Hello, my dear Frankies! 💜

We’re back!!

And is it just me, or does 2026 feel like it’s going to be a big, fun, fulfilling year? Definitely the kind of year where everyone’s a little braver, a little more inspired, and suddenly doing the things they’ve been talking about for ages!

Maybe I’m feeling extra optimistic because I’ve spent the first few days of January catching up with some absolute local legends who are kicking off brand new projects. Deb (yep - Framed Hair Deb!) is right in the middle of launching Süla Water to help Waiuku fight back against our notorious hard water. Honestly, I can already picture it: we're going to have the sparkliest hair and the shiningest skin in the land! (I'm pretty sure those are real words 🤭).

And then there’s Kayla and Mel from Whero Coffee - who’ve made the big, bold move to set up a coffee cart in one of the most beautiful spots on the Awhitu Peninsula. We’ll be featuring them properly in an upcoming edition, but for now: just know we're obsessed with their vibe and their bravery!

Add in all the exciting plans I’m hearing from other local businesses…and I’m calling it early: we’re in for something pretty special this year, Franklin!

R. and the Frankie Team xx

🚘🌸 Petals, Parts & Parked-Up Beauties: two Franklin car days worth circling

Franklin has two great loves: things with engines and things that grow.

We’re the kind of people who’ll spend Saturday morning admiring a perfectly polished bonnet, then immediately wander off to spend our afternoon like we're contestants on a gardening show.

So of course we’ve got two very on-brand car events coming up - one for the classic car crowd, and one for the parts-and-projects people (plus anyone who just loves a good community day out).

🌺🚘 Fuchsias in the Park AND “Petals to Metal” Classic Car Show - Waiuku

This is peak Franklin: flowers you want to take home AND cars you want to take photos of on a (hopefully) hot, summer's day!

Fuchsias in the Park is the Franklin Fuchsia Group’s 2026 Show, Display and Sale at Park Farm Garden - and yes, there’s a bonus “Petals to Metal” Classic Car Show happening at the same time. So you can bounce between blooms and bonnets all day, and nobody will judge you for being obsessed with both.

What you can do (and why it’s such a vibe)

• Wander the show and displays and see fuchsias in every form imaginable - single, double, upright, trailing, hanging baskets...
• Buy plants on the spot (dangerous for your wallet, excellent for your soul).
• Enter the gate prize and raffles, and let luck decide how your day pans out!
• Join garden tours and pretend you’re the kind of person who casually knows what “thriving” looks like.
• Grab refreshments and enjoy a proper slow meander with friends, kids, or your mum (this event was made for “let’s go for a look” people).
• Then go admire the classic cars - a little “ooh shiny” detour that makes the whole outing feel extra fun.

The vibe

It’s picnic baskets, buds and blooms energy - easy, friendly, and quietly wholesome. You’ll “just pop in for a look” and somehow leave with a fuchsia you didn't know you needed, a camera roll full of classic car pics, and a very strong urge to go home and sort out your garden!

📍 Where: Park Farm Garden, 262 Hull Road, Waiuku​
​🗓️ When: Saturday 17 January (10am–4pm) AND Sunday 18 January (9am–3pm)​
​💵 Entry: Adults $5 | Kids free | Parking free​
​💳 Note: Cash sales (so bring a bit of cash for plants/raffles).

🔧🚗 forged in the south - Pukekohe Park Car Show & Swap Meet

This one’s got big summer Saturday energy written all over it - the kind of day where you rock up for a “quick look" and somehow it’s 2pm, you’ve eaten something gloriously greasy, you’ve taken 47 photos of other people’s engines, and you’re deep in a conversation about tyres with a stranger who feels like maybe a new best friend.

Forged in the South is the Pukekohe Park Car Show & Swap Meet, running at Pukekohe Park Racetrack with the Franklin Markets vibe alongside it - so it’s not just a car show, it’s a full wander, browse, snack, repeat kind of day.

What you can do (besides stare lovingly at shiny things)

• Bring your own beast and park up with other locals showing off their pride and joy.
• Check out the awards (and quietly judge like you’re on a panel, obviously). Awards include: JDM, Muscle, and 4x4/Offroader.
• Hit the swap meet stalls - project car parts, tools, random treasures, and the kind of “I didn’t know I needed this” finds that make your garage slightly worse but your soul slightly better 🤭
• Browse established car stalls and meet the people behind the builds (Franklin loves a yarn as much as it loves a carburettor).
• Grab lunch and refreshments on site and make it a proper family day out - kids can roam, grown-ups can nerd out.

The vibe

Friendly, noisy (in the best way), and full of those tiny moments that make community events magic: kids pointing at cars like they’re superheroes, dads making instant best friends, and everyone leaving in a better mood than they arrived.

🗓️ When: 1 Feb 2026, 9am–3pm​
​🎟️ Entry: FREE​
​📍 Where: Pukekohe Park Racetrack
📩 More info: Abby: 021 188 7312 or Alex: 027 264 3165

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toriuns

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

💧 Süla Water - The 2-minute shower upgrade for softer hair and calmer skin

If your hair feels crunchy and looks dull no matter how fancy your shampoo is…it's not you - it's what's coming out of your shower head.

Deb (owner of Framed Hair in Waiuku) has spent years watching locals battle dry, irritated hair and skin, and she's finally had enough! Deb has now launched Süla Water - shower filters to tackle the stuff in our water before it hits our skin and hair.

Süla shower filters are designed to reduce chlorine, sediment, and other common impurities (including heavy metals and chloramine) which we all know are super common in Waiuku's water..

Why we're loving it:

• Softer, less “squeaky” hair after washing (especially if your hair always feels dry no matter what you use)
• Calmer skin - less of that tight/itchy feeling straight after a shower
• Colour and treatments stay nicer for longer because your hair isn’t getting hammered by Waiuku's water every wash
• Less buildup (so your scalp feels cleaner and products work better)
• Easy win - it’s a shower switch, not a whole lifestyle overhaul!

Want to see the filters and bundles (and keep an eye out for their upcoming pro product pics)? Check it out here! 👉 www.sulawater.co.nz​

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👉 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

🍸 Thursday cocktail happy hour​
Little Ed - 6–7pm
All your favourites, just a little bit cheaper!

🧠 Quiz night​
Blue Ox Babe - 7pm
Quiz + trivia night — bring a team (or join one) and have a laugh.

🍔 Food trucks at Pukekohe Park Raceway​
Pukekohe Park Raceway - 4.30–8.30pm
International street food lineup (Thai, Asian, Mexican, Indian, Greek/Turkish, hāngī, burgers + more) at competitive prices.

🛠️ Raumati reads engineering challenge​
Pukekohe Library - 10.30am
A fun summer challenge activity for kids — build, test, and tinker (library-hosted). Check it out!​

🧵 Textile transformation lab​
Franklin Arts Centre - 9.30am–4.30pm
Drop in during opening hours to experiment with recycled fabrics, mend clothing, and add to the community rag rug (runs 19 Dec–13 Jan). More info!​

Friday

✨ Te oho - The Awakening Exhibition​
Franklin Arts Centre - 9.30am–2.30pm, Everyday until 7th February
Immersive, multi-sensory exhibition by Māori artist Mike Tupaea — a gorgeous, thoughtful wander-through kind of vibe (on view throughout summer). Check it out!​

🍸 DJ NPEEZY at Little Ed​
Little Ed - 7pm
Kick your week of in the best way!

Saturday

🎉 Lohri Mela - Family Cultural Event​
Navigation Homes Stadium (21 Stadium Drive) - 4pm
Free entry with local performers, giveaways, free kids rides, plus food and market stalls.

🏁 NZPC Magazine Night Speed Drag Wars 4​
NAPA Auto Parts Meremere Dragway - gates 5:00pm (racing from 6:30pm)
Street-legal drag racing under the lights — cruising, qualifying, then eliminations from 9:30pm. Gate entry $20 (kids 11 & under free; family pass available), race entry $50. Rules + more deets!​

Sunday

🛍️ Franklin market​
Pukekohe Park Raceway - from 8am
Upmarket produce, handmade crafts, antiques/collectables, car boot stalls, food trucks, live music, and a good ol’ browse.

🏃 STRIDE TRIBE run club​
21 Martyn Street, Waiuku - 5pm
Free, friendly 3km walk/run — fun vibes, zero expectations. Follow along!​

🔫 Open game day​
Otaua - 8.30am
An open game day hosted by West Coast Airsoft Rangers (check the event page for the full rundown). More details!​

monday

🧠 Monday quiz night​
Appetite - 7pm
Classic quiz-night energy — rounds, laughs, and bragging rights.

🎲 Board game night​
Otakumart - from 6pm
Bring your own games or try something from the collection — everyone welcome, free entry.

🏺 Kids pottery workshop (session 1)​
Franklin Arts Centre (Wētā Room) - 10am–12pm
Hands-on pottery fun with Madison Cowper. More details and book!​

🗣️ Franklin Toastmasters club​
Franklin Baptist Church (128 Victoria Street West, Pukekohe) - 7-9pm
A friendly, supportive session to build confidence, speak with clarity, and meet good humans — visitors welcome.

Tuesday

🏃 STRIDE TRIBE run club​
21 Martyn Street, Waiuku - 7pm
Free, friendly 3km walk/run — come for the movement, stay for the community. Follow along!​

🧠 Quiz night​
Ed Street (27 Edinburgh Street) - time TBC
Lots of fun and prizes.

🃏 Magic: the gathering (ages 9–16)​
Pukekohe Library - 2pm
A casual session for young players — learn, play, and meet other local MTG kids. Check it out!​

🏺 Kids pottery workshop (session 2)​
Franklin Arts Centre (Wētā Room) - 10am–12pm
Second session with Madison Cowper (booking info in link). More details!​

🌿 Kids herbal workshop​
Mill Road, Bombay - 10.30am
Hands-on school holiday fun with a registered naturopath/medical herbalist: learn about herbs, make cough syrup + balms, blend herbal teas, and take home everything you make. $30 per child, ages 6+. More details!​

Wednesday

🍻 Malt n steel quiz night​
Malt n Steel - 7pm
Teams of 2–8, prizes to be won — book ahead. More details!​

🧠 Quiz night​
Ed Street (27 Edinburgh Street) - time TBC
Lots of fun and prizes.

Word Scramble answer: Nitrous (was this hard?! It was suggested by our resident Fast and Furious lover 😂)

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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