Hello, my dear Frankies!

SO, we just put our Christmas tree up this week, which means it's officially time to bring out the Christmas spirit! Despite the craziness, this really is my favourite time of the year 🎋

This edition turned out to be quite long - there's a lot of cool people doing cool things in our little section of the world!

First, we talked to Anni from The Home Inspo & Design Store, and WOW! That place is cool!! And how cool we have it here in Franklin?!

Second, it's definitely time you heard more about The Candle Club - a super cool initiative run by our local candle queen Beth from Little Batch Wax Co. Give yourself (or someone you love) a beautiful escape as the busy season starts!

And then, if "get the kids bikes ready for summer" is one of the many things on your to-do list this time of the year, let Bike Pukekohe get that sorted for you! They have what is honestly the cutest little bike festival in the heart of Puke this Saturday - check it out! (And let me know if you make smoothies with your quad-power!)

And finally! Remember, we're on the lookout for locals who'd love to become honorary Frankies - who'd love to attend events, participate in taste testing, and visit cool local businesses on our behalf - there are so many people, places and events, we can't keep up, and we don't want our readers to miss out! We have a few awesome locals on board already, but always looking for more! Launching soon, so get in quick!

Hope to hear from you soon!

R. and the Frankie Team xx

From stressful renos to one-stop inspo: Pukekohe’s new design hub

Pukekohe’s new Home Inspo & Design Centre on Manukau Rd is powered by two Franklin locals who know the building world inside out. Anni and her husband, Graeham, have spent years in the industry - he with more than two decades in construction roles, she in the deep end of specifications, selections, and all the design decisions that usually make ordinary people want to crawl under a table.

They’ve seen the stress. They’ve lived the chaos. And eventually, they asked the question every Franklin homeowner has muttered at least once:

Instead of accepting that as “just how it is,” they built something better!

A place that feels like home - but better

Walk into The Home Inspo & Design Centre and you'll feel like you've walked into a home. Anni laughs when she talks about the vibe: “My kids say it’s like our house - just a hundred times better.”

And they’re not wrong about it feeling like home. There are couches that practically hug you. A glowing electric fireplace. Kitchens and bathrooms that make you start rearranging your imaginary Lotto budget. Wardrobe displays that dare you to sit in the bench seat and imagine it’s yours. Cladding you can run your hands over. Cedar you can literally smell. Outdoor kitchens from Bucks Heating you can open, switch on, and picture yourself using for summer BBQs.

It’s a look-with-your-hands kind of place, not a “please don’t touch the display” museum. Anni wants you to play, to peek, to test things out, to imagine your future home by actually experiencing it, not just staring at a 5cm tile sample and hoping.

Everything under one very stylish roof

The magic of the centre isn’t the size (though it’s huge), or the 60+ displays (Stage One!), or even the big-name suppliers. It’s the way it puts your entire renovation ecosystem in one spot.

Here, you don’t need to zig-zag across Auckland to see insulation in one place and flooring in another. You can wander from Hawthorne Furniture to bathroomware to safety screens to outdoor spaces to cladding to GIB fixing and back again. And if something you want isn’t physically there? Anni or Graeham know the person to call.

Even better, they’ve pulled in the whole build journey, from the very beginning. Real estate agents. Mortgage brokers. Conveyancing lawyers. Right through to heating, cooling, flooring, and finishing touches. If you’re renovating, building, or even just thinking about it, they’ve gathered the village for you.

A community space as much as a design one

And thanks to all their hard work, The Home Inspo & Design Centre isn’t just a showroom; it’s a Franklin hub in the making. Almost every partner is local - the kind of people you bump into at the supermarket or see grabbing a morning coffee.

In 2025 they’ll begin hosting info evenings and workshops - suppliers sharing knowledge, trends, what to look for, what to avoid, and answering the big questions that come with major investments. So make sure you're following them here to get all the details when they drop!

As for the one thing she hopes people say as they walk out the door?

They’re already saying it:

The Home Inspo & Design Centre is open seven days a week, coffees included, good vibes guaranteed, and ready for every Franklin local who wants their next project to feel a whole lot easier.

Address: 85-87 Manukau Road Pukekohe
​Website: www.homeinspiration.co.nz​
​Social Media: Follow on Facebook and Instagram!

🤫🕯️Have you heard about The Candle Club?

This is one of those cosy little secrets we feel morally obligated to share. Especially coming up to the craziest time of year!

​The Candle Club by Little Batch Wax Co is a monthly self-care delivery: a surprise candle box, 100% soy poured in small batches right here in NZ, and landing on your doorstep. Each month’s scent is exclusive - once that batch is gone, it’s gone for good - so it really does feel like you’re part of a little candle insiders’ club.

Inside each box you’ll find:

• An exclusive seasonal candle (220g or 400g)
• A sample candle preview of next month’s scent
• A postcard with journal prompts
• A seasonal surprise gift that ties into the theme
• A curated playlist to set the mood

It’s flexible too: you can join anytime (boxes ship by the 15th), and you can skip, pause, or cancel with a quick email or DM. Not ready to commit? You can grab a one-off box or stalk an unboxing video first to see what all the fuss is about.

Perfect as a treat for yourself during the wild end-of-year season, or as a beautiful, thoughtful gift for someone who could use a little “box of happiness” arriving once a month.

Before we get too much further into the gorgeous, crazy holiday season, do a little something for yourself and sign up for The Candle Club!

omeh ewset oemh

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

Pukekohe, it’s time to ride!

Saturday, 9am, down at 3 Roulston Street, Bike Pukekohe and friends are turning the town centre into a little festival of wheels: bikes, skates, smoothies, and a whole lot of low-pressure, high-fun movement.

Here’s the vibe.

You roll in with your trusty bike - cobwebs, squeaky brakes and all - and head straight to the Bike TLC Zone, where the crew from Triple Teez BikeFit are doing FREE tune-ups and safety checks. No judgement, just “let’s get this thing summer-ready” energy so you can cruise the trails, ride to school, or just nip to the bakery without worrying if your brakes work.

Next stop: the obstacle course. Think cones, corners, a few wobbles and a lot of cheering. There’ll be bikes to try, a bit of friendly competition, and yes, prizes! - because everything is more fun when there’s something to win 🤭🤭.

Got legs? Cool. You’ve also got smoothie power! Hop on the pedal-powered smoothie bike and blend your own drink using nothing but your quads and pure determination ♥

Then there’s the skate side of town. 🧎‍♂️🧎‍♀️

The legends from Skate Nation are running two sessions to help you (or your kids) get more confident on wheels:

• Kids Skate Session: 10:00 – 11:00 am
• Teen Skate Session: 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Perfect for total beginners and nervous-but-keen skaters, as well as those who just want to level up from “shuffle” to “I can actually turn.” There’ll be some skates (and helmets and pads) available to borrow, but numbers are limited, so bringing your own is a smart move.

📝 Skate sessions are free, but sign-up is essential:​
👉 https://forms.gle/UdfW7NaLfu6if8346​

Around all of this, there’s a Community Corner where you can meet other locals who ride, scoot, skate, or are just wheel-curious. Swap route ideas, find new riding buddies, or finally ask that burning question: “How do you bike with kids and not lose your mind?”

Getting there is part of the fun:

• Ride in and use the FREE Bike Valet - park your wheels safely and wander hands-free.
• Prefer to drive? There’s free parking nearby (Pukekohe Plaza, Tobin Street, Hall Street, Edinburgh Street, library carpark), but it is a busy Saturday-morning area, so allow a bit of extra time and be kind to the market-goers.

The whole event is free, family-friendly, and proudly supported by Bike Auckland and Auckland Council - plus a stack of local groups who just really love seeing people out and about on wheels instead of stuck in traffic.

So: pump your tyres, dust off the skates, wrangle the kids, teens, mates, or grandparents, and come celebrate the last days of spring on two (or four) wheels.

🎄✨ Christmas at Buckland Hall - Tickets are live now at bucklandhall.nz/christmas. Book & pay by 30 Nov to snag a FREE Santa’s Snow Photo (snow machine + props!). Lunchtime features Franklin’s Got Talent finalists, plus an 18m mega obstacle course, toddler castle, ball pit, popcorn, candyfloss, Tip Top Popsicles, and a tasty lineup for lunch!

🌸 Pukekawa Country Garden Ramble – 10am–4pm
Wander through beautiful local gardens, gather fresh inspiration for your own backyard, and help raise funds for bowel cancer research. Tickets via pukekawagardenramble@gmail.com

☕ 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

🌙 Luna Bites Night Market​
Navigation Homes Stadium, 5–9pm
Auckland’s best food trucks, sweet treats, unique retail stalls and live entertainment for a big night out with the fam or your mates – free entry, heaps of parking, and very hungry vibes.

🎅 Pukekohe Family Health Care Open Night​
Pukekohe Family Health Care, 4:30–6:30pm
Check out the freshly renovated practice, meet Santa, walk through the new space and learn about the services they offer the community, with a bit of festive fun on the side.

🎄 Christmas Decoration Demo Evening​
The Christmas Heirloom Company Pukekohe, 5:45–9:45pm
An in-store decorating demo night with nibbles, refreshments and plenty of Christmas inspo to get your tree and home looking magical.

🎨 Y Studio After-School Art Club​
Waiuku Library & Pukekohe Library, 3:30–4:30pm
Drop-in creative club for high schoolers to explore different art mediums, work on projects, and build critical and creative thinking skills in a relaxed space.

🍸 Thursday Cocktail Happy Hour​
Little Ed, 6–7pm
All your favourite cocktails, just a little bit cheaper – the perfect way to kick off your evening.

🚚 Food Trucks at Pukekohe Park Raceway​
Pukekohe Park Country Racetrack, 4:30–8:30pm
Weekly street food lineup with Thai, Asian, Mexican, Indian, Greek/Turkish, hāngī, gourmet burgers and more at competitive prices. More info​

🧠 Quiz Trivia Night​
Blue Ox Babe, 7pm
Classic pub quiz fun with plenty of laughs, friendly competition and bragging rights on the line every Thursday night.

Friday

☕️ Artist Meet-Up: Coffee & Kōrero​
Franklin Arts Centre (Steel Gallery), 10:30am–12:30pm
Hear exhibiting artists Lisa Bate and Monique Barnett talk about their show ‘Through Currents’, chat process and inspiration, then stick around for lunch in the café with fellow creatives.

🦁 Paerata Rise Outdoor Movie Night – The Lion King​
On the green in front of Rise ’n Shine Café Paerata, 8:15pm
Snuggly PJs, bean bags, free popcorn (first in, first served), giveaways and a screening of The Lion King under the stars thanks to local sponsors. Event info ​

🎄 Franklin Hospice Christmas Quiz Night​
Navigation Homes Stadium, 7pm
Festive quiz night with raffles, auctions, snacks and prizes for the best-dressed Christmas outfit, all raising funds for Franklin Hospice. More info​

🥃 Pokeno Whisky Christmas Dinner​
Pokeno Whisky (Pokeno),
Five-course Christmas menu by chef Mark Southon matched to Pokeno’s single malts – reserve your seat by emailing matt@pokenowhisky.co.nz

🎧 DJ Martina Mak at Little Ed​
Little Ed, 7–11pm
Crowd favourite DJ Martina Mak is back spinning disco, funk, house and R&B for a high-energy Friday night on the dance floor.

🚚 Food Trucks at Roulston Street Carpark​
Roulston Street Carpark, 4:30–8:30pm
Friday-night food market with a rotating mix of international street food trucks plus regular favourites. More info: www.franklinmarkets.com​

Saturday

🌏 Waiuku Multicultural Twilight Market​
Waiuku Rugby Club, 3–9pm
Over 40 stalls, DJ Eddie, food, culture, music and a big community party vibe for the first multicultural twilight market at the rugby grounds.

🎄 Homemakers Swap – Christmas Edition​
Red Shed Palazzo, 10am
Bring five homemade, homegrown or handcrafted items (baking, preserves, plants, crafts and more), mingle over a cuppa and swap your way to five new treasures. Details!​

🌸 Pukekawa Country Garden Ramble​
Various Pukekawa gardens, 10am–4pm
Wander through beautiful local gardens, soak up inspiration and support bowel cancer research. Tickets via email: pukekawagardenramble@gmail.com

📚 Myths & Legends with Auckland Museum​
Waiuku Library, 11am
Pacific storytelling session exploring the differences between myths and legends using taonga, movement and sound – seats are limited, first in, first served.

🏇 MyRacehorse Counties Cup Day​
Pukekohe Park, 11am–7pm
Big day out with live races, fashion stakes, kids’ entertainment, free GA and parking, plus ‘The Lane’ party zone for those keen to let their hair down. Tickets!​

🎶 Waiuku 80s Club Get-Together​
The Kentish Hotel, from 6pm
“We’re alive” party at the Kentish – come as you are for a nostalgic night out with possible open mic and singalongs.

😂 Comedy Night at The Kentish​
The Kentish Hotel, 8pm
Country Pub Tour finale bringing a lineup of NZ’s best up-and-coming comics to Waiuku for a night of rural humour and guaranteed laughs.

🎧 DJ Sai Funkin at Little Ed​
Little Ed, 7–11pm
Weekend heat with DJ Saii Funkin spinning disco, funky house and smooth grooves – pair it with cocktails and your crew for a big Saturday night.

Sunday

🎄 Your Local Creatives Christmas Market​
Your Local Coffee Roasters, 8am–12pm
Third annual Christmas market featuring a big lineup of local makers plus great coffee at the brew bar and roastery on Manukau Road.

🥾 Pukekohe 5 Summits Walk​
Starts at Cape Hill (then loops through local peaks), from 9:15am
Social 21km walk ticking off the 5 Summits with options for full track from Cape Hill or half track starting at Catherine McLean Road, with water, aminos, toilet stops and car shuttles sorted. More info​

🧵 Have a Go at Embroidery Stitching​
Franklin Arts Centre, 10am–12pm
Counties Embroiderers’ Guild members guide you through a small embroidery project with kits provided for a gold coin donation – register at the exhibition desk or email countiesembroiderersguild@gmail.com.

🧘‍♀️ Happy Fascia Workshop​
Hill Top Haven Reiki Retreat, Whiriwhiri Rd Waiuku, 9:30am–12:30pm
Movement-based myofascial release and yoga workshop with Kathy Chase, plus morning tea and access to recorded tutorials. Bookings!​

🎶 Sunday Sessions at the Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club​
Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club, 6–9pm
Laid-back Sunday with live music from Jason Smith in the garden bar, pizza roulette (one lucky pizza hides $50) and a chilled way to wrap up the weekend.

monday

❓ Monday Quiz Night at Appetite​
Appetite, 7pm
Fun and friendly quiz night to kickstart the week with good food, laughs and a bit of trivia brainwork.

🎲 Monday Board Game Night​
Otakumart, from 6pm
Free weekly board game evening – bring your own games or try something from the store’s collection and hang out with fellow gamers.

🍷 Wine Tasting: Exploring Italian Favourites​
5A/2 Glasgow Road, 6:30pm
Guided tasting through iconic Italian wines from Prosecco and Pinot Grigio to Chianti, Montepulciano, Nero d’Avola and Barolo, with snacks, stories and plenty of learning. Tickets!​

Tuesday

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

🏃‍♀️ STRIDE TRIBE Run Club​
Waiuku, 6pm
Free, pressure-free walk/run club with a 3km route and very chill vibes – go at your own pace and stay for the community. Follow Janais!​

❓ Tuesday Quiz Night at Ed Street​
Ed Street (27 Edinburgh Street), Evening (time TBC)
Weekly quiz with loads of fun and prizes – gather a team and test your knowledge.

Wednesday

🩺 Melanoma Checks at Aka Aka Hall​
Aka Aka Hall, 12–2pm
Free checks with the FMG Melanoma Van nurse, plus a BBQ lunch – a great chance to look after a part of your health that’s often overlooked.

🎵 Beats By Bingo – Musical Bingo Night​
Little Ed, 7:30pm
Throwback bangers, mass singalongs and prizes with musical bingo hosted by comedian Michelle A’Court – $15pp includes four rounds and a house drink on entry; book your table with the bar.

❓ Malt n Steel Quiz Night​
Malt n Steel, 7pm
Teams of 2–8 compete for prizes in this weekly quiz – booking recommended. Info: https://www.facebook.com/maltnsteelwaiuku​

😂 Comedy Quiz Night at The Village Bar​
The Village Bar, Evening
Free weekly comedy pub quiz with quizmaster Jim bringing the laughs and the trivia; call 09 236 3571 to book your table.

👾 Anti-Social Social Club for Teens​
Pukekohe Library, 3:30pm
Inclusive, low-pressure after-school hangout for teens with rotating activities – perfect whether you’re super social, shy, neurodiverse or somewhere in between.

🧘‍♂️ Vinyasa Yoga with Nigel​
Waiuku Lions Club Hall, 6:30pm
Flow-based Vinyasa class with Nigel from The Yoga Collective to build strength, mobility and calm. More info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555903181723​

❓ Wednesday Quiz Night at Ed Street​
Ed Street (27 Edinburgh Street), Evening (time TBC)
Another midweek quiz option at Ed Street with plenty of fun and prizes up for grabs.

Word Scramble answer: Home Sweet Home (was that too easy?!)

p.s. If someone awesome sent you this email and you want to subscribe yourself, sign up here 👉 dearfrankie.co.nz​

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