to Te Kuiti ($99 adults). More info here​

🛒 Tuakau Community Market Central Park, corner of George St and Jellicoe Ave, Tuakau, 9am–1pm
A regular local community market with a great variety of stalls.

🕯️ Pour Your Own Custom Candle Botanica on Bowen, Waiuku, 11am–3pm
Drop in to pour a custom candle for Mum or as a gift — $30 per candle with complimentary refreshments.

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Sunday

🌸 Mother's Day High Tea Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, 1.30pm
Celebrate Mother's Day in style with a special high tea. Check it out!​

🌿 Mother's Day Open Day at Addenbrooke Puriri Lane Addenbrooke, 10am–2pm
Browse the nursery and gift shop with exclusive discounts, plus optional Royal Tea with a garden walk (booking required). All the details here​

🛒 Franklin Country Market Pukekohe Park Raceway, 8am
A big Sunday market with homegrown produce, crafts, antiques, food trucks and live music.

🧘 Sunday Stretch Sessions RXFitness235, 42 Belgium St, Waiuku, 9am
A 45-minute stretch session every Sunday — bookings essential. Check it out!​

🎯 Open Airsoft Game Day 58 Bird Rd, 8.30am–3pm
An open game day for airsoft enthusiasts. All the details here​

🕯️ Pour Your Own Custom Candle Botanica on Bowen, Waiuku, 11am–1pm
Drop in to pour a custom candle for Mum or as a gift — $30 per candle with complimentary refreshments.

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monday

☕ Good Food, Bright Minds Café Queen, Waiuku, 7–9am
A collaboration between Café Queen and Sanctuary Retreat providing a nourishing breakfast for school kids every Monday during term time.

🏃 The Wellness Run Club West Street (your local coffee), 5.45am
A 5km social loop, all levels welcome, every Monday morning.

🍺 Monday Quiz Night Good Home Pukekohe, 65 Edinburgh Street, 7pm A popular Monday quiz night — booking recommended.

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Tuesday

🎨 Painting Club Franklin Arts Centre, 6–8pm
Bring whatever you're working on for two hours of dedicated painting time and connection with local artists (term time only).

🏃 Stride Tribe Run Club 21 Martyn Street, Waiuku, 7pm
A free, fun and pressure-free 3km walk or run for everyone — zero expectations, great vibes. More info here​

💼 LinkedIn Masterclass – Get Seen, Get Clients Pukekohe
A practical two-hour session on what to post, how to build visibility and turn your profile into a client magnet — perfect for solopreneurs and business owners. All the details here​

💆 Empower Her Networking: Nervous System Regulation in Business Little Batch Wax Co HQ, 152A Manukau Rd, Pukekohe, 11am–12.30pm
A grounded networking session with Lisa Jeffrey of Sanctuary Retreat exploring practical ways to regulate your nervous system in business — tickets via Eventbrite.​

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Wednesday

🤟 Learn NZ Sign Language Pukekohe Library, 6–7.30pm
A beginner-friendly sign language session with refreshments included. Check it out!​

🌱 Plant Bingo Mercer Landing Kitchen and Bar, 6 Roose Rd, Mercer, 6.30–8.30pm
A fun plant-themed bingo night at a great local venue. More info here​

📱 Social Media Marketing with Merrit Watson from Pik N Mix The Franklin Club, 7 East St, Pukekohe, 5.30pm
Part of the Elevate: Franklin Business Series — practical social media strategies for local businesses. All the details here​

🎯 Malt N Steel Quiz Night Malt N Steel, Waiuku, 7pm
Teams of 2–8 compete for prizes every Wednesday — bookings recommended. Check it out!​

😂 Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Bar The Village Bar, Patumahoe, 7pm
A free, fun comedy pub quiz with quizmaster Jim every Wednesday — call 09 236 3571 to book.

🔥 Fire Station Run Club Fire Station Eatery, Pukekohe, 5.30pm
A Wednesday evening run club with 2.5km and 5km options, spot prizes and bar menu discounts.

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

👾 Anti-Social Social Club for Teens Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue, 3.30pm
A safe, inclusive after-school club for teens of all social styles — come as you are. More info here​

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Word Scramble answer: Smoke Alarms

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