Franklin Times Feb-March 2025

Photo Tasmin Lotter

Pawesome new dog adoption centre

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

The country’s first dog adoption and education centre is set to open in Pukekohe in just a few weeks.

The Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre aims to offer an innovative and heartfelt approach to connecting Aucklanders with their perfect canine companions. Centre manager Carly Triska said it was about giving dogs a second chance and helping them find their forever homes.

“It’s also a hub for community education, promoting responsible dog ownership and supporting families in their journey of

adopting a dog.”

Staff have been busy preparing the facility for its canine guests, with about 15 dogs already on site ahead of the official opening on March 15. The opening will also feature family-friendly entertainment.

Triska said staff also work to socialise the dogs, with some having off-site walks and visits to shops around the town. Instead of building a new facility, Auckland Council has repurposed the Pukekohe Pound, originally opened in 2007 as the Franklin Dog Shelter and previously leased to Waikato District Council.

In a media release, council said the centre was part of a broader initiative to promote dog adoptions and to help free-up space in Auckland’s three shelters at Manukau, Henderson, and Silverdale, which are at capacity. The shelters will be able to put more focus on the increasing number of roaming and aggressive dogs rescued each year, to ensure the safety of communities from dog-related

STEWART SURVEYING

risks. Triska said it will also serve as a hub for public education, offering sessions on dog care, training, and the importance of desexing.

Long-term plans for the centre include school visits, weekend family events, and public education programmes, fostering a culture of responsible pet ownership across Auckland. Over the 12 months leading to October, the council’s animal management staff responded to a record 37,558 requests, taking in 8306 dogs across Auckland’s shelters.

Only 43 per cent of these dogs were reclaimed by their owners— a 10-year low.

All dogs adopted from the Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre will be temperament tested to ensure they are suitable for rehoming. They also come desexed, microchipped, registered and socialised before joining their new families.

Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre open day will be held on March 15 from 10am to 2pm at 15 Austen Place, Pukekohe.

The existing shelters in Manukau, Henderson, and Silverdale are already housing over 250 dogs, most of which were picked up while roaming. The council hopes the Pukekohe facility will alleviate the strain on those facilities by focusing on adoptions and behaviour modification.

Pukekohe Adoption and Education Centre manager Carly Triska.

Photo by Helena O’Neill

Jack Russell cross Blaze is one of the first dogs at the new adoption and education centre.

Editor Helena O’Neill 027 341 2883 editor@franklintimes.co.nz

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NEW NAME, NEW LOOK, NEW TEAM

We’re back! It’s been a long time coming but the former Rural Living has been relaunched as Franklin Times.

We have a fantastic team of locals on the ground writing articles, selling advertising, and designing the newspaper, with support from our head office in Howick. We’re 100% locally owned and operated.

But we need your help. We have a large distribution area, from Takanini and Clevedon, out west and right down to rural Pokeno and Meremere.

We want your news tips, your events, and

your community heroes to keep filling our pages with excellent local content.

We have the What’s On section which is a free community noticeboard for non-profit groups. Send notices of less than 50 words to editor@ franklintimes.co.nz with the subject ‘What’s On’.

We are also looking for five students to be part of our junior journalist programme.

So if you have a budding writer in your school or family please get in touch.

They will learn tips and tricks and be given guidance from our news team and experience what it’s like to be a journalist.

They will get their stoEDITOR from the

They will get their stories shared on our website and published in our Franklin Times. With our current programme out east, the children’s stories have a huge following and readership.

They can write about anything local in the wider Franklin community.

We take junior journalists from Year 6 to Year 13.

So here’s to YOUR Franklin Times. Let’s make it a success.

Helena O’Neill

Thinking of developing your land?

There’s never been a better time to build a new, dream home on your existing land.

Jennian Homes Franklin can manage the entire project for you. We can guide you through subdividing one or multiple sections, as well as helping with title of sections and working with development planners. We’re experts at what we do, so if you’re thinking of subdividing your land or building your dream home, contact the friendly, experienced team at Jennian Homes Franklin today.

Calling all innovators!

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

The hunt is on for Franklin-based businesses and individuals keen to pitch their groundbreaking ideas for a chance to win a prize pack valued at over $10,000.

Innovation Franklin has created its own Shark Tank competition to give an opportunity to bring business ideas to life.

Innovation Franklin board member Tracey Kay said the initiative is all about championing local talent, supporting fresh ideas, and fostering innovation within the community.

“Whether at the early stages or ready to scale, this platform allows individuals and businesses to showcase their vision, gain valuable feedback from experienced business leaders, and compete for an incredible prize pack to transform

ideas into reality.

“But we want it to be about more than just the prize – it’s about the experience.

Our Shark Tank will connect participants with seasoned experts, offering insights and guidance that could help shape a winning idea into a thriving business.”

Tracey said the idea stemmed from a conversation between a board member and someone from the community who suggested something like this would be great for Franklin.

“We see it as a fantastic opportunity to showcase and support local business talent in Franklin.

“As an organisation passionate about innovation, it felt like a perfect fit! We saw it as a chance to not only inspire creativity but also to connect aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources and support they

need to succeed.”

Applications close on March 7, with those shortlisted to make pitches notified at the end of March.

In partnership with Counties Energy, Innovation Franklin is also inviting Year 9 and 10 students

in the Franklin area to apply for a $500 cash grant to turn their science project ideas into reality.

For more information about Shark Tank or the Counties Energy Innovation Fund, check out www. innovationfranklin.org.nz

Innovation Franklin board member Tracey Kay.

MILITARY CAMP HOUSING PROVIDES NEW WAY OF LIVING FOR ARMY PERSONNEL

Accommodation for New Zealand Army frontline soldiers has received a significant upgrade at Papakura Military Camp, with the recent opening of the first of its ‘living concept’ soldier flats.

Barrack accommodation has been the norm across camps and bases since post-Second World War, however these fully furnished flats are an entirely new concept.

Papakura’s camp commander [name withheld] says the flats provide far more than just living condition upgrades.

“These flats not only provide a solution for what has been a challenging period for our soldiers with regards to accommodation, but they also represent a significant generational change in how we house our people. We’re really keen to see how they go so that we may be able to provide more of them in

a timely and cost-effective manner,” he said.

“Not only will they improve the day-to-day conditions our soldiers live in, but it allows them to be best prepared, and in the best physical and mental state to get after our military outputs.”

The new accommodation consists of five four-bedroom fully furnished flats that include a

kitchen, lounge, apartment style laundry, dishwashers, with an en-suite and private balcony for each room, along with a utility building with larger commercial washing machines, drying rooms and storage.

The Franklin Times understands Drury company Transbuild was used for the flats.

The flats were built as aging barrack infrastruc-

ture on camp had been in use for more than 40 years, resulting in major maintenance and upgrade works being required, which prompted the closure of five barracks last year. Since then, many soldiers have been living in one room cabins with limited access to ablutions and laundry facilities.

Associate Minister of Defence Chris Penk visited the closed barracks last year, posting photos to social media showing black mould.

“Shocking just how bad things have got at Papakura Military Camp,” he posted to Facebook last July.

Although more accommodation on camp is needed, the NZDF said the flats are a step in the right direction in solving infrastructure needs at the army camp, with the building project taking only seven months to complete. The flats were opened on February 14 by Penk.

The New Zealand Army recently opened the first of its ‘living concept’ soldiers flats at Papakura Military Camp.

MOST AWARDED REAL ESTATE BRAND 2024

Bayly resigns as minister

Port Waikato MP Andrew Bayly has resigned as a minister in the coalition Government after putting his hand on a staff member. The incident happened in his office in the Beehive on February 18.

Bayly was the Minister for ACC, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs.

In a statement posted on social media, he said concerns were raised with him about an incident in which his behaviour towards a staff member was “overbearing” and for that he is “deeply sorry”. “As many of you know, I have been impatient to drive change in my ministerial portfolios.

“Last week, I had an animated discussion with a staff member about work. I took the discussion too far, and I placed a hand on their upper arm, which was inappropriate. I have apologised to the staff member and regret placing them in an uncomfortable position.

“There are times when you have to hold yourself to account. Today is one of those days.

“I have made the per-

sonal choice to resign as a minister and have offered my resignation to the Prime Minister, which he has accepted.

“I want to extend my gratitude to all the officials and staff who have worked diligently alongside me to progress a wide suite of changes across my ministerial portfolios. I am incredibly proud of the work we have achieved together and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Port Waikato as their MP and being involved in the work of Parliament.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said Bayly had indicated his actions fell short of the expectations he set himself, and are expected of ministers, and Luxon accepted Bayly’s resignation.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson becomes Minister for ACC, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs.

Bayly’s resignation follows a separate incident in October when he called a winery worker a “loser”— including putting his fingers in an ‘L’ shape on his forehead — and allegedly using an expletive directed at them.

IMPROVED TRAIN SERVICES AT PUKEKOHE

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

Passenger trains have returned to an upgraded Pukekohe Station for the first time in more than two years.

Pukekohe Station closed in August 2022 for KiwiRail to electrify the rail line ahead of the three new train stations being developed on this section of track. The Southern Line was previously only electrified as far as Papakura, where Pukekohe passengers needed to transfer between an electric train and a diesel train. In the first two weeks of the new direct service between Pukekohe and Britomart

more than ten thousand trips were made each way.

Auckland Council’s transport, resilience and infrastructure committee chairman Andy Baker rode the first electric train from Pukekohe on February 3.

“Getting to the city centre from Pukekohe is now one easy train ride that’s 25 minutes quicker than

bussing to Papakura and catching the train from there. It’s a cleaner, quieter way to travel than the old diesel trains and means we no longer need to transfer at Papakura.”

From Pukekohe to Papakura, over 800 mast structures have been installed to support close to 130km of overhead electric line to power electric trains, along with crucial maintenance work. Work has already begun on both the Drury Railway Station and Paerātā Railway Station, with both expected to be operational early next year.

KiwiRail senior project manager Anthony Hellyer said a legal challenge in the

early stages of the Ngākōroa Railway Station project delayed design and building meaning it will become operational later in 2026. The Waikato-Auckland Te Huia passenger rail service has also added Pukekohe as a stop from February 10. As part of the change, Te Huia has discontinued service to Papakura Station.

In 2024, Te Huia carried 86,000 passengers compared with 66,000 last year.

The 21 Northern Connector and 44 Pōkeno to Pukekohe bus services also connect to Pukekohe station, improving the public transport network for north Waikato communities.

Takanini plant shop to close

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

After 18 years of operation, Kings Plant Barn is closing its Takanini branch.

In an email to customers, Kings Plant Barn chief executive Micah Gamman said the company made the difficult decision to close due to changing customer shopping patterns and changes to lease arrangements.

Established in 2007, Kings Takanini was the seventh branch to be opened.

He thanked customers and staff for supporting the Takanini store over the past 18 years. “Readers may recognise a familiar face in Heather Cochrane, who worked at our Takanini branch for 17 years, she now leads our Botany branch, which is the next closest store to Takanini,”

Gamman told the Franklin Times.

Heather Cochrane has worked for Kings Plant Barn for 19 years, one year working in sourcing before spending 17 years at the Takanini branch, and now one year at Botany.

Cochrane said creating a petting animal enclosure along with having Billy the cockatoo and friendly rabbits were highlights of her time at the Takanini store.

“We got some kune kune pigs at one stage and oh my gosh, with us feeding them and the cafe feeding them, they ended up like rhinoceros. We had to retire/ rehome them to a lovely farmer up north where they had the freedom and some much-needed exercise.”

She said they also had a fantastic tropics area at Takanini, one of her key passion projects at Botany

is recreating this.

“I absolutely loved our customers, they were true gardeners as there were a lot of lifestyle property owners in the area, we specialised mainly in big trees and shrubs which suited the lifestyle nature of the area. Over time with the development of the area and Auckland in general I noticed the shift to smaller housing blocks, smaller back yards and a change to

different garden and plant preferences.”

One of the disadvantages of the Takanini store’s location was its tendency to flood. “The floods, after a few years the novelty wore off, pretty quickly. We had a little dinghy that we would sit in and paddle around when the nursery behind us flooded.”

The Takanini store will close its doors for the final time on March 16.

Former Kings Plant Barn Takanini manager Heather Cochrane.

Photo supplied

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Sweet success at A&P show

Town met country at the Franklin A&P Society’s annual show in Pukekohe.

Show secretary Sarah Wright said the 132nd show consisted of entries in home industries, equestrian, dairy cattle and dairy goats, but not enough numbers to run the beef cattle section.

“Entries seemed to be on the increase from last year’s show, but visitor numbers through the gate were down. This could be due to a number of reasons – the weather was a bit horrid on the Friday and overcast throughout the weekend, with a few showers.”

The show also hosted Franklin’s Strongest Man and Woman, Counties Shears Sheep Shearing,

12 years old. Barry’s family farm is now part of central Pukekohe on Russell Avenue, and the original cowshed is still there being used as a garden shed.

Sara Russ checks the moisture content of honey under the watchful eye of fellow judges, daughter Bobby-Jean and husband Dallas.

along with other entertainment. Russ family members Sara, Dallas, and Bobby-Jean judged dozens of honey entries. Entries were marked for the container’s appearance, honey density, water content, freedom from crystals, cleanliness and lack of foam, flavour, and accuracy of filling.

Sara said honey entries

with a moisture content above 18.6 per cent were disqualified as this leads to fermentation.

Pukekohe Show MC Andy Baker said he met Barry Liddle, who used to show cattle for many years. He said Barry had fond memories of showing his Jersey heifer calf at the show, starting when he was

The Civil Contractors New Zealand CablePrice Auckland Regional Excavator Operator Competition was also held in conjunction with the show.

Nineteen of the region’s most skilled operators competed in a series of challenges including using their excavator buckets to play Giant Jenga, opening a bottle, and writing words with a paint brush.

Winner Cameron Mabey, of TDM Construction, will represent Auckland at nationals held at the Central District Field Days in March.

Times photo by Helena O’Neill

PUKEKOHE SHOW 2025

Town met country at the Franklin A&P Society’s annual Pukekohe Show on February 15 and 16. Local photographer Tasmin Lotter documented the event through these stunning images.

Photos by Tasmin Lotter

At Franklin Aluminium we pride ourselves on our top-notch service and comprehensive product offering. We also have one of the most modern and extensive showrooms in Pukekohe.

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Our customers have the choice of a range of mainstream residential windows and doors, as well as our other ranges like our Metro Series and the APL Architectural Series.

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franklinfirst.co.nz

Police hammer home security warning

Police in Counties Manukau

South are reminding builders to ensure security is up to standard following a recent increase in burglaries from construction sites.

Items including tap wear, light fittings, building materials, tools and appliances yet to be installed have been the targets of most burglaries in the Pukekohe, Pōkeno and Papakura areas.

Police would like to remind all those involved in the construction industry to ensure appropriate steps are taken to secure building sites.

We also encourage anyone who is the victim of a burglary to report it to police straight away.

Burglaries, thefts or any suspi-

cious behaviour should be reported to us on 111 if it’s happening now, or 105 after the fact.

Police recommend a variety of measures to secure your building site including:

• Install security gates

• CCTV

• Security patrols

• Labelling/marking/engraving valuable items (like tools)

• Recording serial numbers

• Ensure building materials and appliances are secured and/ or installed soon after delivery

From next month, Franklin Times will feature a regular police column written by different community police officers from across our district.

A SWEET ARREST

Three bags chocka-block full of stolen items from a Pukekohe supermarket has landed a 28-year-old woman in court. At about 2.45pm on February 9, officers were conducting a prevention patrol in the Tobin Street area when a member of the public alerted them to a woman allegedly stealing from Woolworths Pukekohe Central.

Counties Manukau South Area Prevention Manager

Inspector Matt Hoyes says officers approached a woman matching the description and a search of some nearby bushes located three bags filled with items.

“Officers found 10 tubs of mayonnaise, 13 bottles of shampoo and 66 blocks of chocolate stuffed inside the bags. None of the items had been paid for and she was quickly taken into custody.”

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Trees can cause power cuts in storms

How close are your trees?

Trees and vegetation growing too close to power lines are a key cause of unplanned power outages. That’s why the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations are important. It sets out what property owners and companies like Counties Energy are obligated to do to keep everyone safe.

Here’s what you need to know about your responsibilities.

Maintaining a safe distance

In October 2024, the Regulations were updated to increase the minimum safe distances between trees and power lines, and a new ‘clear to the sky’ requirement for some trees. There is a grace period relating to these until 16 October 2026.

If your tree is growing within the Cut-back or Notice Zone (Tree A), you may get a legal notice saying your trees must be trimmed soon because they’re getting too close to power equipment. Should they reach the Growth Limit Zone (Tree B), you will get a legal notice requiring them to be trimmed. Check our website for a list of authorised contractors.

Choosing to ignore a Cut or Trim notice and failing to comply with it is an offence under the Tree Regulations and can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and up to $500 per day/part day the offence continues. Also, if our lines are damaged because you failed to comply with the Tree Regulations, you will be liable for the cost of repairs.

Keep safe, keep clear, keep our power supply flowing.

Clear to Sky applies for all lines 33 kV or greater, risk lines at 11 or 22 kV.

The regulations

Under the regulations, landowners are legally obliged to keep trees on their property from encroaching on the notice zone of a power line.

Counties Energy will carry out the ‘first cut’ of a tree near power lines for free, then the owner is responsible and liable for the costs of any future maintenance of the tree to ensure it does not encroach on a Notice Zone. Tree owners may face penalties if they fail to maintain their trees’ clearance and this results in damage to power lines or equipment.

Cutting trees near live lines

Only Counties Energy-approved arborists may cut or trim trees within 4m of an overhead line. We can refer you to a fully qualified and experienced contractor or temporarily disconnect your supply so the trimming can be done safely.

It’s important you take the necessary precautions to keep you and others safe.

Always treat lines as live, and if a tree or object touches a line call 0800 100 202 immediately.

The challenge of representing Franklin is worth pursuing

Over the years, Franklin has had the benefit of many printed newspapers, with the earliest I could find being the Pukekohe and Waiuku Times (later the Franklin Times) which ran from 1912 until 1971.

We have seen many come and go as the reality of keeping a newspaper going proved too much.

It is that challenge that has seen the syndication of one of the most recognised which in itself has seen the emergence of new publications that seek to fill the void for locals who miss the ability to learn about what is going on in our wonderful part of the world; and there is a lot!

So, it is great to welcome Franklin Times which we used to enjoy as Rural Living

Thanks to Bo, Helena, and the team who have taken on the challenge of providing our rural communities with locally focussed news and information, I look forward to being able to contribute.

This year is a council election year and even though the elections are many months away, the political posturing and positioning is in full swing. This term of council has been like no other in my experience as we have set about making significant changes to what, how and where we do things, the latest being

the proposals to change our Council Controlled Organisation structure which I support.

For me, this is more that after nearly 15 years, change is needed to meet the needs of both council and Auckland. It will make we who are elected more

accountable and open to greater scrutiny. A good thing. Perhaps the frustration often expressed by people at what council or likes of Auckland Transport are doing is because there is a lack of understanding as to why they are doing that and who set them on that path.

If we politicians from local boards to the governing body are to be more responsible for what happens, it may well create greater opportunities for people to stand in the elections with particular policies as opposed to what we currently have.

With empowerment comes responsibility, something I welcome.

Exciting work ahead in Franklin

Firstly, I’d like to express my appreciation for the efforts of everyone Franklin Local Board collaborated with last-year and share a glimpse of the exciting work we look forward to advancing together in the year ahead.

A highlight from last year was the local boards’ establishment of the Community Partnerships Programme.

The programme enables community led delivery of events, recreational activities, environmental improvement initiatives, facility improvements and other local services.

Improvements were made to a range of parks and facilities which include the Clarks Beach Skatepark and Park, Glenbrook

Franklin Local Board Chair

Angela Fulljames

Beach, and more recently Kahawairahi Drive Reserve playground in Beachlands. Critical concepts were decided for Clevedon Village Heart and Clevedon Showgrounds that will inform investment from Council and others in Clevedon’s future.

As signalled in our Local Board Plan, this year the

Local Board will progress the delivery of an Auckland Council Community Hub Service in Beachlands. This will provide access to library, arts and customer services in line with the growth and change in the area and recognises that Beachlands is no longer the sleepy bach community it once was.

We look forward to working more closely with Eke Panuku and AT on their future work programme. As well as supporting local youth through newly formed youth councils on each subdivision with our project partners.

Our sights are set on accelerating the delivery of our Sports and Recreational Plan, and initiatives that improve our environ-

ment including the Franklin Ngahere (reforestation of public places) plan and continued delivery of the Franklin Paths Programme that seeks to give all agegroups safe options for traveling locally.

In addition to our ever-growing local programme of work, this year you can expect Auckland’s Annual Budget due to take effect on July 1, 2025, which sets out what we aim to achieve over the next financial year and how we fund it.

With a fully stacked programme of work ahead, my colleagues and I look forward to serving our community with plenty of energy and focus on the things that matter to Aucklanders this year.

Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker

Driving down the cost of living

I hope you all had a wonderful break over the summer holiday and a great start to the New Year.

Our government is certainly looking forward to 2025. One of our objectives is to bolster supermarket competition to tackle high supermarket prices and drive down the cost of living. When competition is working well, New Zealand businesses, both big and small, can thrive.

The benefits for shoppers include greater choice and lower prices for the likes of fuel, groceries and banking.

In December last year, we launched a review of our competition settings, a key part of which is on merger settings.

Over many decades,

New Zealanders have felt first-hand some of the effects of mergers and unhealthy market competition.

These include reduced innovation, a smaller range of goods and services, and increased prices.

Many of these could have been avoided if we had more robust merger controls in place.

You’ll hear more about the next steps in this process in due course.

We are also progressing the changes needed to be able to build the infrastructure our country desperately needs, with the overhaul of the Resource Management Act well underway and the introduction of the Fast-Track Approvals Act late last year.

MP for Port Waikato Andrew Bayly

I was delighted that the Papakura to Pukekohe rail electrification project was completed in late January and passenger train services returned on February 3.

People can now travel from Pukekohe into the Auckland CBD on Auckland Transport’s modern electric trains.

It’s also about to become

easier for people and freight to get from A to B as quickly and efficiently as possible.

The Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024 requires NZTA and local councils to reverse all speed limits lowered since January 2020 on several categories of roads back to their previous limits by July 1, 2025.

At the time of writing, I expect Auckland Transport and Waikato District Council to announce by early March the specific roads that they control (which is anything other than a state highway) where the speed limit will be reversed under the new rule.

For electorate issues, contact me at andrew@ baylymp.co.nz

Interest rates are coming down

For many Kiwis, the past few years have been challenging.

High interest rates, inflation, and the cost of living have hit households and businesses hard.

But the latest announcement from the Reserve Bank – a 50-basis point drop in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) – is welcome news. It’s the third reduction since last August, and it brings the OCR down to 3.75 per cent.

In simple terms, it means people will see more money in their pockets in the coming months. For homeowners with mortgages, lower interest rates are likely to bring down repayments.

For many, this drop is not just about relief in the short term, but also a

Prime Minister and MP for Botany

sense of stability.

A drop of almost two percentage points over six months could make a tangible difference in what families and businesses can do with their finances. It’s also a sign of growing confidence among businesses. A stable and more predictable economic environment

encourages companies to invest, expand, and hire.

Last week, the BNZ and Business NZ reported that manufacturing growth had risen its highest level since September 2022 – a clear sign that confidence is returning. The latest Federated Farmers Farm Confidence Survey shows confidence has surged 68 points since July 2024 – the largest improvement since the question was first intro-

duced in 2016 – reflecting new optimism within the sector. Looking ahead, we want to keep driving this momentum.

There’s still work to do, but we’re committed to delivering the best outcomes for New Zealanders.

Economic growth is how we reduce the cost of living and help you and your family get ahead – and that’s what our Government is focused on doing.

PUKEKOHE EVENT SHOWCASES innovation in vegetable industry

More than 200 vegetable growers, agronomists, researchers, government officials and tech suppliers flocked to Pukekohe recently to participate in the inaugural Vegetables Big Day Out.

Held on February 3 and 4, Biosecurity and Associate Agriculture Minister Andrew Hoggard opened the event along with Ngāti Tamaoho Trust representatives Roimata Minhinnick and Edith Tuhimata, followed by two days of infield demonstrations, discussions, and classroom presentations.

The event was hosted by the new Te Ahikawariki Vegetable Industry Centre of Excellence (VICE), with participation from A Lighter Touch, Plant & Food Research, and the various vegetable product groups.

At the demonstration farm on Cronin Rd, attendees got to see integrated pest management (IPM) in action. Put simply, how the good bugs are being housed in native plants and other flowers around the perimeter of the crop –in this case, lettuce – ready to pounce if and when the bad bugs have a go at the lettuce.

New tech solutions were displayed, including a sprayer equipped drone, a small robotic tractor, and an electric weeder towed behind a normal tractor. That very same drone was off to spray pine trees for the forestry industry the following day – and the small robotic tractor is being trialed by strawberry and grape growers in New Zealand, for mowing and weeding under chest height strawberry rows and under grape vines.

Back in the classroom, Edith Tuhimata – Manager of the Environmental Unit at Ngāti Tamaoho – took attendees through the cultural indicator for freshwater quality, which she has developed and is applying in and around the Pukekohe area.

The indicator combines Māori perspectives with scientific ones, to provide a baseline for water quality and what should be done to preserve or improve water quality, for generations to come.

On day two, a panel of some of the industry’s

youngest and keenest participants talked through how they got into the industry and what their aspirations are.

The panel concluded that to get ahead, young people need to speak up, make themselves visible and say ‘yes’ to every opportunity.

The panel was diverse in make-up – two growers, one agronomist, one scientist and one advocate. They had all entered the industry through different routes and took different education and skill development pathways.

A sprayer equipped drone in action at the Cronin Rd demonstration farm as part of the Vegetables Big Day Out.

Photo supplied by VICE/Stori Films

Consultant Olivia Prouse from Cropping Services Ltd talks to attendees at the inaugural Vegetables Big Day Out in Pukekohe in early February. Photo supplied by VICE/Stori Films

COURT DECISION OPENS NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR RURAL LANDOWNERS

If you own rural land with native bush or wetland areas, a recent Environment Court decision may unlock subdivision opportunities for you.

In late 2024, the Environment Court clarified how Auckland Council should interpret the Auckland Unitary Plan’s rules regarding Transferable Titles and environmental lot subdivisions. This decision allows more rural property owners to subdivide or transfer titles than was previously possible.

Under the Auckland Unitary Plan, rural property owners can gain subdivision rights by combining rural lots, creating conser-

vation covenants over bush or wetland, giving up consented lots, and restoring wetlands and native bush. In return, property owners can sell the right to subdivide (called a transferable title) to someone else.

A Transferable Title allows the subdivision rights from one property (the donor property) to

be transferred to another property (the recipient property). This has led to a market for Transferable Titles across Auckland.

The recent court decision impacts owners of rural properties with fragmented or non-continuous areas of native bush or wetland.

Previously, the council required these areas to be continuous, but now owners with fragmented areas may still be able to create Transferable Titles or subdivisions, as long as the areas meet the necessary requirements. This change could be very beneficial for many rural property owners.

Selling or purchasing a

Transferable Title is usually done through a contract between the owner of the donor property and the recipient property.

These contracts outline each party’s responsibilities and protect their interests. Since this process is specialized, it’s important to consult with a solicitor who has experience in this area.

If you previously explored creating Transferable Titles on your land but were told it wasn’t possible, the new rules may now allow you to take advantage of this opportunity.

For more details, contact Glen Low from Franklin Law at (09) 552 085 or glenl@franklinlaw.co.nz

Partner at Franklin Law Glen Low

RENOVATING VS SELLING:

WHICH OPTION SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Making the decision to either renovate or sell can be a tough one, especially when the sales market is quieter. When planning to sell your home, usually there will be a consideration around the current market conditions, the costs to sell and the emotional attachment that is within your home. Here are some things to consider when you are weighing up the renovating vs selling debate:

WHAT ARE THE COSTS AND CONDITIONS TO RENOVATE

Determining the scope of your renovation will assist with planning and budgeting for major improvements to your home. Are you thinking about a larger renovation, including adding levels to your home and major structural work or is it a more modest kitchen or bathroom renovation?

If there are larger improvements, you may also need to factor in a need to relocate during the renovations which may mean renting for a period and storing furnishings and other personal belongings.

There may be conditions around the renovation that you choose including preparing documents and negotiating with the council to be granted permission to carry out the work.

BE CAUTIOUS NOT TO OVERCAPITALISE

during the renovation is to overcapitalise on the improvements which don’t lead to a higher return on your investment and can potentially cost you more in the long run.

An agent can give you an estimate of the before and advice on improvements that have the potential to add or detract from your home and the eventual sale price.

This estimate may also provide you with the information to decide armed with knowledge when you are choosing to renovate or sell the property.

MAKE A LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE

Work out what the benefits versus the disadvantages are when it comes to renovating or selling your property. Write out a list for each option and ask all the necessary questions that you need to consider to work out which option is the best for you and your circumstance.

Before planning to renovate, it is a good choice to have an agent through your home to gain a price estimate on your property in its current condition.

One mistake that can be made

Don’t forget to include factors such as the location and its convenience to your current lifestyle, including access to work and school catchments. Also consider where you would like to relocate to, the reasons for moving and any costs that would be associated with upsizing or downsizing your home.

Need some advice? Then give Jo-Ann or Victoria a call – they are happy to help you work out what should or should not be done and where your house sits in the current market.

Te Kauwhata, 898 Churchill East Rd

Pukekohe, 121 Kitchener Rd

Pukekawa, 1851 Highway 22

PRINCIPAL IN PERSON WITH JAMES CHRISTIE, MAUKU SCHOOL

How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?

I have been in education all my life. I finished 7th form and the thing I most wanted to do was become a teacher, partly because a surfing magazine I read suggested teaching as a great job because there were so many holidays. I studied at Auckland College of Education in Epsom and left in 2007 with a degree with honours. I have taught in schools in South Auckland, London and Franklin since.

When did you become the principal of Mauku School?

I was lucky enough to be appointed to the principal of Mauku School at the beginning of 2024, so I’m fairly new to the principal game.

What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?

My favorite part of being a teacher is taking kids on school camps. I really enjoy the outdoors, and nature can teach us so much. There’s nothing quite like

watching kids learn to keep going, be strong, and tackle tough situations. I also feel very lucky to be a school principal because I get to see everything happening in the school. Principals and leaders can make choices that really impact the students’ success. However, it can be challenging to figure out the right actions to take and balance the needs of staff, working with families, and meeting the expectations of those above us.

What’s special about Mauku School?

We have the best staff. Mauku School has an inside joke that we have the sub-

lime to the ridiculous and that’s certainly something that makes Mauku unique. We are a smallish rural school set amongst the potatoes and onion fields of Franklin. Our students come from all over the area, and they all end up flourishing at our school.

Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?

There’s a greater demand for help with learning support in schools now than ever before, and while schools can support these students, we need more funding. We need financial assistance to hire teacher

aides and to invest in effective programs that truly make a difference.

How is the relationship between Mauku School and its immediate local community?

We are a school that only a handful of families walk to, and many commute from further away, yet we have great turnouts at weekly assemblies, sports events and family and whanau evenings. We invite our ex-students and families back, and we often have high school students helping out with sports teams and events.

We have board members who have hung around long after their children have left the school. Apart from a few houses, we are surrounded by paddocks, like many Franklin schools. We may not be a community hub like many town schools.

However, our grounds are always open, and our pool is open to the community over summer. Mauku School greatly values the amazing community that we have.

Pink eye (Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis) usually occurs during summer and autumn. It can vary from mild irritation to eye ulceration, which, if left untreated, can lead to permanent blindness.

Pink eye starts with damage to the cornea, the outside surface of the eye, from stalky grass, thistles, or wind and dust.

The damage allows a highly contagious bacteria, Moraxella bovis, to attach to the eye’s surface and produce toxins, eroding the cornea and causing ulceration, pain, and severe inflammation. Flies spread the disease from one animal to another.

The first clinical signs of pink eye irritation appear as tearing (‘a crying cow’), staining below the eye or squinting with the eye held partially closed as the animal becomes more sensitive to light and pain.

This quickly progresses to a cloudy spot in the centre of the eye, which can expand to form a deep

Dr Jennifer Stone BVSc (Dist.) Bsc

ulcer or divot/hole on the surface. Left untreated, pressure can build within the eye, leading to rupture.

We commonly see pink eye mainly affecting young stock, but it can affect any age group. Separating affected animals can minimise further transmission, and prompt treatment is essential for a good recovery. Some animals may appear temporarily blind.

Pink eye can be easily

treated if picked up early, so call your vet if you notice any of the changes in the eye described above to avoid the eye rupturing. Remember to have your animals contained in a yard before your vet arrives.

Pink eye is treated with an antibacterial eye cream (Orbenin Eye Ointment). One quarter to half a tube per eye, repeated in 48 hours. Anything to do with

the eyes is very painful, so pain relief (KetoMax or Meloxicam) is added to the treatment plan.

Depending on how badly the eye is affected, the cloudiness may take several days, if not weeks, to reduce.

In advanced cases, permanent scarring/cloudiness may remain. In severe cases where the eye has been left untreated, eye removal may be required.

Making connections this March

This year Neighbours Aotearoa marks 15 years of strengthening neighbourhood connections across the country.

What began in 2009 as a one-day initiative has grown into a year-round movement, bringing thousands of neighbours together each year.

While participation is welcome year-round, there is a dedicated emphasis on involvement throughout March.

The 2025 theme, Let’s Celebrate, is about celebrating neighbourhoods, connections, and people coming together. From March 1 to 31, people across New Zealand are encouraged to reach out to their neighbours – whether through a friendly wave, a shared project, or a neighbourhood gathering.

Neighbours Aotearoa Connectors across the country are out in their neighborhoods, encouraging people to take part.

Campaign lead Harriet Paul said they’re there to

support communities with tools, ideas, and practical advice.

“This year, we encourage everyone living in Aotearoa to think about something they could do in their neighbourhood that could bring people together or make relationships stronger.

It might start with a hello, then seeing what relationships can follow. Even if you’ve lived in your neighbourhood for years, it’s never too late to start making connections.” Neighbours Aotearoa focuses on everyday activities (like cooking, creating, and repairing) that bring people together in inclusive and accessible ways. Streets, rural areas, apartment blocks, and suburbs alike are invited to connect through shared projects, small events, or even simple acts of kindness.

Is your neighbourhood taking part in this event? Email your photos to editor@franklintimes. co.nz along with a short description.

Keep your hot dogs cool this summer

Director of Dave’s Raw Dog Food, Heather McCreaddie, shares tips for keeping dogs cool this summer.

The summer is nearly over but the hotter temperatures will still play a key role in your. dog’s health and wellbeing until April. Humans follow slip, slop, slap for summer safety, it’s only right the dogs have their own dog safety saying. So here it is…. the 3D’s to dog summer success:

• Dip – Dogs feel heat through their paws so a summer dip at the beach or in a forest covered river will provide them with the ideal cooling experience. With more people out exploring the outdoors check for hazards, water quality, depth and current. If opting for the dog beach adventure, a post-swim wash with natural clean water is a must (soap is not required every time).

• Dash – Walkies are for the dogs! Allowing them to connect and understand their world. Walk your dog when the temperatures start cooling especially if they love high energy play. If you are a busy dog owner, try exploring a new local area for a sniffari – a 20-minute sniffari can use the same amount of energy as a 1-hour walk.

• Dine – Dogs feel the heat in summer, and it normally shows up at mealtimes with normal dining behaviour changing. Don’t stress, it’s just time to mix up meal serving times. Exercise and eating are linked so, if you have changed your Dash time it makes sense to change your Dine time to match. All dogs are foodies, so let them take the lead and guide you on mealtimes. For extra hydration add some bone broth.

PET & SUPPLIES

• Dog Park

• Staycation for Dogs

• Timothy’s Cattery Lodge

• Supplements & Treats

• Shareable Ice Cream

Phone: 0272 885 358

Email: info@newflands.co.nz

SHADY LANE Q&A

A fixture of the Pukekohe theatre scene, Shady Lane talks to HELENA O’NEILL about his time as a member of Pukekohe Performing Arts and the Harrington Theatre.

I HAVE TO ASK, HOW DID YOU GET THE NAME SHADY LANE?

I joined the Royal Navy, they already had a Sandy Lane, they tried [calling me] Petticoat Lane but I was quite big ... So, they tried Shady Lane. I’ve been Shady ever since.

HOW DID YOU END UP IN PUKEKOHE?

My wife is from New Zealand, and I said we would always come back to New Zealand. I was never going to stay in the United Kingdom (UK), too

regrets moving to Pukekohe. It was a nice small town with a small-town atmosphere, with all that you needed really. Farmers in the high street ... that was a building. There were about three shops joined together, all different levels. You would be walking along and then fall down a ramp into the next stage. Not ideal!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT PUKEKOHE?

There aren’t many things I don’t like about Pukekohe ... In the past

Hamilton, living in Kio Kio just north of Ōtorohanga, and joined the amateur dramatic group in Te Kuiti. We lived in Plymouth in the UK, which was fortunate because it was the preLondon routine, where [productions] trialled all their new plays. We saw all the London plays before they actually opened. We were always going to those. When we came back out here Jill joined the Pukekohe Light Opera Club as it used to be called ... left me at home and I decided to come down too and ended up getting involved with the technical side of things with lighting, sound, what have you.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE CHARACTER OR A FAVOURITE SHOW?

I think Monsieur Thénardier in Les Misérables, the barkeep. The best innkeeper in town. I was just the understudy for that, but I did a number of shows. Les Misérables is one of my favourite shows but also, he was a great character. It’s an idiot. If you made any mistakes, it wasn’t out of character. I did a few shows after that and was an understudy for a few.

It was good fun. It was better fun when we had more people. These days people are very, very time poor. When you’re putting on a show, for a two-week season, you’re doing about three months of rehearsals. When you’re doing a show, it takes a lot of energy.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES FACING THEATRE GROUPS NOW?

Trying to get casts these days is very hard. You normally have a cast of 30-40 people, you’d be lucky to get 10-15 people including the chorus. The number of times we have tried to audition for about three shows now and not enough people turn up.

Getting people to come through the door is a big challenge.

But we’re still here! There’s a gang of 10-15 permanent people, mainly the committee and a few

others that keep the place running. There’s a youth theatre run out of here called the Rising Stars Youth Theatre for children aged seven to 16 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THEATRE?

To actually be on stage and be somebody else, a different character, is magical.

Playing Mr Bumble, a character in Oliver, was a lot of fun.

The theatre community is very supportive. If we can’t get enough actors, then people from other clubs will fill in. The theatre community will always chip in.

The Pukekohe Performing Arts Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Shady Lane for all the work he does for the club and the Harrington Theatre premises. He can often be found pottering around backstage building a set, painting or fixing something that has been broken, and we would be lost without him. He is more often than not on his own, but he recognises a job needs doing and he “just gets on with it”. Productions at the theatre would not happen without his dedication and there are not enough thank yous in the world to express our gratitude. – PPA Committee

Shady Lane is a long-time member of the Pukekohe Performing Arts, having served as its president several times. Times file photo

VINTAGE DELIGHTS

AT HERITAGE WEEKEND

„

By HELENA O’NEILL

A slice of Franklin’s heritage will be on display in Pukekohe this March.

Vintage Engine Restorers Auckland (VERA) and Franklin Vintage Machinery Club have teamed up to run the Franklin Heritage Weekend at the Pukekohe Showgrounds on March 8 and 9. Franklin Machinery Club president Scotty Bright said this will be the first major event for the groups since the Covid-19 outbreaks. The lack of events had hit clubs and their fundraising efforts hard.

The weekend will showcase vintage displays from stationary engines, tractors, trucks, motorbikes, farm machinery, tools, military vehicles, and veteran/vintage/classic cars. There will also be live demonstrations including haymaking and ploughing.

A 1950s D8 Caterpillar bulldozer will also be one of the live displays. About 60 tractors and 30 engines have registered for the event, with even some local growers planning to bring their tractors in. VERA secretary Paul Rhodes said they were also seeking volunteers to run some of the children’s entertainment like sack races and the Santa sleigh ride (that had also featured at the recent Pukekohe Show).

“We would really like this to be a real community event and encourage the Franklin community to be involved.”

The Franklin Vintage Machinery Club is also hard at work to renovate its headquarters at Pukekohe Showgrounds. The shed has a kitchen, two toilets, a meeting room, library, and exhibiting space. The club was incorporated in April 1988, formed with the purpose of fostering an interest in using all manner of vintage machinery

From left: Paul Rhodes, secretary of Vintage Engine Restorers Auckland (VERA) and Scotty Bright, president of the Franklin Machinery Club, show Samara O’Neill the old Pukekohe Borough Council truck.

Times photo by Helena O’Neill

and restoring them back to their original condition.

Meanwhile VERA was formed in June 1985 by a small number of hobbyists sharing a common interest in old stationary engines, their restoration, preservation and displaying them. VERA does not own or rent any clubs rooms or workshops, with members’ time spent on the 3Rs – retrieving, restoring and rallying engines.

Franklin Heritage Weekend, March 8-9, 9.30am to 4pm, Pukekohe Showgrounds, 58 Station Road, Pukekohe. Tickets are $30 per family (two adults and two children), adults $15, children 6-15 years $5, and under 5s free.

The Franklin Machinery Club also took part in the recent Pukekohe Show. Times photo by Helena O’Neill

This week’s Community Hero is Mar ne Green

The Franklin Times is recognising the many wonderful people in our community who go out of their way to help others with our regular Community Hero award.

Our very first recipient is Marlene Green.She’s nominated by Janine McCarron who writes:

precious babies. Marlene has not only fostered cats and kittens but also tamariki which she has then

“Marlene does amazing work in Franklin, looking after stray cats at times having to trap them at night and then takes them to the vet to get desexed, checked over, and then finds homes for these

If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community, please email 50 to 100 words describing why they deserve this recognition, highlighting specific actions they’ve taken to benefit our community, with your and their contact details and a high-resolution photo of them if possible, to editor@franklintimes. co.nz.

A community initiative is keeping men busy in Tuakau.

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

The Tuakau MenzShed brings men together in one community space to share their skills, have a laugh, and work on practical tasks individually on personal projects or as a group for the shed or community. Tuakau MenzShed chairman Brian Aislabie said the shed has grown from 12 members to 31. “It’s a fantastic place. There’s always something to work on and it’s great for companionship.”

When the Franklin Times visited the Tuakau shed, it was a hive of activity. Several men were busy installing a roof over two shipping containers while others were working on fundraising projects or building things for Tuakau Playcentre.

Member Stoney Burke said like many other sheds, the Tuakau MenzShed started off with four or five men chatting

“She is a superstar! She always helps people also find cats owners as she has her own microchip scanner and offers on the grapevine if cats have been run over so that their owners can be

gone on to adopt. that contacted.”

Be sure to include details about what they’ve been doing, the impact they’ve made, and how long they’ve been involved in these efforts.

The award is sponsored by Little Ed Pukekohe. Recipients will receive a $100 Little Ed voucher and will be featured in our newspaper and on our website.

SHED AN ASSET TO THE COMMUNITY

Some of the members of the Tuakau MenzShed with Linda Hiestand of the Tuakau Emergency Services Community Trust. Times photo Helena

around a cafe table nearly two years ago. “A couple of the blokes had been talking about the idea of a local shed for several years, so a kind offer of the use of a currently unused shed from the local Tuakau Emergency Services Community Trust was the catalyst for action rather than words.”

Half a dozen enthusiastic locals then spent a week clearing the shed. “As is usually the case in a small country town, the word got around. We received

regular offers of a wide variety of tools, machinery and timber. Amazing what appears out of good old farm sheds, particularly the beautiful native timber, and even a few established Auckland ‘sheds’ made generous contributions of their excess tooling,” Burke said.

The Tuakau members usually meet on Mondays and Wednesdays. Email chairman.tuakau.menzshed@gmail.com for more information or to donate tools or materials.

O’Neill

COMMUNITY INVITED TO VIEW NEW TEMPLE

Have you ever wondered about the large stone building just off the Southern Motorway in Manukau?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has spent five years constructing a temple for worship and religious ordinances. Once dedicated in a ceremony in April, only faithful members of the Church will be allowed to enter.

However, before the dedication, the Church is hosting an Open House event, inviting the community to tour the building, see the rooms, and hear brief explanations of its use.

The Church says faithful members

have eagerly anticipated having a local temple.

Times_160W_115H.pdf 10 09/01/2025 4:24 PM

A member of one local congregation says: “Our temple is considered a sacred house of worship. We are thankful that we now have one so close that we can attend and worship.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has 226 congregations and about 115,000 members in New Zealand.

Tours of the new temple in Manukau last for about 30 minutes and people can schedule a time by clicking on this link: https://bit.ly/4axFkYX

AUCKLAND

NEW ZEALAND TEMPLE

OPEN HOUSE

27 FEBRUARY - 22 MARCH (EXCLUDING SUNDAYS)

EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY AND PEACE OF THE AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND TEMPLE.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE AND RESERVE YOUR VISIT.

WHAT’S ON

FOOD LOVERS MASTERCLASS - POKENO

It’s time to change the way you think about food waste—and we’re here to help! Join our Food Lovers Masterclass and learn how to store food like a pro, decode best-before dates, get creative with leftovers, and discover clever tricks to save money.

This fun, interactive session will leave you with life-changing tips that will reduce food waste in your home and level up your kitchen game. Held from 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday, March 4 at the Pokeno Community Hall, 69 Great South Road, Pokeno. Tickets are $10 and you get a gift pack worth $40. Book at www. wastedkate.co.nz.

OHIKU CREEK COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHTING

Visit the Ohiku Awa in Pollock, Awhitu and discover what creatures call this stream home. The Mountains to Sea team will be leading a guided walk and spotlighting event on Thursday, March 6 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm to showcase the diversity of the creek. Funded by the Ministry for Environment, numbers limited to 25. Minimum age is 5. Registrations to rhiannon@ mountainstosea.org.nz.

PUKEKOHE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GALA

It’s time for the annual PCS gala featuring plenty of family-friendly activities, cultural food court, silent auction, garage sale and more! the gala, on Saturday

What’s On is a free community noticeboard for non-profit groups. Send notices of less than 50 words to editor@franklintimes.co.nz with the subject ‘What’s On’. Due to space restrictions there is no guarantee your notice will run.

March 22, runs from 8.30am to 12.30pm at 82 Yates Road, Pukekohe. For more information email friendsofpcs@ pcschool.co.nz.

MUSIC IN PARKS PAPAKURA

Music in Parks is proud to partner with Pacific Music Awards to showcase an afternoon of the best in Pasifika music – recent winners, PMA alumni and some new talent shaking up the industry. Runs from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, March 22 at Central Park, Chapel Street, Papakura.

FUNDRAISING FUN RUN

Franklin Hospice and Riverhaven Artland have collaborated again to bring a fun event to Clevedon. On Saturday, April 5, you can join our 3km fun run/ walk, and as you are running, enjoy the sculptures. When you register, you will get your own fundraising page so you can contribute to providing palliative care to Franklin patients and Whanau. For more information, please visit www. franklinhospice.org.nz/run-walk.

Cartoonist Roger Smith provides his witty take on important local, national and global issues.

Brought to you by the Rural and Lifestyle Sales Team

Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe | Tuakau | Pokeno

March 25

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

Saturday 1 March & Sunday 2 March, 9am-4pm, 135 Glenbrook Station Road, Waiuku

Join Thomas & Friends™ to enjoy train rides and take part in many Thomas-themed activities, most of which are free when you purchase the event pass. Two trains will be operating 12km trips over the Glenbrook Vintage Railway Line to Fernleigh and return, departing at 30-minute intervals. The first train departs at 9.30am, with the last train departing at 4pm.

HUNUA HILLBILLY ULTRA MARATHON

Saturday 15 March, 5am-8pm, Hunua Regional Park

Tackle the original 60km Ultramarathon, a course which demands some serious respect! Or join us for the all-new Marathon or 22km course options which still deliver a fair share of challenge of their own, plus plenty of single trail bliss. Visit www.hunuahillbilly.co.nz for more.

STAR INSURE SUPERBIKE NZ CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Saturday 8 March & Sunday 9 March from 9am, Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, Hampton Downs Road, Te Kauwhata

NZSBK National Championship Round 3, featuring Superbikes, Supersport 600, Supersport 300, Supersport 150, ProTwins, SuperTwins, SuperLite and Sidecars. This round will be run on the 4km International Circuit. Check out www.hamptondowns.com/ events/motofest for more.

WARBIRDS ON PARADE 2025

Sunday 16 March, 9am-4pm, NZ Warbirds Association, 824 Harvard Lane, Ardmore

Along with the flying displays, there will be static aircraft, military and classic vehicles, and re-enactors on show. A great family day out! Due to popularity, we are limiting tickets to online only sales for this event. www.nzwarbirds.org.nz/warbirds-on-parade-2025

PLEASE NOTE: information regarding times & dates of these events was correct at the time this issue went to print. However, readers are advised to check events online for updates.

MARCH RACEDAY

Friday 14 March from 11.30am, Pukekohe Park, 222-250 Manukau Road, Pukekohe

Come and spend a summer afternoon trackside. The day features an 8-race card and will be your final opportunity to enjoy a summer raceday at Pukekohe Park this season. Free admission, Auckland Thoroughbred Racing.

2025 METZELER ELEPHANT RUN MOTORCYCLE RIDE

Sunday 23 March, 9.30am-2pm, Les Batkin Reserve, Tuakau

This year we’re heading south of Auckland, on some of the best biking roads the region has on offer. Our departure point is Les Batkin Reserve, registration from 9.30am, with departure at 10.30am. There will be a huge range of prizes up for grabs at the end of the ride.

LITTLE GREEN EXPO

Saturday 15 March, 10am-2pm, Pukekohe Anglican Church complex (St Andrew’s), 43 Queen Street, Pukekohe

The expo features free practical workshops, stalls, displays and presentations and activities for children. It aims to show what can be achieved in the home, garden and workplace with waste, food, clothes, upcycling, recycling, repurposing, electricity and energy options, and more.

TUAKAU DUCK RACE

Sunday 23 March, 10am-2pm, Les Batkin Reserve, Tuakau

A free community event and fundraiser for Tuakau Kindergarten’s nature discovery programme. Come and see 1000 rubber ducks race down the Waikato River alongside plenty of entertainment. Want to have a duck in the race? Email tuakauduckrace@gmail. com for tickets.

VINTAGE

Wine columnist and connoisseur DENNIS KNILL gives his views on three new wines from St Hugo

Compared with the vineyards in Europe, our wine industry is comparatively young. Although the first quality grapes were planted in Hawkes in 1861 by the missionaries, it was not until the mid70’s that Marlborough came into being. Today Marlborough is leading the way with ingenuity and entrepreneurship and long surpassed Hawkes Bay as the hub of our growing wine industry.

One of Marlborough’s success stories is Astrolabe, a family owned winery of two generations led by Simon and Jane Waghorn. Simon is the winemaker and is highly respected for crafting high quality wines. Over the last four decades

Simon has established a benchmark style of sauvignon blanc that reflects the climate, soils and intensity of grapes grown throughout Marlborough.

Here are five Astrolabe sauvignon blanc wines that are making their mark on New Zealand’s dynamic wine scene.

Astrolabe Taihoa Vineyard sauvignon blanc RRP $45 Lively aromatic flavours of fresh citrus that is dry, deep and delicate showing excellent concentration.

Astrolabe Kererengu Coast 2011 sauvignon blanc RRP $38 Crisp and

fresh with a lingering fruity finish, a finely integrated acidity that’s nicely balanced on the palate.

Astrolabe Awatere Valley sauvignon blanc RRP $31 Fruity flavours that are dry and fresh and a balanced complexity that is well-rounded with an appetisingly crisp finish.

Astrolabe Province Marlborough sauvignon blanc RRP $28 Displaying classic mouth filing fresh citrus flavours that are strong, aromatic and refreshingly dry on the palate.

SUNDAY 02 MARCH

10AM-3PM 2025

APPETITE: WHERE FLAVOR MEETS ATMOSPHERE IN THE HEART OF PUKEKOHE

Nestled in the heart of Pukekohe, Appetite has swiftly become a cornerstone of the local dining scene since its inception a year ago. Located at Shop 1/8 Massey Avenue, this establishment seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with a warm, inviting atmosphere, making it a versatile venue for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations.

Upon entering, patrons are greeted by a thoughtfully designed interior that exudes sophistication while maintaining a cozy ambiance. The spacious layout includes a well-appointed bar and private dining areas, catering to a variety of occasions. Manager Leisha Thompson has expressed appreciation for the venue’s potential, highlighting its suitability for diverse events.

homage to global flavors. Diners can expect a range of New Zealand and international dishes, each thoughtfully prepared to tantalize the taste buds. The commitment to quality is evident, with patrons frequently praising the delicious food and outstanding service.

The beverage program at Appetite is equally impressive, featuring a curated selection of signature cocktails, fine wines, and local brews. Whether you’re

raising a pint with friends or savoring a meticulously crafted cocktail, the bar aims to make every toast a memorable moment.

Operating hours are Monday through Friday from 11 am to late, and weekends from 9 am to late, accommodating both early birds and night owls. Reservations are recommended to secure a table, though walk-ins are welcomed. For bookings, visit their website or contact them directly at hello@appetitenz.co.nz or call 09 242 4242.

Appetite stands out as a vibrant addition to Pukekohe’s dining landscape, offering exceptional food, a welcoming environment, and a dedication to culinary excellence that ensures every visit is a delightful experience.

DISCOVER RARE PLANTS AND GARDEN INSPIRATION

Tucked away in the rolling countryside of Whitford, Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands is a haven for garden lovers. And for two days this March, it becomes the ultimate destination for plant enthusiasts.

From 9am-3pm on Friday, March 14, and Saturday, March 15, the muchloved Ayrlies Plant Fair returns, bringing together 20 of New Zealand’s top specialist growers in one of the country’s most stunning private gardens. Whether people are searching for rare and unusual plants, timeless favourites, or expert gardening advice, this is an event not to be missed.

“This isn’t just a plant sale – it’s a chance to explore an incredible garden, meet passionate growers, and take home something special,” Jacqueline McConnell, daughter of Ayrlies founder Bev McConnell, says.

Those who walk the wetlands truly experience the sustainable gardening ethic of Ayrlies evident in the diversity of flora and fauna.

A UNIQUE PLANT-SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

The fair is a treasure trove for gardeners, offering everything from hard-to-find perennials and irises propagated by a world-renown breeder to native plants and collector’s varieties people won’t see in big-box stores.

The growers on site aren’t just selling plants – they’re there to share their knowledge, helping people choose the right plants and care for them long after they take them home.

And when visitors are ready for a break, they can grab a cup of tea and a homemade treat from the on-site café,

AT ARYLIES PLANT FAIR

then relax to the sound of live

in the beautiful garden setting.

AN EVENT WITH PURPOSE

The $20 ticket isn’t just a pass to a great day out. It also helps maintain the 60-year-old Ayrlies Garden and Wetlands, with proceeds supporting vital conservation work. Last year’s funds contributed to increasing the habitat for native birds on the wetlands.

– www.arylies.co.nz

music

MOVIE REIVEW BY JACK

WATSON

THE BRUTALIST

> DIRECTOR: Brady Corbet

> STARRING: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce

> GENRE: Epic period drama

> RATING: Four stars

This is a decadespanning story following a man escaping post-World War II Europe for the American dream that doesn’t feel its 215 minutes.

The performances are the biggest talking point and for all the right reasons. Pearce gives a standout performance, demanding your attention every time he’s on screen playing the familiar rich archetype.

Felicity Jones spends more of the runtime off screen than on, but makes her presence known with a deeply pitiful performance that’s understated but powerful. Adrien Brody is also good but is easily the weakest performance out of the three.

A movie about architecture is nothing without its visuals and this is magnificent.

The film ends with an epilogue that’s a great send-off. A long and emotional journey concluded with a bow.

PODCASTS WORTH A LISTEN

WATCH READ LISTEN

TWO GREAT READS TO ENJOY

GONE BY LUNCHTIME

This ongoing podcast series by Kiwi online news magazine TheSpinoff provides informed discussion and debate on New Zealand politics. It’s hosted by Toby Manhire with public relations consultant Ben Thomas and broadcaster Annabelle Lee-Mather. This series will interest anyone who wants to know what’s happening in the Beehive and Parliament.

THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Australia’s 9News presenter Melissa Downes and producer Jessica Lodge present a gripping podcast series exploring the tragic murder of two police officers and a civilian in rural Queensland in December, 2022. Four police officers visited the isolated property of brothers Gareth and Nathaniel Train to conduct a welfare check. They had no idea the Train brothers, and Gareth’s wife Stacey, were lying in wait and prepared to kill.

DIRTY JOHN

Presented by LA Times Studios, this podcast is a good reminder that people are not always what they seem. It’s the story of successful US interior designer Debra Newell, who meets John Meehan online. She falls in love with him not knowing he’s a violent and narcissistic conman and a serial philanderer.

Debra’s adult children are suspicious of Meehan and the story unfolds towards an explosive conclusion.

ONYX STORM

Discover the follow-up to the global phenomenons, Fourth Wing and Iron Flame from the number one Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros. Don’t be the last to discover the series everyone can’t stop talking about. After nearly 18 months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons, no more time for uncertainty, because the battle has truly begun.

NO ONE WILL KNOW

The latest blockbuster from acclaimed author Rose Carlyle. Eve Sylvester is young and broke and needs a job fast. After years of foster homes, backpacking and a sailing trip across the Pacific Ocean, she’s lost contact with friends and family. She’s alone, desperate-and pregnant. Then she meets Julia and Christopher Hygate, a charming and glamorous couple, who seem to have the perfect life: loads of money and a breathtakingly beautiful mansion on a remote Tasmanian island. They ask her to move into their empty summerhouse and take up a very easy job, but some things don’t add up.

MINIMALIST MAKEUP

PRIMER

Whether you’re stretched for time or you just don’t want to spend a ton of time doing your makeup and yet still have top quality and longevity, this one’s for you!

must haves

CHEEK PALETTE

This is your first step in your makeup routine. It has the proven power to hold your makeup throughout the whole day. Primer for your face, eyes and lips is known as a base to grip onto your makeup and keep it in place. It will also create a protective barrier to prevent your skin from drinking up the makeup. We highly recommend Mecca Max Bring On Bright Illuminating Primer from Mecca RRP $28.

CREAM EYE-SHADOW

ANY OCCASION LIPS

Cream glitter eye-shadow can turn any day look straight into a glamorous makeover in a few minutes with only one step. It’s my secret tool that takes up minimal space and you can also use your fingers to blend it out. A winner is Mecca Max Zoom Shadow Stick in Cool Bronze RRP $22.

Lip gloss/tinted lip balm saves the day, every time! But of course, there are special occasions where this just doesn’t make the cut. That’s when your lip liner steps in. Top sellers are Mecca Max Pout Pencil in the shade Classy and Fancy from Mecca RRP $18.

When your complexion is complete with primer, foundation and concealer, yet your face looks either pale or blank. Reach for a cheek palette to bring life back into your complexion. The reason for your complexion looking pale is all the undertones of your complexion have now been neutralised. No more visible rosy tones, under-eye circles, and uneven skin tones. But how do you get your coverage to look skin-like again minus the unwanted bites? We recommend Smashbox Halo Sculpt + Glow Face Palette From Mecca RRP $84.

yet your face looks either pale or blank. more

recommend Palette

QUICK BROWS

Let’s not forget that brows frame your gorgeous face! Brow gel is super handy and on-the-go friendly. I would also include either a brow powder or pencil to give a little fill in before the brow gel, that way the brow gel will give a subtle dimension for those oh-so-naturallyfilled-in brows! We highly recommend M.A.C Cosmetics Big Boost Fibre Gel from Mecca RRP $58.

For more makeup product recommendations head to our ‘Minimalist Makeup Must-haves’ article on bonitartistry.co.nz/post/ minimalist-makeup-must-haves, or follow us on social media @bontiartistry.

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TOP TIPS FOR BETTER SLEEP

MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised wellness coaching programmes tailored to their unique goals.

Are you one of the 25 per cent of Kiwis who have a chronic sleep problem? It can be absolutely debilitating for many, with negative impacts on relationships and quality of life, and increased risk of heart disease, depression, and weight gain. Both quality and quantity of sleep are important, with seven to nine hours being recommended. If you’re averaging less than this, read on for my top tips to getting a great night’s sleep and waking up feeling fresh and focused.

> SET YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE. Aim to have a similar bedtime each night, and a similar waking time each morning. Our body clocks need routine to release the right hormones at the right times to help us go to sleep at night, and to feel alert and productive during the day.

> GET DAYLIGHT EXPOSURE FIRST THING. If possible, spend 10 minutes outdoors in the morning light. If it’s still dark when you get up, turn on bright overhead lights, and get some real daylight as soon as you can.

> MOVE YOUR BODY. You could combine number three with a 15-minute (or more) walk, or perhaps you prefer to get on your yoga mat or hit the gym. Whether you do it in the morning or later in the day, daily exercise has been shown to significantly improve sleep for chronic insomniacs.

> SLOW DOWN IN THE EVENING. Aim for quieter, more relaxing activities for 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Turn your phone off, dim the lights, and do something that settles your nervous system. Reading, journaling, gentle yoga, or meditation are all great choices.

> LAST, BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST, MANAGE YOUR STRESS. Change what you can that’s causing stress in your life, and learn techniques like mindfulness to help you settle a busy mind when it’s preventing you from dropping off into dreamland.

www.michellekeenan.com

Waiuku teen to represent NZ at Aussie athletic champs

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

Waiuku College student Charli Gardiner-Hall is heading off to Perth as part of a three-person tour representing New Zealand.

The 17-year-old has qualified to compete in all three of her chosen events at the 2025 Australian Age Group Championships Tour. She will be competing in the U20 women’s para sections for shot put, discus, and javelin and has also been accepted into the three senior open women’s para events. “These senior events are a big challenge as all the athletes are a lot older and more experienced than Charli. But she is keen to gain the valuable learnings that will come from it,” Mum Kylie Hall said.

Charli has been competing in athletics since she was 7 years old. “She took a few years out because her disability meant that she couldn’t go as fast, jump or throw far like other kids and she was always coming last. This was before her physical disability was

brought to our attention. Until then, our focus had been on trying to manage the seizures that come with her condition.”

Charli was born with an extremely rare congenital brain condition called Sturge-Weber Type 3. There are extra blood vessels and calcification on the left-hand side of her brain which take up space where the brain should evolve.

This affects Charli’s motor skills, her balance, and causes weakness down her right side, which means she can’t power up like most people, Kylie said.

“The condition also

causes major seizures which are a huge challenge. One of her recent seizures happened in the sea and she had to be hospitalised for nearly drowning. The way Charli bounces back continually from adversity, continues to amaze us.”

Charli told the Franklin Times she was really excited and proud to have the chance to represent New Zealand in Perth.

“I have been learning some new techniques because me and my coach John are always trying new things to see what will work best for my body and my disability. A big focus is

on getting the right technique for my body, so I can get across the circle faster and use that momentum to throw further.”

Despite the early mornings and extra training involved on top of studying for NCEA Level 3, Charli loves athletics. “I love the chance to meet new people at different competitions. I really like how competitive it is. I got that competitive spirit from growing up with my brother Quinn. I like to see if I can be the best.” With such a full workload, there isn’t much time for fundraising, Charli said.

“I have to be a bit careful about getting too tired as that can trigger seizures. But I have been very fortunate to receive some grants and scholarships towards my travel and training costs, which is really helpful. And Mum and Dad really help out a lot with all of my costs.

“But if there is a rich person out there who wants to help support me, that would be so awesome,” she laughed.

Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete Repairs. Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Patios & All Concrete

• Read the full story at www.franklintimes.co.nz

09 272 4502 | mmfencing@xtra.co.nz | www.mmfencing.co.nz

Trellis, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber Board Pickets. Pebble Timber Fencing, Trellis, Pool Pebble Plan Exposed & Pebble Drives, Paths, Pool Fencing, Retaining Walls, Gates, Timber

Waiuku teen Charli Gardiner-Hall is off to Perth to represent New Zealand at the 2025 Australian Age Group Championships Tour.

Photo supplied

TENNIS CLUB SOLDIERS ON DESPITE FIRE

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

The Pukekohe Tennis Club is determined to continue as usual despite suffering a fire in early February.

Counties Tennis Association president Sharon Nelson said part of the deck was burnt to the ground, the main roof and kitchen sustained some damage, and there was extensive smoke damage everywhere inside.

“Fortunately, no one was hurt, and the courts were not affected. Despite the damage inside, we were able to partition areas off to enable limited use, so our tennis activities continue as usual.”

She said both police and Fire and Emergency New

Zealand are investigating the blaze. “What we know is that there was no ignition source where the fire has consumed the most timber.”

In a post on Facebook, the club thanked the community for rallying following the fire. “Thanks to everyone’s incredible help during this emergency, we made the club safe so our junior players would not miss their coaching that

Monday afternoon.”

The Pukekohe Tennis Club has around 180 members and has another 80 children in their Hotshots programme. Counties Tennis has about 800 members throughout the region, who come to use the centre for coaching, interclub matches, representative matches, and social events.

The Counties Tennis Centre was opened in 1991. The regional facility

has 20 tennis courts: four multisport turf, four tennis turf and the remaining 12 are hard courts. Last year marked the 10th anniversary of Pukekohe Lawn Tennis Club and Counties Tennis Association working together at the Counties Tennis Centre in Pukekohe.

The two organisations have collaborated on several projects that have greatly benefitted tennis in the region during the past decade.

• The Counties Interclub Finals will be held over two weekends: March 7-8 and March 15-16. The Business Plus One Counties Closed Tournament, on April 5-6, will determine the season’s top competitors in men’s, women’s, doubles, and mixed doubles.

Pukekohe Tennis Club/Counties Tennis Centre had a significant fire in the early hours of February 10. Photo supplied.

PUZZLE TIME

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8174

ACROSS

1. A very bad stand-in! (4). 7. How the drunkard answered when asked this? (4,1,4). 8. Dopes and weakens (4). 9. A girl a month (4). 10. Therefore repeated “Not very good” (2-2). 11. Reversing too, one notices (4). 14. Set about you – and on the outskirts of London (3,4,3). 16. Looking down on them, or possibly impartial about (4,3,3). 19. Bananas are popular with many animals at the zoo (4). 22. Not a bark from a small animal! (4). 24. Blooming wine! (4). 25. Again it is a back row (4). 26. Give credit to, which is characteristc (9). 27. Not all of his lefts land (4).

DOWN

1. The vessels are few, the sea’s rough (5). 2. Manage to catch a second in the wood (5). 3. By no means a great time (6). 4. The dope took the woman to Switzerland (6). 5. A twit holding gently things that shouldn’t be held (4). 6. It’s not I that can’t get on with the child in it (9). 12. Free from the crate, it goes off (9). 13. Stop and spring (4). 15. Revolve round the act (4). 17. By this, the man again gets near to (6). 18. Since the collections are one’s possessions (6). 20. The ones, ourselves, who let the fool in (5). 21. He’s always ribbed (5). 23. Very tired, it is to be assumed (4).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8174

ACROSS

1. Musical instrument (4)

7. Vegetable (9)

8. Dry (4)

9. Insect (4)

10. Fat (4)

11. Measure (4)

14. Charge (10)

16. Misleading (10)

19. Orderly (4)

22. School (England)(4)

24. Ban (4)

25. Subsided (4)

26. Bird (9)

27. Shout (4)

DOWN

1. Vagrant (5)

2. Man’s name (5)

3. Liqueur (6)

4. Free (6)

5. Repast (4)

6. Right (9)

12. Childish (9)

13. Rear (4)

15. Try (4)

17. Frolic (6)

18. Stupid (6)

20. Picture (5)

21. Bumpkin (5)

23. Close (4)

Authorised by Andrew Bayly, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Stephen Li (Botany)

Daniel Teo (Manukau)

COMMUNITY SERVICES

POLITICIANS

COUNCILLORS:

• Andy Baker 021 283 2222

– Franklin Ward Councillor

• Angela Dalton 021 283 3311

– Manurewa / Papakura Ward Councillor

• Daniel Newman 021 518 796

– Manurewa / Papakura Ward Councillor

FRANKLIN LOCAL BOARD:

• Angela Fulljames 021 923 278

– Chairperson

• Alan Cole 021 923 719

– Board Member

• Malcolm Bell 021 0228 2267

– Board Member

• Sharlene Druyven 021 536 177

– Board Member

• Amanda Kinzett 021 198 1564

– Board Member

• Logan Soole 021 197 5853

– Board Member

• Gary Holmes 027 496 6283

– Board Member

• Andrew Kay 027 216 1819

– Board Member

• Amanda Hopkins 027 216 2452

– Board Member

MPs:

• Judith Collins Papakura MP judith.collinspapakura@parliament.govt.nz

• Andrew Bayly Port Waikato MP Andrew.Bayly@parliament.govt.nz

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

• Terry Stanbridge 027 320 0013

• Stuart Britnell 027 475 6251

• Jean (Jofejean) Kiely JP - 021 180 6743

• Anthony Searle 027 474 7593

• Roger Goulstone 021 180 1472

• Kamaldeep Singh 022 045 0077

• Jane (Hilary) Hancock 021 963 603

• Paul Brown 09 238 6827

• Heather Maloney MNZM 027 723 5328

• Trinity Jourdain 021 269 6138

• Joanna Blomfield 09 238 8188

• Jim (James) Carpenter 022 074 7017

• Dianne Glenn ONZM 027 428 4779

• Dr Siham El-Kafafi 021 323 662

• Sheryl Hazelwood 027 411 0584

• Alex Robinson 09 238 7653

• Kevin Birch 09 237 0780

• Helen Pulman 027 632 0924

• Peter Amies 027 298 6437

• Marie Appleton MNZM 09 238 5545

BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS

• Pukekohe Business Association 09 910 0137

• Waiuku Business & Development Association 09 235 6231

• Clevedon Community & Business Association 09 292 8046

• Manurewa Business Association 09 2695252

• Papakura Business Association 022 099 7331

CHARITY SHOPS

PUKEKOHE:

• Franklin Hospice Shop, 29 King St, Pukekohe 09 238 5082

• Habitat for Humanity Op Shop, 134 King St, Pukekohe 09 222 5060

• SPCA Op Shop, 5 Seddon Lane, Pukekohe 09 239 3201

• Salvation Army Family Store, 7 King St, Pukekohe 09 238 6800

• St John Op Shop, 4b Harris St, Pukekohe 09 238 7000

• IHC Op Shop, 7 Hall St, Pukekohe 09 238 6429

WAIUKU:

• St Andrew’s Op Shop, 79 Queen St, Waiuku 09 235 2238

• St John Waiuku Store, 4 Court St, Waiuku 09 235 8954

TUAKAU:

• Franklin Family Support Op Shop, 5 George St, Tuakau 09 238 62338

• Tuakau Union Parish Op Shop, 5 Madill St, Tuakau 09 237 8098

PAPAKURA:

• SPCA Op Shop, 178 Greet South Rd, Papakura 09 299 6671

• Salvation Army Family Store, 69 O’Shannessey St, Papakura 09 299 7404

• St John Op Shop, 138 Great South Road, Papakura 09 296 2333

• Papakura Anglican Op Shop, 40 Coles Cres, Papakura 09 299 8086

EMERGENCY SERVICES

• Ambulance 111

• Fire 111

• Police 111 Non emergency: 105

• Franklin Local Board 09 237 1317

• Civil Defense 0800 22 22 00

TRANSPORT:

• Auckland Transport 0800 10 30 80

• AT – HOP 09 366 4467

• Go Bus Transport 09 257 7688

• Train Services 09 366 6400

COUNCIL COMPLAINTS:

• Animal Control 09 301 0101

• Noise Control 09 301 0101

• Water Care 09 442 2222

• Illegal Dumping 0800 663 867

• Parks/Beaches 09 301 0101

• Pollution/Environmental Health 09 377 3107

• Flooding – Emergency 111 – Road flooding 09 969 9800

– Flooding caused by burst water main 09 442 2222

• Water Supply and Wastewater 09 442 2222

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

• Franklin Pool and

•

LIBRARIES & SUPPORT

• Pukekohe Library

•

• Waiuku Library

• Citizens Advice 09

SPORTS CLUBS

• Pukekohe AFC (Football Club) 027 293 5775

• Franklin Gymsports 09 238 8290

• Pukekohe Netball Centre –pukekohenetball@xtra.co.nz

• Tuakau Netball Club 09 238 9321

• Tuakau Rugby Football & Sports Club 09 236 8296

• Counties Manukau Rugby Football Union 09 237 0033

• Counties Manukau Hockey Association 09 238 4333

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

QUICK NO. 8174

Across - 1, Tuba. 7, Courgette. 8, Arid. 9, Gnat. 10, Lard. 11, Pint. 14, Accusation. 16, Fallacious. 19, Tidy. 22, Eton. 24, Veto. 25, Sank. 26, Albatross. 27, Yell. Down - 1, Tramp. 2, Brian. 3, Cognac. 4, Gratis. 5, Meal. 6, Starboard. 12, Infantile. 13, Tail. 15, Test. 17, Cavort. 18, Obtuse. 20, Image. 21, Yokel. 23, Near.

CRYPTIC NO. 8174

Across - 1, Vice. 7, Like a shot. 8, Saps. 9, June. 10, So-so. 11, Sees (rev.). 14, The E-a-st E-nd. 16, F-rom the air. 19, Nuts. 22, S-cow. 24, Rose. 25, Ti-er (rev.). 26, Attribute. 27, (h)Isle(fts). Down - 1, V-ases 2, Cop-s-e. 3, Minute. 4, Gen-Eva. 5, As-p-s. 6, C-on-son-an’t. 12, Ex-tricate. 13, Stem. 15, Turn. 17, He-re-by. 18, As-sets. 20, U-nit-s. 21, Serge. 23, Worn.