Franklin Times February, 13 2025

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MP calls Kainga Ora development a ‘missed opportunity’

„ By JANE NIXON

Port Waikato MP

Andrew Bayly says Kāinga Ora ignored concerns from a specialist school and the community over a planned housing development in Pukekohe.

“As the local MP, I have over the past few months met with Ministers concerning the Kāinga Ora development at 172 - 178 Wellington Street,” Bayly told the Franklin Times.

“Despite knowing that Parkside Specialist School cares for severely and profoundly disabled children, and that the school had significant concerns about the proposed development on its immediate border, Kāinga Ora refused to accept any of the school’s and community’s concerns.

“I believe Kāinga Ora’s

decision will in time be regarded as a significant lost opportunity to futureproof services for children with profound disabilities in Franklin.”

Kāinga Ora regional director for Counties Manukau, Angela Pearce, said: “The site in Wellington Street has been used for social housing since the 1970s and the development underway, is part of our commitment to meeting the significant housing need in the Pukekohe/Franklin Local Board area.

“The land is not surplus to Kāinga Ora’s requirements. In the Pukekohe/Franklin Local Board area, more than 150 families are on the Ministry of Social Development’s Social Housing Register and have no suitable place to live.”

The site will deliver 12 modern homes, built to

Healthy Homes standards, with a mix of sizes to support families, including homes with accessible features. Dedicated off-street parking will also be provided for residents.

“The development was first proposed in 2022, when Kāinga Ora engaged with stakeholders including Parkside Specialist School and the Ministry of Education, and we’ve continued those conversations in the years since,” she said.

“Earthworks and foundations are now completed, and framing for the homes is going up. Given the urgent need for housing, we are continuing with the development which is due to be completed in the middle of this year.”

“Kāinga Ora acknowledges the concerns raised by Parkside Specialist School

and members of the local community. We have committed to working closely with the school and MSD to explore housing opportunities for families that are connected to the school and are on the MSD Housing Register. Some families from the school may be eligible for these homes,” Pearce said.

A petition to halt the development closed with 638 signatures on December 12 last year.

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

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COMMUNITY PLANNING NEEDS OUR INPUT

Last edition, it was great to be able to update you on the upgrade of the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall. All going well, we will all get to see the renovations for ourselves this winter.

Auckland Council is now asking for feedback on plans for a new Pukekohe Community and Civic Hub, which would bring a range of community and council services together in one central, modern facility. A social media post by Franklin Local Board member Merritt Watson has garnered much comment from residents. While it’s great to discuss our ideas for the proposed hub online, it’s really important to formally submit these visions from residents and facility users to the council to ensure they are heard.

Watson says the aim is to create a well-located, future-focused hub that bet-

ter reflects how people use community spaces today, while supporting the continued growth of Pukekohe.

My two cents would be to keep the library as a library. I think it’s really important to have a quiet but welcoming space for all ages – children, teens, adults, and the elderly. The facilities we have here in Franklin and North Waikato must reflect our communities. The next time you’re in a different town or suburb, go check out their community facilities. Look for things that resonate with you, annoy you, or make you think might work well with a Franklin or North Waikato twist to them.

Our readership is primarily on the fringes of the council seats of power. For Franklin (yes, I’m including you, Takanini and Papakura), council head offices are in Central Auckland, which is a very different community

Doing our bit for the planet

When it comes to saving the planet, every little bit helps.

Local social service organisation Community Networks Franklin believes small steps really do make a difference.

That’s why it’s hosting the fifth Little Green Expo on March 7. Franklin’s only free sustainable living expo tries to show people how they can contribute to sustainability, encourage personal responsibility, showcase steps to a sus-

tainable future, and provide information and practical steps to help tackle environmental problems. Organisers said it aims to show what can be achieved in the home, garden and workplace with waste, food, clothes, upcycling, recycling, repurposing, electricity and more. The expo features information exhibits and displays plus presentations, and activities for children. Entry is free

as are all presentations and activities. Among the features this year will be a presentation on the impact of climate change on the land, ideas for getting rid of predators and pest like rats, a workshop of turning recycled wood into chopping boards, and a Crop Swap stall where people can bring excess produce from their garden and swap it with others to discourage waste.

And the children haven’t

EDITOR

from what we have here. For North Waikato, which has many smaller, rural communities, the council HQ is in Ngāruawāhia. As a North Waikato resident myself, the nearest council offices are a half-hour drive away in Tuakau and not on the way to work or school. What works for West Auckland, Central Auckland, or the North Shore isn’t always going to work for Franklin. The same applies to North Waikato. We need to be active participants in consultation processes to make our leaders understand our needs and what works for our communities.

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

been forgotten – among other kids’ activities there’ll be a bouncy castle, face-painting and a school stall selling worm tea. For more information email cnfsecretary1@ gmail.com.

• Little Green Expo, March 7, 10am to 2pm, 43 Queen Street, Pukekohe.

PUKEKOHE: 81 Franklin Rd Ph. 09 238 4794

426 Great South Rd Ph. 09 278 8742

Statutory manager appointed

„ By JANE NIXON

Alimited statutory manager has been appointed to the board of Wesley College in Paerata, with the move aimed at strengthening governance in key areas of the school.

The Ministry of Education confirmed the appointment in a notice published in the New Zealand Gazette on February 9, with the Wesley College Board announcing the following day that experienced education leader Kevin Bush had taken on the role.

Deputy Secretary of Education Isabel Evans said the appointment would bring “additional governance expertise and an independent perspective”.

“The Board of Trustees remains in place and continues to lead the core governance of the school. The LSM’s role is to support and

strengthen governance in specific areas, working constructively with the Board,” Evans said.

“The appointment will be regularly reviewed to make sure it remains appropriate and continues to support stability, effective governance and confidence across the school community.”

Bush told the Franklin Times he brings 30 years’ experience as a school principal, alongside work as an ERO leadership partner and a leadership adviser with the Ministry of Education over the past three years. He will report to both the Ministry and the Wesley College Board.

His first task is a fourweek scoping review.

“The first step is meeting with the board and senior leadership team to fully understand the current situation,” Bush said.

If student input is

required, he said it would be gathered in line with best-practice safeguarding.

“If it becomes important to speak with students, that will happen in line with best practice, meaning an appro-

priate adult will be present to ensure everyone feels supported and safe.”

Bush confirmed Oranga Tamariki is not involved in the process but said he would share information if concerns about student safety arose, as required in any role involving student wellbeing.

The areas outlined in the Gazette notice include employment matters, school policies and procedures, health and safety, and communications.

Bush said his role relates solely to governance at the school and does not extend to the hostels, which were historically managed by the separate Wesley Trust Board and are now closed.

“My focus areas are personnel, policies and procedures, health and safety, and communications within the school itself,” he said. • Read more at www.franklintimes.co.nz

Residents fight managed fills

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

Paparimu and Ararimu

residents are celebrating after Auckland Council confirmed the applicant behind a massive proposed managed fill site in Ararimu Road has withdrawn their resource consent application.

More than 500 submissions opposing the proposed fill at the Paparimu-end of Ararirmu Road were sent to Auckland Council in September. The proposal would see the dumping of 1.3 million cubic metres of excavated material, including construction waste on rural land over a 16-year period.

Hunua Ararimu Paparimu Valley Residents Association (HAPVRA) co-chair Geraldine Schnauer said residents were anxiously waiting for a hearing date when news of the applicant’s abrupt U-turn came through.

“It was so unexpected. One minute we were gearing up for more fundraising to pay for experts to present at the hearing and the next we were cheering because it was all over.

“We’re so pleased for the neighbours who were directly impacted by the noise and dust of the operation as well as the many small rural communities who would have suffered up to 120 truck movements a day, six days per week.”

HAPVRA’s opposition campaign was jointly supported

by the Ararimu Residents and Ratepayers Association, which helped raise funds, as well as drop-in sessions to advise on how to prepare submissions.

“We couldn’t have done it without them. Our combined skills and energy really made a difference,” Schnauer said.

But it’s not over yet for valley residents. They are preparing for the next big fight: The proposed managed fill on Jones Road in Hunua has an upcoming resource consent hearing. It was planned to take place in Manukau at the end of this month but has been suspended to allow the applicant more time to prepare. HAPVRA says the proposed fill application, if approved, would see an area the size of Wellington’s Cake Tin stadium, with 192 daily truck movements through the narrow, winding Hunua Gorge. The gorge road is

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prone to landslips and rockfall, often closing during the winter months. Temporary traffic lights have been in place since September on a section of the road that is closed to one lane due to rockfall and slips.

Franklin ward councillor Andy Baker has previously said clean fills should be located near quarries and arterial roads, “where it’s not going to destroy a road or create safety issues”.

Opponents have received some good news with an Auckland Council planner recommending the application be refused on both potential traffic safety concerns and negative impacts on the area’s rural character.

Schnauer said she was surprised the council planner wasn’t concerned by potential run-off to the Hays Creek Dam catchment, which supplies water to Papakura.

“We are horrified that a proposed fill could be built so close to an essential water supply and we hope Watercare’s experts will be able to provide a robust opposition.”

HAPVRA will hold a public meeting once a new hearing date has been scheduled. The applicant has until May 21 to resume the process.

“We may be small, but we are a determined, highly organised community. We’re looking forward to our time at the hearing to show that rural voices do matter, and we’re expecting that our Ararimu and Paparimu friends will now join this fight too. There is only one Hunua Ranges in the whole world, and we are determined to keep it beautiful.”

A fundraising page has been set up to help pay for HAPVRA’s defence experts: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/ hunua.

Blue Light camp sparks ambitions for Tuakau teen

„ By JANE NIXON

A Blue Light Life Skills Camp has helped spark interest in a future with the New Zealand Defence Force for Tuakau teenager Ashley Shepherd.

The 16-year-old Tuakau College student was awarded the Overall Merit Award after attending the five-day camp at RNZAF Base Whenuapai from January 19 to 23.

Ashley said the camp helped build her confidence and leadership skills through exposure to military-style structure, teamwork and problem-solving.

“I’m normally shy and would often stand back and wait for others to take charge,” she said.

“Through the camp, I got better at leadership and communication by working together with my team and

helping guide them through the activities.”

She said one of the most challenging parts of the week was learning how to lead and support others under pressure. “A small number of people didn’t want to participate, which made it hard on the rest of the group,” she said.

“We overcame this by encouraging them, including them, and getting everyone involved, even if it was just helping with something small.” Ashley said winning the Overall Merit Award came as a surprise.

“I was very grateful to be chosen and couldn’t believe I had won it out of so many amazing people,” she said.

“I was proud that the effort I put in over the week had paid off.” Ashley said the experience has influenced her thinking about the future.

“I’m not entirely sure what I want to do yet, but I am contemplating joining the NZ Defence Force. I like the structure and the potential pathways it provides.”

Blue Light programme coordinator Easter Misi said Ashley stood out throughout the camp.

“Ashley is a kind and supportive young woman who consistently demonstrated

leadership, resilience and dedication. Her ability to stay focused on her goals and grow in confidence made her a deserving recipient of the Merit Award,” Misi said.

Ashley encourages other young people to consider the programme.

“It’s an amazing way to grow, meet new people and step out of your comfort zone. Just do it.”

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

Gone to the dogs

Award winning canine

“Sir Ralph” scooped the winning cup for photographer Robin Short at the Pukekohe Franklin Camera Club’s annual salon.

Sir Ralph, photographed proudly wearing a Glenbrook Vintage Railway’s cap, won the top overall image for photographer and artist Robin Short. Celebrating the 50th year of the club’s annual salon, the distinctive winning photo also claimed the portrait category.

The early morning snapshot was a happy surprise for Short.

“I was out walking and saw this handsome dog just sitting quietly in the back of a Ute, windows down. He was looking very earnest and thoughtful, quite regal, hence the name, Sir Ralph.”

Short also received three honours rosettes, three highly commended, and three acceptance certificates for her creativity behind the lens.

Finding a way forward

„ By KERRY LEE

Entrepreneur Mike Marr says that there are new and exciting things ahead for Franklin in 2026.

Innovation Franklin, which Marr founded and chairs, is introducing the innovation lab this year.

The lab, when completed, will be mobile enough to be used in schools and at community events like the A&P Show.

Its goal will be to take innovation into the community, so people have a better idea of what is coming in 2026.

“We’re really excited about it [the lab], and the intention around that is it’ll have technologies of the future, like AI, different models, robots, and things like that, to enable people to touch the future and dream about it.

“What we want them to do is to dream and to think big and create the businesses of the future.”

Innovation Franklin also hosts the annual Youth Shark Tank and its adult counterpart to showcase new innovations. Adam Dobbs won last year’s Shark Tank competition with his app, which helps separated parents communicate better, an idea inspired by his own breakup years prior.

Innovation Franklin also has four new events planned to help answer the problem of positioning businesses moving forward.

“It’s about learning, it’s about innovation, and we must be supporting all these different areas of our community. We’re also working through some additional members for the Innovation Franklin board, to help us in the next stage of our growth, so that’s very exciting,” says Marr.

The secret to Innovation Franklin’s success may lie in how they take risks and approach new ideas. For Marr, it’s about trying different things and the strong community engagement behind them.

He cites Shark Tank as an example of what the community can do when given

so how does this automation impact businesses, and how do we position businesses for the future?”

While Marr is concerned about the potential threat that AI poses, he also sees it as a double-edged sword. While we should be careful in how it’s adopted, he acknowledges that the opportunities it represents should not be ignored.

He believes that AI can be a powerful disruptor in business and that, as a community, we should embrace it as a way for organisations to move forward.

the chance, and says he is amazed by some of the innovations he has seen.

Job creation remains a challenge for businesses, especially critical given the rise of AI, which risks making some positions obsolete amid increasing unemployment.

“That’s our aim here, and the big picture is how do we create jobs in the future for Franklin? How do we position Franklin for the future? How do we help local businesses position themselves for the future as well?

“AI is doubling in capability every seven months. We’ve seen that when we Google something online, the AI version is getting more accurate,

“If we just carry on with our heads in the sand, then our competitors will be embracing it, and they’ll be more efficient and productive than we are, so we have to disrupt it ourselves. We have to see the opportunity of what it is, if we’re to position our businesses forward.

“This is why we have to have a future focus, because disruption will always come, whether it’s AI or whether it’s something else.

“Like what’s happened before, some jobs will disappear, but new ones will be created; we have to embrace this new technology so that we can see what these new jobs actually are, so we can get the leap on them and create them here,” says Marr.

• Submissions are open for the 2026 Innovation Franklin Shark Tank.

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Franklin to host bat hui

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

Bats are set to take centre stage in Waiuku next month as Finding Franklin Bats prepares to host the National Pekapeka Hui.

The native long-tailed bat, or Chalinolobus tuberculatus, is one of New Zealand’s rarest and most vulnerable creatures. It seems to have settled in the Manukau Lowlands, making it a key area for pekapeka (bat) research.

The National Pekapeka Hui will be held from March 25 to 27 at Rereteewhioi Marae in Waiuku.

This year’s hui aims to bring scientists, iwi, private landowners, community conservation practitioners and government agencies

Franklin and Manurewa areas use seasonal volunteers to support fieldwork and community projects. Roles may include:

» Helping with bat walks and public events

» Setting up and collecting acoustic bat monitors

» Supporting habitat restoration or planting days

No experience is needed, just curiosity, reliability, and a willingness to learn. Training and gear are provided where required.

If you’d like to put your hand up to volunteer, check out Finding

together in one forum - not just to share research, but to share people, knowledge, stories, tools and partnerships.

From November through February, Auckland’s bat scene heats up. These little flyers roost by day in carefully chosen “holiday homes” - trees that warm nicely in the afternoon sun. By dusk, they burst out like partygoers spilling from the bach, heading to streams to chow down on flying insects. It’s their version of late-night snacking after a siesta.

The Franklin Times joined a bat walk on a private property in Pukeoware in the hopes of glimpsing some of our elusive pekapeka.

The walks, hosted by Finding Franklin Bats, have limited spaces to keep the groups small and are held during the peak bat-spotting season of November to February. We walked through native bush and saw the efforts of landowners to bring back habitats for our native creatures.

If you are serious about wanting to spot our native

bats, then a bat detector is your best bet. We were lucky enough to spot several bats (or the same bat multiple times) on our walk, with a few seconds’ warning given by the clicks heard over the handheld bat detector. The bat’s flight movements looked very similar to the swallow, as it hunted for food.

Auckland Council is working with Ngaati Te Ata Waiohua iwi, community groups, and EcoQuest, to carry out a five-year bat survey and tracking programme in the Manukau Lowlands, an area stretching between Waiuku and Pukekohe.

Bats can be found in mature native forests, with roosts in tree cavities and dead trees.

Effective pest control is key to giving bats a real chance to relax, Auckland Council’s senior conservation advisor Ben Paris says.

When we create safe habitats, plant native trees and connect green corridors, he says we’re building batfriendly highways and holiday homes.

“It’s like finally being able to sit at the park without worrying about seagulls harassing your picnic spot, or an Airbnb for pekapeka, minus the cleaning fee.

“The more we control pests and provide better habitat, the safer bats feel to hang out where they belong,” Paris said.

• Registrations are now live at www.events.humanitix.com/ national-pekpeka-hui-2026.

Specialist school for Franklin

„ By JANE NIXON

Anew specialist school for children with high and complex needs will open in Drury in 2028, as part of the Government’s biggest expansion of specialist education in decades.

The South Auckland specialist school will be built on Crown-owned land next to Ngākōroa School in Drury and is expected to open for Term 1, 2028. The first stage will cater for up to 54 students from the Papakura and Drury areas.

The school will include six teaching spaces, therapy and whānau areas, an administration building and outdoor learning spaces. An establishment board has been appointed for the new school, which includes Parkside Specialist School principal Carol Willard.

A spokesperson for Education Minister Erica Stan-

ford told the Franklin Times the land parcel is currently a residential property adjacent to Ngākōroa School’s field but will now be redeveloped.

The announcement was made on January 29 by Stanford and Finance Minister Nicola Willis, with a second specialist school confirmed for Palmerston North.

“For the first time in almost 50 years, the Government is building new day specialist schools that will support children with high and complex needs to thrive,” Stanford

said. “These two new schools represent a hugely significant and long-awaited milestone for specialist education in New Zealand, and for the students and their families who need them.”

Stanford said demand for specialist schooling options had been growing for years.

“The provision of more day specialist schools is long overdue. We know many parents of children with high and complex needs want the option of a specialist education setting,” she said.

“We’ve listened to families, communities and specialists, and I’m excited for the children who will attend these schools.”

The two new schools will bring the total number of specialist schools nationwide to 29, filling gaps in regions where resources have been limited. The last day specialist school was established in Hamilton North in 1977.

The schools will be manufactured off-site using a standard building design, with purpose-built teaching, therapy and family spaces, as well as accessible indoor and outdoor learning areas.

Papakura MP Judith Collins welcomed the announcement, calling it a long-awaited milestone for the community.

“This new school will give families greater choice and confidence that their children can learn in an environment that meets their needs,” Collins said.

Hope in offshore surgery

„ By KERRY LEE

An Ardmore family hopes to access life-changing surgery in the United States for their six-year-old Fletcher.

He was diagnosed with Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy at 10 months old.

Over the years, his family has provided him with as many opportunities as possible through various treatments and therapies. When Fletcher was three years old, his family heard about Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR) surgery. This irreversible neurosurgical procedure targets leg stiffness by severing specific nerve fibres to improve mobility.

At the moment, it is difficult for Fletcher to cross his legs, to walk or stand safely, and he can only do so with

the help of his walker or by holding onto something.

His mother, Cindy Erdos, says the family has tried everything to help Fletcher, including flying out to Australia and travelling down to Rotorua’s Centre of Movement, but feels SDR surgery is their best option.

“By getting him the surgery, we’re hoping that Fletcher will be able to walk independently or at least be safer as he becomes an adult. Our goal is to raise enough money to go over and perform the surgery.”

The treatment will cost more than $120,000 for surgery and related costs.

“There are no pathways funded in New Zealand for this. I’ve tried pathways over in Australia that do the surgery, but currently, New Zealand children aren’t accepted into that programme. So, we’re left with the option of

travelling to the St Louis Children’s Hospital in Missouri to hopefully provide him with this life-changing opportunity.”

Erdos gave up her fulltime position as a teacher at Opaheke School to take Fletcher to appointments and therapy sessions.

“A lot of things are inaccessible to Fletcher, which means they (the family) have to make sacrifices for him as well, but with those sacrifices comes an amazing opportunity to learn about cerebral palsy and gives them a perspective that everyday neurotypical children aren’t exposed to,” she said.

Fletcher’s family is hopeful that the surgery will give him a happier life and have read cases where children have walked independently after the surgery.

Professor Dame Helen Stokes-Lampard, national

Cindy Erdos hopes that SDR surgery can give Fletcher a new lease on life. Photos supplied

chief medical officer of Health New Zealand, said it was a case of seeing which patients could benefit the most from SDR treatment, and how to get it to them.

“There are ongoing discussions about who can most benefit from Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, and how to provide access. Considerations involve both the surgical procedure and the very significant pre-and post-surgical rehabilitation required to maximise the benefit of the procedure.”

The family hopes to leave for Missouri in March. As of Wednesday, February 11, their Givealittle campaign has raised nearly $7000. Search “Fletchers SDR surgery” on www.givealittle. co.nz to make a donation.

One year ago, Ensom Funeral Services became Ensom & Biswas Funerals.

As we mark this first year, we are excited to share what lies ahead. Very soon, we will be welcoming families into our own local chapel.

• Easy, single-level access

• Ample parking in central location

• Latest livestreaming & AV setup

• Capacity to seat & cater for 150+

We look forward to continuing to care for our community, just as family should.

No NZ Post retail hubs planned for Franklin

„ By JANE NIXON

No new NZ Post retail hubs are planned for Franklin, despite the area being earmarked for significant growth.

This comes as the postal service confirms four local outlets will stop offering NZ Post services from June 2026.

NZ Post has confirmed services will be withdrawn from Paerata, Clarks Beach, Patumahoe, and Takanini this June. NZ Post Te Kauwhata was initially listed as closing in June, but the company has since confirmed this was an error. That outlet will remain open.

The changes form part of a nationwide reshaping of NZ Post’s urban retail network, which will see services removed from 142 urban

retail partner stores during 2026, while retaining a network of 567 outlets.

As part of the transformation, NZ Post is upgrading some of its own stores and introducing new retail hubs designed to bring multiple services together in one location, reflecting growth in parcel sending, collection and returns.

Two hubs are already operating in Newmarket and Hardinge Street in Auckland, with hubs planned for Christchurch and Palmerston North in the first half of 2026. More locations are planned nationwide.

However, NZ Post has confirmed Franklin is not currently in line for one of the new hubs.

In a statement to the Franklin Times, NZ Post said it

THINKING

has no immediate plans for a new store in either the Paerata Rise or the Drury Metropolitan Centre developments.

“These changes are about creating the right mix of stores and services across the retail network and investing in the right retail spaces and locations.

“Part of this includes monitoring growth areas closely as they develop, such as Paerata Rise, so we can assess future demand to ensure that we’re meeting customers’ needs.”

While acknowledging the closures will be an adjustment for some customers, NZ Post said services will remain accessible.

“After these changes, customers can visit NZ Post Pukekohe, which is located just over 4km away,” the

Paerata residents will be redirected to the Pukekohe shop.

company said.

When the Franklin Times visited the King Street shop on February 2, there were about a dozen people in the queue for postal services at shortly after 11.30am.

The small service operates at the rear of Paper Plus in Pukekohe.

“It’s irritating that the queues are already long,” one local told the Franklin Times

Vandals target the Pukekohe SPCA shop twice in one week

„ By JANE NIXON

The SPCA shop on Seddon Street in Pukekohe has been targeted twice in a week, leaving the store closed for some time after its front window and door were smashed.

Senior Sergeant Jeremy Steedman, Counties Manukau South Response Manager, said police received a report of wilful damage at a shop on Seddon Lane at about 8.54am on Thursday, January 29. “Sometime after 5.30pm rocks were thrown at the front windows, breaking

the glass,” Steedman said.

“This is the second report for this location this week, with a similar incident occurring on January 27. Enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved.”

A witness told the Franklin Times they were dining nearby when they saw “four young boys on bikes smashing up the windows” of the SPCA shop.

The witness said they did not believe it was safe to intervene. The Franklin Times understand that police have spoken with the witness as part of the investigation.

The next day, January 30, rocks still lay on the ground by the door of the shop where they had been thrown. Staff spent the day picking up glass inside.

Steedman said officers are aware of community speculation but need more information to progress the case.

“Police are working to establish the identities of those involved and need to hear from anyone who has information but has not yet spoken to us.”

SPCA Retail Regional Manager Gwen Stege said staff

and volunteers were disappointed by the incident.

“We were extremely saddened to see the damage done to our store. Police are investigating this matter so it wouldn’t be appropriate for us to comment further at this time,” she said.

She said there was extensive damage to the front of the store, which closed for several days after the incident.

“We want to thank the community and our volunteers for their support,” Stege said.

A busy year ahead for board

I hope the holiday period was a positive one for you and your family – with lots of new memories and time spent connecting and recharging.

This year will be another busy one for the Franklin Local Board, with key projects and critical planning underway to ensure we are representing our engaged and passionate community.

One of the many projects we are excited about in 2026 is how we can bring to life our Pukekohe Community Civic Hub concept plan.

We all know that the Franklin region is growing fast; by 2052, our region’s population is expected to be around 187,700 – that’s about double what it is today. To respond to current and future population growth, our community facilities need to provide spaces that are fit for purpose and can be well-used by lots of people.

Working with the council’s Auckland Urban Devel-

opment Office – through the Unlock Pukekohe urban regeneration programme –we’ve developed a visionary, long-term, draft concept plan that future-proofs Franklin: The Centre and the Pukekohe War Memorial Town Hall. We want to make sure these important public facilities provide high-quality services and a range of options for our community well into the future.

This is a massively exciting project. Our aim is to make much better use of the wonderful facilities we already have by better integrating and connecting these buildings and by activating spaces that aren’t well used.

Some of the features the draft concept plan proposes are:

• A new community event and kai/food space

• Additional community spaces

• Modern infrastructure to support events

Franklin Local Board chair Alan Cole

• Creating community spaces that integrate arts, the library and community learning

• A new tamariki and wellness space

• Improved safety and amenity for pedestrians

• Environmental and sustainability improvements.

We’re also working alongside the RSA to potentially create a more flexible, multiuser community facility that continues to proudly support and house the Franklin RSA.

We started work on the draft concept plan in 2023,

working closely with mana whenua, community partners, key stakeholders and others – and now we want your feedback on our proposals. We want to hear from you to better understand if the vision for a community civic hub is something you want us to progress as a priority. We also want to know if there is anything you think we have missed and/or if there are features in the draft concept plan that you do not agree with.

It’s easy to provide feedback, you can either attend the second of our two drop-in sessions on March 1 or head online. The consultation runs from February 4 to March 4.

To have your say on the draft concept plan, please visit www.akhaveyoursay. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ pukekohecommunitycivichub

Enjoy the rest of your summer and look out for each other.

Pace yourselves, voters, it’s a long year

„ Comment by

PJ TAYLOR

There’s a saying: Everything’s political. Even to those who say their disinterested in the subject, most things in life are influenced by or connected to politics.

There’s no escape, but of course, you don’t have to pay attention. That’s the freedom democracy allows, but more the shame, as politics is important.

It impacts everyone, whether one likes it or not. The foundation of a civil society. An old Concise Oxford Dictionary defines politics as: Science and art of government; political affairs or life (politics is a dirty business); political principles (what is his politics?; the politics of the decision is not clear).

Bob Dylan’s got a song on his Oh Mercy album of 1989, (We live in a) Political World

Typical of Dylan – can always write a song that can

apply to any point in history. We do indeed live in a political world, and it seems more apparent than usual.

Even in sleepy holidaying January. This month has been anything but quiet for matters political, here and overseas. Politics everywhere

– politicians everywhere –appearing continually on our screens in this multi-device strewn world.

That’s because we live in extraordinary times. The outside world, for which New Zealand is totally connected in economic and social rela-

tionships, is changing rapidly – the atmosphere tense; traditional relationships tested and strained.

It feels like we’re almost at war, and don’t know who the enemy is. One thing’s for certain: We’re backing and assisting Ukraine.

Broadly, it’s a different kind of struggle, and there are lots of battles. The cost of living, and the many working hard to pay bills and stay afloat – is on our doorsteps.

The general election is on November 7. That makes for a very long campaign. So, we must all pace ourselves.

This election is about leadership, who is going to steer this country forward, united, proudly working together to make our own economic and social prosperity, while maintaining a peaceful and positive presence internationally.

What’s the vision? Great leaders get people motivated to work.

Our changes in education are delivering results

As your kids head back to school for the 2026 year, they’ll be better prepared than they’ve ever been under National.

When we came into Government, the education system was not delivering for too many young New Zealanders. More than half of students were not attending school regularly, around 80

per cent of 13-year-olds were behind in maths, and around half were below where they needed to be in reading.

We’ve been busy. We’ve banned mobile phones in classrooms, mandated an hour a day of reading, writing and maths, introduced a more structured approach to teaching literacy and numeracy, and banned open-plan

classrooms that distracted students and teachers.

Parents deserve to know how their kids are progressing at school.

That’s why we’re rolling out a nationally consistent approach to reporting student progress, with regular assessments and clearer, more detailed reporting in reading, writing and maths for primary and intermediate students.

We’re also expanding support for students who need extra help. This year, more than 100,000 year 1-8 students across 474 schools will benefit from learning support co-ordinators ready to help students who need it. Literacy intervention teachers will be placed in 1,248 schools and maths intervention teachers in 812 schools, to help children who need

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

more support.

These changes are delivering results. Our relentless focus on teaching the basics brilliantly has seen 56 per cent of new entrants now meeting or exceeding expectations in phonics, up from 36 per cent, and 79 per cent of teachers report improved student focus on schoolwork since the mobile phone ban.

We’ve put ambition and achievement back at the heart of our education system, so Kiwi kids are set up for success. It’s all about fixing the basics and building the future.

Easier prescriptions put more money in patients’ pockets

On February 1, changes came into effect that mean New Zealanders can receive prescriptions for up to 12 months, saving them money and simplifying access to medicines.

This is a commonsense change that’ll make a real difference to patients who have stable, long-term conditions like asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. If their GP or other prescriber decides it’s appropriate and safe to provide 12-month prescriptions, these patients won’t have to get a new prescription every three months from their GP.

They’ll visit their usual pharmacy to collect the repeats and only pay a single prescription charge of $5 when they collect their first supply.

Patients won’t need to pay a charge for the remaining repeats over the 12-month period.

This is a win-win for both patients and health professionals. It means lower costs, and better access to medicines for New Zealanders with long-term, stable medical conditions.

It also reduces the time GPs and other prescribers need to spend renewing routine prescriptions, making it easier for other patients to get an appointment when they need one.

This is just one of the practical, patient-focused changes the Government has made to give New Zealanders better access to healthcare, closer to home.

We’ve also increased prescribing rights for health

professionals like nurse practitioners, enabling them to prescribe a wider range of medicines within their areas of practice.

And more New Zealanders with ADHD will have faster access to support as a result of changes to who can assess, diagnose, and start ADHD treatment.

Medsafe and Pharmac have made changes that will allow Specialist GPs and nurse practitioners to diagnose ADHD and start treatment for adults aged 18 and over.

Nurse practitioners working on paediatric or child and adolescent mental health teams can also diagnose and start treatment for children and teens under 18. Previously, GPs and nurse practitioners could only prescribe

Health Minister Simeon Brown

ADHD medicines to patients with a written recommendation from a paediatrician or psychiatrist, or after someone had already been diagnosed and received their first prescription.

Together, these changes mean New Zealanders will have quicker, easier, and more affordable access to the care and medicines they rely on.

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. They set 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 trees are 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. Visit our website at countiesenergy.co.nz/service-providers 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 if 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, plus certain high-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 network 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 the 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.

Letter to the Editor: Auckland needs real opposition between elections

Local democracy does not function the same way national democracy does, and Auckland is paying the price for that gap.

At a national level, governments are held to account every day.

There is an organised opposition; competing ideas are tested in public, and alternative policies are constantly being developed. In local government, once a mayor and a dominant ticket are elected, meaningful opposition often disappears for most of the term.

That is exactly the situation Auckland now finds itself in.

Following the recent local elections, Mayor Wayne Brown, Fix Auckland councillors, and local ward members are firmly in place.

But there is no Greater Auckland-wide alternative

operating between elections, no sustained challenge, no shadow platform, and no organised scrutiny until a few months before the next vote in 2028.

That is not a healthy democracy; it is a free ride.

This matters because Auckland is no longer just a big city grappling with routine council decisions.

By 2028,

Waikato, and the Bay of Plenty, the Golden Triangle, we are looking at a connected region of around three million people.

At that scale, this region would rank second only to New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland in Australia.

Regions of that size cannot afford thin scrutiny or last-minute political debates. Decisions being made now, on rates, debt, infrastructure sequencing, planning rules, and transport, will shape economic opportunity, land values, and community wellbeing across the wider region for decades.

Growth without challenge is expensive, and the costs tend to fall first on rural and fringe communities.

As someone who stood in Franklin, I saw firsthand

how disconnected Auckland Council decision-making can be from the lived reality of places like Pukekohe, Waiuku, and Wairoa.

These communities are not inner-city suburbs, yet they are too often governed as if they were, paying the rates while receiving fewer services, and bearing the consequences of urban rules applied to rural places.

That is why I am choosing to stand up early, not for personal ambition, but because opposition only matters if it exists while decisions are being made, not just when election season rolls around.

Someone needs to keep asking questions.

I intend to be one of those voices.

Dene Green, Waroa/Franklin » Full column at www.franklintimes.co.nz

Embracing our multicultural society

„ By KERRY LEE

“Truth, love, compassion, and tolerance” are the essence of what the Chinese New Year means, says Lucy Liu.

On Saturday, February 21, the Pōkeno Community Hall will host Chinese New Year celebrations for the Year of the Horse. Organiser Lucy Liu was inspired to hold this year’s Chinese New Year after seeing a Diwali celebration that she said gave her a newfound appreciation of Indian culture.

For her, it is a way to showcase the rich culture and contribute to the diverse community growing in Pōkeno.

“The purpose of the event is to bring people together through the celebration of Chinese New Year — sharing the essence of traditional Chinese values such as Ren, Yi, Li,

Zhi, Xin (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust), alongside shared human values of truth, love, compassion, respect, and harmony,” said Liu.

Throughout the event-organising process, Liu found that the Te Haukainga me ngā Mana Whenua o Pōkeno Charitable Trust, local businesses, and the Chinese and Indian communities were very supportive.

For Liu, the Chinese New Year is more than dragon dances; it is about bridging the gap between the multicultural society that New Zealand is and members from her own culture who may not have fully integrated.

“I’ve seen so many older Chinese who came to New Zealand, and they don’t really speak the language. They still use their own Chinese

tools for communication, so they’re living here but have not embraced everything here or shared their knowledge with others.

“So this is where the idea came from, to build a little bridge between different cultures and different ethnicities,” said Liu.

Pōkeno Community Committee chairperson Allen Grainger said it is a great way for people to get to know a new culture, and he welcomed the opportunity that the celebration represented.

“For the Pōkeno community, any new cultural events are very welcome, because we have such a growing diversity of people, and it’s really good to go out there and give people the opportunity to try new foods, learn

hours of live performances, including dragon and waist drum dances, classical Chinese dancers, and traditional music performed on Chinese instruments such as the guzheng, pipa, and flute.

Melody Wang, an accomplished musician, educator, and master of the Chinese zither, will also be performing at the event. There will also be Māori, Indian, Polynesian, and African drumming, as well as Filipino dance groups.

People attending can expect a variety of activities, including a traditional Chinese medical consultation; they can join a free meditation workshop and origami, and face painting and free name calligraphy will be available for children.

The art of classic cars and bikes

„ By KERRY LEE

The Ultimate Classic Car and Bike Show, held later this month, will raise money for a local health clinic.

Hosted by Riverhaven Artland, the event will showcase some of the best classic cars and bikes. All proceeds will go to the 42-year-old Kawakawa Bay-Ōrere Health Clinic, a community-based health service managed by a team of volunteers and staffed by part time registered nurses and administrators.

Clinic spokesperson Mel Cleave said that the idea came from the many garages in Kawakawa Bay as residents normally have more than one car.

“Many of the residents of Kawakawa Bay have such items in their garages, usually more than one and it

was thought this would be a great idea for a drawcard to fundraise for the clinic.

Riverhaven Artland kindly donated the use of the sculpture park for the day and suggested we needed a ‘drawcard’ to bring people in to support us.”

All money raised will be donated to the

Riverland Artland owner Guy Blundell started the sculpture park 20 years ago and has helped several charitable organisations in the past. He believes it’s important to give back to the community.

“It’s just my way of helping people that need help, and all these people are really struggling. So, we do anything we can do to help them, we think it’s just such a lovely thing to do.”

Riverhaven has space for 500 exhibiting cars and a fur-

ther 280 cars for non-exhibiting visitors, the clinic has sourced an on-site food vendor, as well as music, a bouncy castle, and face painting for children.

Kawakawa Bay-Ōrere Health clinic is a non-profit, charitable organisation and is supported by donations and memberships from the communities it serves, Health NZ, and Awanui Labs.

“The management com-

mittee is constantly fundraising to meet the operating costs of the clinic using many different methods to bridge the gap of approximately $50,000 per annum.

The proceeds will go directly to the clinic,” said Cleave.

• The Ultimate Classic Car and Bike Show runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, February 26, at Riverhaven Artland, 331 North Road, Clevedon.

Tuakau to mark 150 years of cricket

„ By KERRY LEE

Tuakau Cricket Club is about to celebrate its 150th Jubilee, and the entire community is invited. Opening in 1876, the club won its first game against Bombay in Pokeno, winning by one run in their first innings. The score was Tuakau 64, Bombay 63, with

RHS Shakespeare of Tuakau the top scorer with 30 runs. Years later, Bombay would consistently beat Tuakau until George Proudfoot Ewing came to Whangarata and taught the club a better way to play cricket, which dramatically improved their game and allowed them to beat teams from Otahuhu to Cambridge.

Currently, there are two senior cricket teams: the SenB (a semi-social grade in the Counties Manukau cricket competition) and the T20 (a grade also in the Counties Manukau cricket competition).

Club treasurer and life member Brian Voice said both teams are looking good and will make the playoffs this season. SenB are the defending champions.

The jubilee is a chance for the community to reflect and celebrate the club and everything it has achieved. It will be held from March 7 to 8, with both teams playing matches, and all are welcome to watch.

Barbecues and refreshments will be provided during the day, and a function will be held on Saturday

night. Social cricket matches will be held on Sunday, March 8, and are open to the public. There will also be an after-match at the Dr John Lightbody Reserve.

“Challenge-cricket is an expensive sport to play, but our club is fortunate to have a good sponsor and has had success with funding applications over the years. TCC is a family-friendly social club, available to anyone with a love of cricket.”

Check the Tuakau Cricket Club’s Facebook page for event updates and contact details.

New look for our Franklin Hospice

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

Franklin Hospice celebrates 40 years of caring for the community this year.

The milestone year has already seen some changes, with a revamped op shop and new logo.

Christine Swanne took up the role of Franklin Hospice Op Shop manager in mid-January.

“The store has had some extensive renovations, including knocking out a wall to increase the shop size, new carpets and so on.

“We’ve also changed up our pricing in response to feedback from the community.

“We want to make sure

looking for more volunteers.

“We always need quite a number of volunteers. Yes, there’s obviously working in the store, but there’s also sorting and organising the donations, and other behind the scenes work that we also need volunteers for.”

Anyone interested in volunteering can visit the Frankin Hospice website or contact them on social media. Swan said they can also come to the store, to discuss what roles are needed.

“I’d also love to get some high school kids in so they can add this to their CV and walk away with skills that are transferable to a job.”

Franklin Hospice recently unveiled its new logo, bring

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Bamboo: Pest or perfection?

Bamboo has a reputation problem. To some Aucklanders it’s a design darling - sleek, fast-growing and perfect for privacy. To others, it’s the plant that ate the fence, cracked the driveway and popped up next door without permission.

Originally from South America and Asia, bamboo first arrived in the mid1800s, reportedly with Governor Grey, who planted it for ornamental appeal. Over time, crown research institutes imported bamboo for agricultural trials, and by the 20th century it was being grown for food, construction and gardens.

Auckland Council’s senior regional advisor pest plants Holly Cox said bamboo quickly became a plant that inspires strong feelings.

“People admire its beauty and versatility, but those dealing with invasive plantings can find it incredibly frustrating.”

Clumping bamboo stays put and is widely used in Auckland’s courtyards and compact gardens that do not cause any problems. Running bamboo, however, is a pest plant that spreads through aggressive underground rhizomes and can take over large areas if left unchecked. Large running species push through fences, paths and even underground services.

With Auckland’s diverse population, demand for bamboo has grown, particularly from communities wanting edible shoots or a reminder of home. However, invasive running bamboo can outcompete regenerating native trees, forming dense stands that dominate the landscape, also making it a potential environmental risk.

For those wanting to plant bamboo, Auckland Council encourages gardeners to talk

to suppliers and nurseries to establish which bamboo species is best for their space.

To limit the damage, Auckland Council has banned six high-risk species under the Regional Pest Management Plan. These bamboos can’t be sold, bred or planted, although existing plants can be moved within the same property boundary.

Senior conservation advisor Michelle Brinsden said she gets many requests for help with bamboo removal on private property.

“Council can’t enforce removal unless it breaches the pest plan. The responsible action is to remove your bamboo or at the very least control it, so it doesn’t spread beyond your boundary. If invasive running bamboo isn’t controlled early, it can quickly spread underground, cross property boundaries, and become extremely costly to remove.”

FRANKLIN SNAPSHOTS

Members of the Pukekohe Franklin Camera Club sent us these snaps. John Hayward photographed the Sunset Beach Surf Lifesaving Club competing at the North Island Surf Boat Championships in Waihi. Susie Hare braved the wind at Counties Dog Training Club jumping day at Te Hihi. The wind was playing havoc with the jumps, blowing rails off left, right and centre, she said.

Teacher inspired by Navy and Air Force experience

APapakura teacher says she returned from last month’s Defence Force teachers camp inspired by the stories of personnel becoming the best versions of themselves.

Jane Encinares-Cruz, who teaches years 7 and 8 at Redhill School, was one of 30 teachers attending the School to Seas and Skies teachers’ live-in camp last month, hosted by the Royal New Zealand Navy and Royal New Zealand Air Force at their respective bases in Devonport and Whenuapai.

The camp was themed around ‘influence the influencers’, offering teachers of year 5 to 13 students an exposure to the world of the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF). Over six days,

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the teachers were given hands-on experience in the maritime and aviation industries, designed to provide them with new educational tools and ideas as well as demonstrate career opportunities for their students. Encinares-Cruz says she knew it

would be a challenging week, but she wanted to share her experiences with her family and her students and show them there is so much more to the military than they might have realised.

“Honestly, before this I wasn’t sure if it was the

best option. I would usually advise students to go to university, but there is so much the military has to offer.”

“I met and talked with some of the personnel during the week and it inspired me how they found their purpose in life. They were unsure of what they wanted but after joining the military they changed for the better.”

“When I finished high school, I didn’t know what to do. We were told to go to university and graduate. But I would say, if you’re 18 and don’t know what to do, but you’re ready for a challenge to change your life and be the best version of you, check out the military – you might find the structure you need.”

During the week the teachers visited HMNZS Aotearoa,

the Navy’s polar-class maritime sustainment vessel, and experienced a flight over Auckland in a C-130J Hercules. They were taught about strategic military skills, taken on maritime and aviation missions, shown first-hand the technology enhancements NZDF personnel are currently using, and taught

firefighting, navigation and leadership skills.

She saw how many of the structures in the Defence Force applied to her own teaching practice.

“Small things matter. Like missing one step in preparing an aircraft could have massive consequences. For me, small details in a classroom,

like a tone of voice or the way we position the desks, change the energy. Every student deserves my best effort, down to the smallest detail.”

She says that teachers don’t always make the best students. “To take us on for a week would have been challenging. We were spoiled and kept busy with activities

which were all helpful to us. Our summer vacation was as perfect as it could be in experiencing such amazing things and meeting the wonderful people in the Navy and Air Force.

“This was not just a life-changing experience – it was also super-inspirational.”

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Car washing fines - fact or fiction

„ By JANE NIXON

Recent headlines and social media posts have sparked alarm among Aucklanders, with claims that washing your car at home could land you a $1,500 fine under obscure Auckland Council rules.

According to those reports, anyone caught hose-in-hand in their driveway could be penalised for polluting the environment, under rules many people said they had never heard of.

So, is Auckland Council really cracking down on home car washing, or has the issue been overstated? The answer, it turns out, sits somewhere between law, common sense and myth.

Despite claims circulating online, Auckland Council does not have a specific rule banning people from washing their cars at home.

The legislation involved is the Resource Management Act (RMA), which applies nationwide and governs environmental protection across Aotearoa New Zealand.

While the RMA does not mention car washing specifically, it does make it illegal for any person or business to discharge contaminants into water, land or the stormwa-

ter system without authorisation. The maximum infringement under the Act is $1,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a business.

Councils are required to enforce the RMA and routinely take action against serious or repeated pollution, particularly where waterways are deliberately contaminated. In theory, the RMA says soaps, detergents and chemicals should not be allowed to wash into stormwater drains from driveways, concrete or sealed surfaces.

That is because stormwater drains flow directly to streams and the sea, unlike wastewater from homes, which is treated. Once contaminants reach waterways, they can harm fish, marine life and fragile ecosystems.

Strictly speaking, washing a car on a sealed driveway where soapy runoff enters a stormwater drain could breach the Act. Despite widespread claims online, the council says it has no record of fining anyone in recent history simply for washing their car at home.

Q&A

Auckland Council compliance manager Adrian Wilson answered our questions: How do people who live in new builds that often don’t

Despite widespread claims online, the council says it has no record of fining anyone in recent history simply for washing their car at home

have a lot of grass wash their car at home?

For those with no ability to direct wash runoff to grass or other unsealed ground, the most environmentally-friendly option would be to use a commercial car wash service or an automated or self-wash site.

What are the best products to use?

There are many carwash products on the market which claim to be ecofriendly. These are likely to be less harmful to the environment than traditional detergents, however even prod-

ucts marked ‘biodegradable’ can pollute waterways. Will council be cracking down or policing this at all?

Auckland Council compliance teams don’t actively pursue people for washing cars on driveways.

However, we do take enforcement action for commercial operations that discharge detergents into the environment. In the last six months only one commercial car valeting operator has been infringed for discharging contaminants from a residential property.

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33 years of excellence

For over three decades, Eden Homes has quietly built a reputation for excellence in New Zealand’s residential construction industry.

In 2025, that reputation was once again affirmed when the company’s latest show home was recognised with three major accolades at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards, earning its place among the country’s most accomplished homes.

Industry awards are not handed out lightly, and Eden Homes’ continued success at the House of the Year Awards speaks to a level of consistency few builders achieve. Since 2002, the company has never received less than a gold award, an extraordinary record that places Eden Homes among the most awarded residential building companies in New Zealand. Now celebrating 33 years in business, the recognition

reflects not just longevity, but a sustained commitment to excellence.

The 2025 National award-winning show home offers a clear insight into Eden Homes’ design philosophy. More than a display of architectural finesse, the home is a refined example of how luxury and lifestyle can coexist effortlessly. Spaces are generous yet grounded, finishes are elegant without excess, and every detail feels intentional. It is a home designed not only to be admired, but to be lived in.

What made this project particularly noteworthy is that Eden Homes decided to take on a challenge, steering away from the large, expansive projects the company is usually known for. The chief designer was tasked with maximising both space and the sense of openness on a compact 324m2 corner site, delivering a 257m2 maximum home size that still manages to feel generous, luxurious, and effortlessly designed inside. The result is a home that balances smart spatial planning with the signature Eden Homes attention to detail, demonstrating that luxury and comfort are not confined to large floor plans.

What sets this home apart is that it reflects Eden Homes’ fully turn-key approach to building. Each project begins with a deep understanding of how clients live, entertain and unwind, ensuring

the design evolves around their lifestyle rather than the other way around. Whether that means incorporating generous outdoor kitchens for those who love to host, multi-room sound systems for seamless entertaining, or integrated home automation for comfort and efficiency, the process is tailored at every stage.

Eden Homes’ ability to deliver this level of personalisation is supported by its in-house interior design and landscaping teams. This integrated approach allows each element of the home, from architectural form to interior finishes and outdoor spaces, to be carefully considered as part of a cohesive whole. Rather than piecing together multiple consultants, clients benefit from a streamlined experience where every detail is aligned with the original vision.

The result is a home that is completed to the finest detail, inside and out. Landscaping is designed to complement the architecture, interiors are curated to feel timeless and refined, and technology is seamlessly integrated to enhance everyday living. When clients receive the keys, they are not stepping into a partially finished project, but a fully realised home, ready to be lived in from day one.

The award-winning show home is open to the public, offering inspiration for those considering a new build or seeking a

from 11am to 2pm, and Saturday to Sunday from 11am to 3pm, we invite visitors to explore what 33 years of award-winning experience, luxury craftsmanship and lifestyle-led design looks like in practice.

Modern solutions for your property

Tiny Home Base has everything from compact studios to spacious retreats and work-fromhome setups on-site and ready to go. Simon Bridge and Glenn Smith own the Drury-based business, selling and renting small dwellings from its base alongside the Southern Motorway.

The recent change for rules around building a granny flat in New Zealand is an exciting development and opens up more

options for homeowners, Simon says. While the consent pathway is now simpler, understanding what works on your specific site still takes experience and clear advice. Tiny Home Base specialises in cabins and minor dwellings you can view, walk through, and buy today. Whether you’re creating space for family, adding a rental, or setting up a self-contained studio, we’ll help you navigate the new 70m² exemption

with confidence and without unnecessary delays.

The new rules open the door, but your land determines what’s possible, Simon says.

To help Kiwis work through the new rules and what will work for your property and your situation, Tiny Home Base is offering a complimentary site assessment to get clear, expert guidance tailored to your property.

“We’re experienced in navigating council requirements and can manage the process on your behalf as part of a full turn-key solution.

“The biggest house we have on site here in Drury is 101m2, but we have a range of sizes between 10m2 and 70m2 for people to walk through and experience in person. It’s been amazing to see the response from customers who have been on site and walked through our dwellings.

“Everything on site is ready to be sold, and others can be customised and built to your specifications. Our architect has seen it all and can work with you to design something to suit your needs.” There are various options for foundations. On most uneven or sloped sites, we can manage this through the installation of screw piles for a safe, stable, and level base.

“It’s such an exciting industry to be in – we love being able to help people understand what they can have on their property whether it’s a tiny home, bach, granny flat, or temporary accommodation.

“Come to our site and see what we can do for you and your property.”

Let’s Talk Parking in Pukekohe

Parking can be one of those things that feels more complicated than it actually is - so let’s clear it up.

If you’re heading into Pukekohe town centre, you’ll notice most on-street parks have time limits. That’s intentional. These parks are there for quick visits: grabbing a coffee, picking something up, popping into a store or heading to an appointment. When those parks turn over, more people get a chance to stop close to where they’re going -

which is good for everyone.

If you’re planning to stay a bit longer, the good news is there are plenty of free parking options just a short walk away. Tobin Street, the top levels of Pukekohe Plaza and other nearby public car parks on the map above offer free parking and are an easy stroll into town. Parking a block or two away often saves time (and frustration), and it helps keep those high-demand spaces free for others.

Time limits aren’t about being

tricky or inconvenient - they’re about keeping Pukekohe moving. When parking flows well, businesses see more foot traffic, visitors can get in and out easily, and the town centre feels more welcoming and less congested.

Next time you’re heading into Pukekohe, think about what you’re popping in for. Short visit? Grab a close park. Staying longer? Use one of the free car parks and enjoy the walk. You might even discover a new shop or café along the way.

A little planning goes a long way - and it helps keep Pukekohe buzzing for locals, visitors, and businesses alike.

Parking in Pukekohe

„ By SHAWNA COLEMAN, General Manager, PBA

Parking in Pukekohe is a regular topic of conversation. We’ve all felt the frustration of circling the block, hoping for that one magical park directly outside the shop we’re visiting. But as our town grows and becomes busier, it might be time for a small mindset shift, one that could actually make the experience of visiting town more enjoyable.

Pukekohe isn’t a big city. Most destinations are only a short walk apart, yet we often overlook perfectly good parking options because they’re not directly in front of the door we want. Choosing a nearby parking area instead of competing for the closest space reduces congestion, lowers stress, and keeps traffic flowing for everyone.

There are practical solutions that make parking easier once we start planning around the type of visit we’re making. If you’re heading to an appointment that will take a few hours, longer-stay parking zones like Tobin Street, Edinburgh Street or the top of the Plaza Building are a smarter choice than short-term spaces meant for quick turnover.

If you’re popping into a pharmacy or a specialty shop, it’s worth checking whether they offer customer parking at the rear of the building. Meeting friends for lunch or browsing multiple stores? The Pukekohe Plaza has 3 levels of unrestricted free parking that provides a convenient base to let you explore King Street on foot.

Please remember not to park at the Edinburgh retail centre opposite BP if you are not visiting those businesses. That is a private carpark intended for the use of those business customers only. You will receive a hefty fine if you park here and leave the complex, so please keep this in mind!

And that short walk is part of the charm. Walking a block or two means noticing shop windows you’ve never seen before, discovering new businesses, and feeling more connected to the heart of our community. A few extra steps can turn a rushed errand into an unexpected find.

Parking doesn’t have to be a battle. With a little flexibility and planning, we can make Pukekohe easier to navigate and enjoy the town in the process.

Why money education matters

„ By MAI LIGHTHOUSE

This year, for the first time, financial education will be taught in New Zealand schools as a compulsory part of the curriculum. It will be embedded in the social sciences for Year 1 – 10 students, covering topics such as earning, spending and saving, budgeting, investment, taxes and insurance.

For many of us, school is a (very) distant memory, and we’ve probably uttered the words ‘I wish they’d taught us this in school’ more than once while navigating financial decisions as adults. Mai Lighthouse offers financial mentoring and budgeting advice, and our services are consistently oversubscribed. We provide whānau (family) with the skills to consolidate debt, create feasible budgets that meet everyday needs, plan for a positive financial future, and much more.

Our financial mentors frequently see clients taking out loans with very high interest rates, falling behind on utility bills, overspending on “wants” rather than “needs,” and experiencing confusion around the terminology used in bills and loan agreements. Financial literacy is foundational knowledge our kids need to truly thrive as adults. Without these skills, as we see in our work, whānau become vulnerable to debt and poor financial management.

There are excellent resources at Sorted.org.nz that articulate what each year level will be learning, and how you can instil that learning at home with your kids. For people of all ages keen to learn healthy financial habits, the Sorted website is a great source of credible information.

If you’re interested in training to be a volunteer financial mentor at Mai Lighthouse, get in touch with us: admin@mailighthouse.org.nz. www.mailighthouse.org.nz Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn

ATTENTION CLUBS, GROUPS AND SPORTS TEAMS: THE RULES HAVE CHANGED

Attention all clubs, community groups, sports teams and associations: the rules have changed, and time is running out. If your organisation is an incorporated society, you may be operating on borrowed time unless you act soon.

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 officially came into force on October 5, 2023, replacing legislation that had governed societies for more than a century. While a transition period is currently in place, it will not last forever. Societies registered under the old Incorporated Societies Act 1908 must re-register under the new law by April 5, 2026 or risk being struck off the register entirely.

During the transition period, both laws apply. But once the deadline passes, any society that has failed to re-register will no longer be legally recognised. Worse still, if it continues to operate, committee members and

officers could be held personally liable for the society’s debts and obligations.

The 2022 Act introduces wide-ranging changes that affect how societies are run. The minimum membership requirement has dropped from 15 to 10, but falling below that number could trigger liquidation or removal from the register. Members must now give written consent to join, and committee members must also formally consent to their roles and meet strict eligibility criteria.

Governance standards have been raised significantly. Societies must be run for purposes other than financial gain to members, and officers are now bound by clearly defined legal duties. These include acting in good faith, using powers properly, and avoiding conduct that could seriously harm creditors. Breaches can result in personal liability.

There are also new compli-

ance obligations. Societies must have formal dispute resolution procedures written into their constitutions, keep financial records for at least seven years, and file annual financial statements that meet new statutory standards.

For many volunteer-run organisations, these changes may feel overwhelming. But ignoring them is not an option. Re-registration takes time, because constitutions often need substantial updating to

Reinvention and your enduring purpose

„ By CHARLES MILLER

Over the holidays I visited Franklin Farm, a company thriving across six generations and 120 years. The West Auckland farm has continually adapted to changing markets, reshaping land location and use, infrastructure and revenue streams while growing decade after decade.

Today it leads in regenerative agriculture, food production and eco-tourism, including sunflower fields and a monarch butterfly house. Constant reinvention, guided by enduring purpose. In the butterfly house I was captivated by the life cycle. The caterpillar enters a chrysalis and dissolves into a cellular soup. The building blocks that once formed

the caterpillar are recombined into wings, eyes and legs, producing a functionally different being. Yet the monarch’s purpose remains constant: survive, reproduce, migrate. Form changes. Purpose endures. Every business eventually reaches its own chrysalis moment. Your building blocks are not wings and legs. They’re IT, processes, customer relationships, distribution networks, cultural habits, brand and knowledge. When markets shift, some blocks must be discarded while others recombine around your enduring purpose.

Markets change faster than planning cycles. Customer expectations shift in months. Technology that works today creates vulnerability tomorrow. For Kiwi

businesses this is particularly acute. Distance from major markets, small domestic scale and rapid global change mean you cannot afford to protect yesterday’s success at tomorrow’s expense.

Four disciplines matter. First, obsess over enduring purpose beyond current products. What problem are you truly solving? Purpose guides what to protect, what to discard, and what to build next. Second, stay connected to the forces reshaping your environment. Live at the top of the mast, watching customers, competitors and technology shifts. Read widely, listen to frontline staff, and talk to customers constantly.

Third, change ahead of trends. Do not wait for crisis. Review one process each month for relevance. Reas-

meet the new legal requirements.

The message is clear: the rules have changed, and the countdown is on. Incorporated societies that act now can protect their legal status, their assets, and the people who give their time to keep them running. Those that don’t may find it’s already too late.

If you would like more information please email arielm@ franklinlaw.co.nz or call Franklin Law 0800 842 972

sess one key customer relationship each quarter. Build comfort with change.

Proactivity builds relevance and avoids forced, destructive change.

Finally, remember adaptation has a clock. Britain’s peppered moths learned this during the Industrial Revolution. When coal blackened trees, light moths became easy prey while darker variants thrived. Within decades, the entire population was dark, perfectly adapted to an environment that no longer existed. Markets behave the same way. When conditions shift, your greatest strength can become your extinction if you do not change with the environment.

PRINCIPAL IN PERSON With Haydon Brill, Puni School

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

I trained at the University of Waikato from 1993 to 1996, completing a Bachelor of Education and Diploma of Teaching. Since then, I’ve also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Leadership. I often joke that I started school when I was five and, at 51, I’ve never really left, but my official first year of teaching was 1997. I’ve been a principal since 2002, and Puni is the third rural school I’ve been fortunate enough to lead (Waikite Valley, Mangatangi and now Puni).

When did you become the principal of Puni School?

I became principal of Puni School in 2013. Prior to that, I was principal of Mangatangi School for seven years, so I’ve been part of the wider Franklin area since 2006.

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

The tamariki (children), their big and little moments of success.

Being part of education, working alongside an amazing team, and being supported by strong communities make this role incredibly special.

Teaching is a career I have wanted from the time I was

in primary school. I also love that I get to wear shorts and go barefoot most days, play and coach sports with the students, write productions, and support learning across the whole school.

What’s special about Puni School?

Puni School has an incredible wairua (spirit) that truly reflects a strong whānau feel. We celebrate our rural background and what makes us unique. Ultimately, though, it’s the staff, students, and community that make Puni such a special place.

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

Pretty simple, really: Stop education being a political football and trust the educa-

tors who are at the coalface. Ensure all schools and students are well-resourced, and that the amazing people working in education are paid what they are worth.

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

We’re very fortunate to have an incredibly supportive Board of Trustees and PTA (this has always been the case), and we receive huge backing from the community for events both in and outside of school. That support makes a real difference for our students.

Puni School is known for its Franklin Multicultural Festival. What does this event mean to you?

There are many reasons this

event has lasted so long. It brings the school and community together and celebrates culture and food. However, the real success is that our students get the opportunity to perform on stage and showcase their skills and talents in a non-competitive environment. The only “award” is for the school with the loudest support for their whānau and audience.

Anything else you’d like people to know?

I love being part of rural schools and, more recently, being involved in the National Support Network of Principals (NZRASLA). I currently support rural principals across the wider North Waikato, Counties Manukau and Auckland area and sit on the Principals’ Council as the Rural Schools Representative.

HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA (HPAI

If you have backyard chooks, you need to be aware of this (currently) exotic disease.

If you’ve got a few chooks, ducks or geese flapping around your lifestyle block, you may have recently piqued at the words “avian influenza” that has made the news cycle occasionally.

Overseas, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — specifically the H5N1 strain — has been causing serious losses in poultry flocks and wild birds.

New Zealand has yet to have a diagnosed case of

H5N1. There was a scare down in Otago in December 2024, though the strain was eventually determined to be a mutation (H7N6) of low-pathogenicity strains circulating in wild birds, and was eradicated from the flock. Unfortunately, it is possible that H5N1 could enter New Zealand through migratory birds, and spillover events from wildlife into poultry will occur again. As poultry owners, now is

the time to become informed and ready to act if HPAI reaches our shores.

So, what should you watch for on your own block? HPAI can cause sudden deaths in chickens, ducks and other domestic birds. Other symptoms include respiratory disease (coughing, trouble breathing, sneezing), neurological disease (twisted necks, difficulty walking) and swelling of the eyelids, wattle and head. If you notice these symptoms in your flock, call your local clinic right away for advice.

If you spot several dead or sick wild birds, especially ducks or geese, don’t touch them — call a clinic for advice, or ring MPI’s disease hotline on 0800 809 966.

The good news is that there’s plenty that lifestyle block owners can do to reduce risk. Start with the basics: keep wild birds away from your poultry by repairing netting, covering outdoor areas, and protecting feed. Ducks love to sneak into chook runs if they can, so block off ponds or shared water sources. Keep feed in sealed bins, and use clean, treated water for your birds. Give boots, hands, tools and housing a regular cleaning. It doesn’t have to be fancyeven simple routine hygiene goes a long way.

Staying vigilant now helps protect not only your own flock but also the wider rural community.

Q&A HARRIS NELSON

Wild weather in late December led to hundreds of outages across Franklin, making it a busy time for Counties Energy staff like Nelson Harris.

What’s your job title, and how long have you worked for Counties Energy?

I’m a reactive line mechanic in the services department at Counties

Counties Energy 2025 Stats

» 347 maintenance and upgrade projects were completed across the network, alongside customer projects, new connections, reliability, network and system growth projects.

» 790 high voltage planned outages to complete the works programme (maintenance and new network build), of which 206 didn’t affect customer supply.

» 435 high voltage unplanned outages due to winds and weather events, vegetation, car vs pole and other miscellaneous outages.

» 14 significant weather events in 2025 affecting the network, with wind speeds exceeding 80 kmh, the benchmark used to identify likely impact on the network. Two of these were significant storm events, impacting a large number of customers.

Energy, and I’ve been part of the team since 2012.

How did you come to work in this field?

I’ve been in and out of the industry since I was 18, working in different branches and regions around the country. Eventually I found my way to Counties Energy - and I’ve been here ever since.

What do you do day‑to‑day?

Most days involve responding to a wide range of electrical faults, from ground issues to pole work, depending on what comes through our call centre. If there are no reported faults, I patrol the network to identify any unreported or potential hazards. I’ll then document these and escalate them to management based on the urgency and any risks to safety or supply.

How much of your job is emergency work?

A fairly large part. Emergency work includes anything that could post a

safety risk or anything that causes significant interruption to supply, and that’s essentially the core focus of my role.

What sorts of things do you consider when attending an unplanned outage?

Safety is always the first priority - for myself, the team, the communityanyone affected by the fault.

From there, I assess the situation using my experience, the condition of the site, and the needs of the occupants. I try to give every customer the best advice and effort possible.

What’s the strangest job or call‑out you’ve attended?

There have been a few memorable ones, but the “haunted house” stands out. A customer had upgrades done on their submain board, and afterwards appliances would turn on and off at odd hours. They were convinced the house was haunted.

After checking the main board and

hearing their theory, I was a bit taken aback myself. But with their help, we eventually discovered their house circuit was connected to a load-controlled circuit for hot water, which automatically turns on and off at certain times.

It probably wasn’t amusing for the customer or the contractor at first, but it definitely made my day. In this job, you learn to appreciate the lighter moments.

What about the longest call‑out?

That’s hard to pinpoint - we have a 15-hour working limit within a 24-hour period due to safety – you do have to be vigilant when you’re working with electricity, up poles and often in harsh

weather conditions.

What do you love about your job?

I really enjoy completing the tasks that come with my role, but what I value most is meeting and connecting with the people across our district and whenua. It ties in with one of my favourite Māori proverbs:

He aha te mea nui o te ao?

Māku e kī atu – he tangata, he tangata, he tangata.

What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, people, people.

And of course, payday is always a great day too!

Weather tips

With increasingly changeable weather patterns, we encourage customers to stay informed and prepared. Register for our Outage Hub App at app.countiesenergy. co.nz. Check out our outage tips countiesenergy.co.nz/outage-tips.

Always treat all lines as live and dangerous. Stay well clear of downed lines and report hazards immediately on 0800 100 202 or call 111 in an emergency.

Seventy per cent of power outages during storm events are caused by trees and vegetation. Customers are reminded to ensure they have their trees near powerlines properly maintained. More information on tree safety and responsibilities can be found at www. countiesenergy.co.nz/safety/trees-nearpower-lines.

MANAGE YOUR ENERGY, NOT YOUR TIME

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

Time is finite. No matter how organised we are, there are only so many hours in a day. Energy, however, is more flexible, and how we manage it has a big impact on our wellbeing, focus, and performance.

Energy is not just physical. It is mental, emotional, and social too. You can have plenty of time available and still feel flat, distracted, or overwhelmed, so focusing on time management may not be the answer.

The “time management” focus on fitting more in is disconnected from the real problem, which is the level of energy and enthusiasm you’re feeling (or not feeling!). Notice what drains your energy and what restores it. Common drains include constant interruptions, back-toback meetings, long stretches of screen time, poor sleep, unresolved tension, skipping meals (or not eating well when you do eat), and lack of boundaries (i.e finding it hard to say no). These don’t just make us feel physically tired – they slowly chip away at concentration, patience, and motivation.

Supporting your energy means making sustainable changes to everyday habits. Movement, time outdoors, meaningful connection, quiet focus, and proper rest all help refill the tank. Doing work that feels purposeful or aligned with your strengths can also make a difference.

An hour can go by quickly and make you feel buzzy and energised when you’re in flow, doing something that comes more easily and is more enjoyable, or it can feel incredibly long, with difficulty staying focused, when you’re doing something that feels forced or pointless!

Build in short breaks, step away from screens, group similar tasks, and schedule demanding work for times when your energy is naturally higher. Pay attention to your emotional energy too. Setting boundaries, saying no when needed, and addressing issues early can prevent longer-term depletion and burnout.

Managing energy isn’t always about doing less (although it can be useful to consider what’s not actually necessary, or what you can outsource or delegate – at work and at home). It’s about doing what matters in a way that’s sustainable. Wellbeing and productivity aren’t mutually exclusive, and in fact both can benefit when you focus on your wellbeing first.

www.michellekeenan.com

Do you have any of the following symptoms? Heavy, achy or tired legs • Night cramps • Leg ulcers • Poor leg wound healing • Darkening leg and calf skin • Leg discomfort after sitting or standing for a long time • Itchy legs • Spider veins • Ankle

You may be su ering from varicose vein disease

Delphi Clinic has two clinic locations: Pukekohe (Seddon Medical Building, 13 Hall Street) and Remuera. We are covered by all major insurance companies including Southern Cross, AIA, NIB, Partners Life, Accuro, Unimed and more.

RURAL FRANKLIN SETTING INSPIRES DEBUT NOVEL

Hoods Landing follows Rita, the youngest member of the matriarchal Gordon family, as she steels herself to reveal her cancer diagnosis over Christmas dinner.

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

The novel takes readers through the twists and turns of multi-generational relationships, life in rural New Zealand, and the complexities of families and family secrets.

Author Laura Vincent is a debut novelist hailing from Waiuku (now living in Auckland) whose writing has appeared both locally and internationally.

The 39-year-old studied English literature and media studies at Victoria University of Wellington. A published poet, experienced

lifestyle and travel writer, she spent five years as the Sunday Star-Times’ Wellington café reviewer. Her food blog Hungry and Frozen inspired a cookbook of the same name, and influences her book Hoods Landing, where food and whānau (family) come together.

“I’ve written my food blog for 18 years. I love writing and I always have. I kept a lot of journals growing up and I make time to write now as an adult. It’s never a chore – I always find a way to write.”

In 2022, Vincent went back to university to study for her masters, wanting to challenge herself and grow in her writing after the Covid-19 lockdowns.

“This book is not set in Waiuku, but I couldn’t write it without having lived here. It could almost be any rural setting outside of a city. I wanted to make a book that’s timeless yet represents a time.

“I came up with the idea in 2020, then it took about six months to actually write it. When it came to publishing, my friend Damien Levi was looking for manuscripts for his new micro-press Āporo Press.”

The micro-press was founded in 2022 by Damien Levi, focused on publishing works by minority voices, including LGBTQIA+, Māori, Pasifika, and Asian authors. Hoods Landing is the publisher’s first fiction book.

Vincent has been amazed by the attention the book is receiving given it is only stocked at independent bookshops. The Stable Light

“I also want to encourage people to get the book out of the library – you don’t have to buy it. I’m a huge supporter of our libraries and borrowing novels by New Zealand authors from the library is still a great way to support our writers. I spent some of my happiest times at the library in Waiuku and Pukekohe.”

Vincent hopes to have an e-book version of her novel available soon.

“I’m very fortunate with the momentum the novel is getting. I’ve been giving some author talks and gave my first in-person reading at the Auckland Writers Festival.”

She encourages budding writers to join their local writer’s group or even make their own one.

“You can give feedback to each other, learn from each other, give support to each other.”

Vincent will give an author talk at Pukekohe Library at 11am on Sunday, March 28.

HEAT-PROOF HAIR

YOUR SUMMER SURVIVAL GUIDE

„ By SARAI ELORA, Bonita Artistry

Summer hair faces its own unique challenges. Humidity can undo styling in minutes, intense sun exposure dries out lengths and ends, and frequent heat tools place extra stress on the hair and scalp. Much like make-up, hair needs a seasonal approach, one that prioritises protection, longevity, and healthy movement without heaviness.

Whether your hair is fine and flat, textured and frizz-prone, or somewhere in between, the key to summer styling is working with your hair type, not against it. Below are professionalapproved essentials designed to keep hair looking fresh, controlled, and healthy throughout the warmer months.

A summer essential for every hair type

Naked Sundays – UV Hair Protectant Mist ($43, MECCA) Just as skin needs SPF, hair requires protection from UV exposure. This lightweight mist shields hair from sun damage, colour fade, dryness, and brittleness caused by prolonged time outdoors. Ideal for all hair types, it helps maintain softness and shine while preventing dehydration and breakage, especially during beach days, outdoor events, and holidays. Use daily on dry or styled hair for invisible, weightless protection.

For thin, flat hair wanting volume and body

Fine hair tends to show oil faster in heat, causing volume to drop and styles to lose shape between washes. Lightweight oil control and texture are essential.

Living Proof – PhD Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo (from $31, MECCA) This nextgeneration dry shampoo cleans the hair, removing sweat, oil, and odour while restoring lift at the roots. Ideal for refreshing washed hair, extending blow-dries, and maintaining volume between washes during humid weather.

Bumble and bumble – Thickening Dryspun Texture Spray (from $31, MECCA) A weightless texture spray that adds airy fullness and grip without stiffness. Perfect for creating natural body and movement that lasts, even in summer heat.

For frizzy hair wanting smoothness and definition

Sun exposure, humidity, and heat styling can disrupt the hair’s structure, especially for waves, curls, and coils. Hydration and sealing are key.

Bumble and bumble – Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer (from $31, MECCA) A lightweight leave-in that smooths frizz, detangles, and provides heat and UV protection. Ideal before styling or air-drying, helping hair retain softness and shape in humid conditions.

Briogeo – Don’t Despair, Repair!™

Strengthening Treatment Hair Oil ($59, MECCA) A strengthening, lightweight oil designed to restore compromised hair without heaviness. Applied through mid-lengths and ends, it helps seal moisture, reduce breakage, and protect hair from sun and heat stress while enhancing natural shine.

Styling for sleekness and control

Briogeo – Style + Treat™ Yuzu and Plum Oil

Sleek Stick ($45, MECCA) Designed to tame flyaways and frizz, this sleek stick is ideal for buns, ponytails, and defined partings. It delivers polish without residue, perfect for humid days.

Ceremonia – Guava Leave-In Conditioner (from $29, MECCA) A multitasking hydrator that softens, protects, and enhances natural texture while shielding hair from heat and environmental stress.

All-rounders and multi-tasking heroes

Living Proof – Perfect Hair Day™ 5-in-1

Styling Treatment (from $37, MECCA) A true multitasker that smooths, volumises, conditions, adds shine, and provides light hold. Ideal for streamlined summer routines.

LolaVie – Glossing Detangler (from $29, MECCA) Improves manageability while boosting shine and softness, helping reduce breakage in sun-exposed hair.

Hair by Sam McKnight – Modern Hairspray

Multi-Tasking Styling Mist (from $31, MECCA) A flexible, brushable mist that holds style without stiffness, allowing hair to move naturally throughout the day.

For more expert beauty insights and seasonal hair & makeup guidance, subscribe to Living Bonita and receive pro tips directly to your inbox. www.bonitartistry.co.nz/blog

MY LOCAL: PUKEKOHE SHOW

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

It’s nearly time for town to meet the country at the annual Pukekohe Show.

Franklin A&P Society member Eric Muir said the first show was held back in 1886 and a display is planned in the former secretary’s office showcasing the past 140 years.

“You can expect most of our regulars, apart from the sheepdog triallists. The lawnmowing racing is setting up a permanent track at the grounds which is really exciting.”

Show secretary Sarah Wright said entries in the beef, sheep, dairy goat and equestrian sections close on Wednesday, February 18.This year the committee had reduced ticket prices to $5 per person, with children under five free.

“We’re aware of the cost of living and have tried to make it more affordable for everyone to attend.” There will be a range of attractions including the biggest slide the show has ever

had, live music from the Shed Shakers and Vocal Frenzy, and the CablePrice Auckland Regional Excavator Operator Competition returns with its showcase of skill and precision.

Ninjas R Us will be operating shorter, cheaper sessions from its circus tent on site, and there will be a shearing display on Sunday.

The equestrian section is always a crowd pleaser.

year’s theme is transport and entries close at 4pm on Monday, February 16.

Community groups like Coastguard Waiuku, Young Farmers, Fire and Emergency New Zealand, along with a range of local and national businesses will have displays and

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“Handcrafts is always a popular section and photography entries are increasing. It’s good to see school entries have increased over the last few years, with about five schools already registering entries. Preschools and after school care services can also enter.”

She said the show is a great opportunity to showcase skills and creativity.

Those wanting to spot honey and egg judging in action should be able to view this around 10am on Saturday, February 21. A prizegiving for home industries will be held at 3pm on Sunday, February 22.

If you’re looking for a retirement village that feels like a village, not a retirement city, come and visit us at Bupa Erin Park. Our affordable apartments are modern and light, creating a comfortable, functional home that looks great and is a pleasure to live in.

Contact Jesika on 09 940 0279 or visit bupa.co.nz/erinpark

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This week’s Community Hero is

Jodie Lamb

This week’s recipient is Jodie Lamb, nominated by Rebecca Van Dijken, who writes:

“Jodie volunteers for the Waiuku Softball Club as both treasurer and secretary - taking care of all finances, uniform and gear orders and coordinating the community of some 370 members!

“Whenever we have an extra job to fill, she jumps in and helps out - so is also manager and scorer for our U15 and U17s teams, giving up every Friday afternoon and Saturday to travel all over Auckland to their games.

“She is the manager for a senior men’s team as well and has just taken on manager/scorer role for our Franklin U13 Girls teams. This has already meant travel to Tauranga and Rosedale, along with the recent tournament on Waitangi weekend in Palmerston North.

“Jodie does all of this for the love of the game and the love of her community.”

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.

If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community, please email 80 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.

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 $50 Little Ed voucher and will be featured in our newspaper and on our website. As we are moving to publishing fortnightly, we will have a Community Hero in each edition of the newspaper.

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February/March 26

Luna Bites Night Market

Friday, February 20 from 5pm to 9pm, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

Luna Bites Night Market returns to south Auckland. Enjoy a great evening out with Auckland’s finest food vendors, live vibes, and plenty of delicious eats. Free entry, family-friendly, plenty of parking. Bring your friends, bring your appetite, and enjoy a fun night out.

Kiwi Bubble Soccer

Sunday, 22 February from 11am–1pm, Keri Downs Park, Dominion Road, Papakura

Get ready to bounce, roll, flip and laugh your way through Kiwi Bubble Soccer, a high-energy, all-ages community event thanks to the Papakura Local Board. No experience needed, just a sense of fun. Walk in anytime. Free entry, family-friendly, smoke-free and alcoholfree.

Saturday, February 21 from 12pm, PIA Event Centre, Pukekohe

Century 21 Pro Realty, in association with Humm 104.2 FM and Pukekohe Indian Association, presents one of the largest Holi celebrations ever held in Pukekohe. Bring the whole community together for a vibrant day of colour throwing, live performances, DJ sets, energetic Dhol beats, kids’ rides, and a wide variety of food. Free entry and suitable for all ages.

Beats By Bingo

February 25, 7.30pm, Little Ed, Pukekohe

Get ready for a fun-filled night of music, laughs, and prizes at Beats By Bingo at Little Ed. Hosted by DJ Andy Juice, this all-ages musical bingo night puts a fresh spin on the classic game, with great tunes and plenty of chances to win. Free entry and held on the last Wednesday of every month — bookings are recommended as spaces are limited.

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.

Friday, February 21 to Saturday, February 22, Hololio Polo, 250 Tourist Road, Clevedon

Watch thrilling polo action at the Hololio Tournament, set in the scenic Clevedon countryside. A weekend of fast-paced sport, elegant horses, and competitive matches for fans of all ages.

BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026

Thursday, February 26 to Sunday, March 1, 4pm to 10.30pm Manukau Sports Bowl, Manukau

Celebrate the Year of the Horse as the Lantern Festival lights up Manukau with 500+ stunning lanterns, live performances, and vibrant Chinese and Pan-Asian culture. Fireworks light up the sky on Fri 27, Sat 28 Feb & Sun 1 Mar at approx. 9:50 PM. Family-friendly, smoke-free and alcohol-free. Free ticket event.

Kayaking with Outdoor Experience

Sunday, February 22, various session times, Bottle Top Bay Boat Ramp, 201 Oakland Road, Karaka

Free sessions thanks to Papakura Local Board. The Outdoor Experience team will provide all the equipment to have a safe and enjoyable time on the water. Participants must be at least 7 years of age to paddle alone, and those under the age of 7 need to be accompanied by an adult in a double kayak. Check out more info on www.eventbrite.co.nz.

Pukekohe Farmers & Artisans Market

Sunday, March 1, 9am to 12.30pm Pukekohe Town Square, King Street

Showcasing a fantastic range of fresh local produce and handcrafted goods. Browse artisan breads, preserves, cheeses, salami, specialty foods, plants, candles, chopping boards, flowers and more. Grab a coffee or breakfast from a nearby café, enjoy live music and free face painting, and soak up the relaxed community atmosphere.

MENTOR PROGRAMME SEEKS YOUNG WRITERS

Four secondary school students will have the opportunity to be mentored by one of New Zealand’s best professional authors in order to develop their craft and hone their writing skills.

The NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme offers aspiring young writers aged 15-18 a mentorship, from May to November. The intent of the mentor programme is to foster and develop emerging writing talent with the support of established authors. There are

four places awarded each year in the youth programme.

Dubbed a “game-changing opportunity for young writers”, applications are open until April 6.

NZSA has been running successful assessment and mentoring programmes since 1999 that aim is to nurture, encourage, inspire and develop emerging writers with the support of established writers through mentoring and assessment.

Eleazar Kenese, of Auckland, was paired with award-winning novelist, poet, journalist and editor, Mikaela Nyman.

“I feel that I made a lot of progress under this mentorship as I was introduced to new ways of writing poetry, I progressed as a writer as

“This mentorship was extremely helpful to my progress as a writer as it also gave me a deeper understanding of the standards of poetry in terms of punctuation and purpose (using punctuation as a tool to convey an emotion or thought rather than just for readability)”.

The Youth Mentor Programme is run by the NZSA, the principal organisation representing writers in Aotearoa. They offer memberships for writers at all stages of their careers,

FRESH LOOK AND MENU FOR COSSIE CLUB

„ By KERRY LEE

The Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club has recently unveiled a refreshed restaurant and lounge alongside a new menu — and long-time members are loving the changes.

General manager Scott Adams said the arrival of a new caterer, Jordan Church, six months ago helped prompt the update.

“With a new caterer on board, it was the right time for a change,” Adams said. “The club has been here for a long time — we’re heading towards our 50-year jubilee in 2027 — and we’re in a position where we can make changes.

“It just needed to be freshened up, we’ve gone with a more modern look with new furniture, new carpet, new colours, while still

and younger members as well as long term members. The restaurant and one of the club’s lounges have been updated with new furniture, carpet, and colour schemes.

Despite a tight timeframe over the holiday period, the project was completed quickly thanks to support from local tradespeople who are also club members.

“We were very fortunate, the painting and decorating started the week before New Year, and we reopened in late January.

Alongside the renovations, a new menu has been introduced, the updated menu features dishes such as pan-seared fish, sous-vide lamb rump, and lighter pressure-cooker options including grilled prawns with salsa.

“With the restaurant renovated, we wanted to start the new year fresh with the menu as well,” Church said.

The menu reflects changing tastes and a shift towards healthier options whilst still being affordable.

PLENTY ON OFFER AT DERBY SQUARE

Derby Square in Takanini Town Centre offers shoppers some of the best entertainment and dining mix in South Auckland.

Since its official opening in July 2024, new food outlets and entertainment retailers have established a presence in the centre, making it a destination that appeals to the whole family.

The latest restaurant to open its doors is Square Pizza, which serves Detroit-inspired deep dish square pizzas with a local twist.

The dining precinct includes newly opened Indian cuisine from Rutba, the wide variety of food available at The Good Luck Club, and Thai restaurant Rak Khun.

Artisan gelato outlet Sparrow & Sweet has quickly become a local favourite, while The Blacksmith neatly complements the offering as Takanini’s only fully licensed gastrobar that hosts bands and DJs.

Popular authentic Korean chicken restaurant My Fried Chicken is set to open a store at Derby Square in the near future, building on their growing presence across Auckland and providing customers with further choice.

Jan Walker, Asset Manager from Colliers, says the broad mix of dining options is what sets Derby Square apart as a premium destination.

“Derby Square has been carefully curated to ensure it sets the standard as the best food and entertainment precinct in South Auckland. Each dining option has its own unique selling point for customers, creating an outstanding offering,” Walker says.

“There is considerable variety among our existing operators and with My Fried Chicken set to open soon every taste is catered for.”

While the food is enough to draw any local to the centre, the GameOn Arcade offers visitors the chance to play classic arcade games or get

involved in immersive attractions. There’s also laser tag, a bowling alley, karaoke rooms, and party facilities that will suit a range of ages.

For those wanting to see the latest films, they can catch a movie at the state-of-the-art Silky Otter cinema that provides guests with a firstclass experience, including luxury recliners and specialty food and drinks menu.

There is a public square, playground, and free space for events, making this a central point in the local area that is tipped to grow rapidly throughout the next decade with an expanding population and surrounding housing developments.

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STILL WAKES THE DEEP REVIEW

„ By KERRY LEE

Still Wakes the Deep is a surprise hit from developer The Chinese Room, known for their slow-paced adventures.

Set in 1975, you play the role of Cameron “Caz” McLeary, who works as a mildmannered oil rig worker in the middle of nowhere.

Unfortunately, McLeary is about to have the worst day of his life, as right after being fired, the oil rig taken over by a hideous sea creature.

Co-workers are killed or turned into grotesque creatures, and it’s up to McLeary to find out what is happening and get off the rig with his life.

While the plot clearly takes its cues from films like The Thing, I still had a good time with it, despite the predictable jump scares and simple puzzles.

Graphically, the game looks good, although

the limitations of its developers begin to show in character designs and facial animations. What stands out to me instead is the environments that McLeary finds himself in.

The oil rig is claustrophobic with its dark corners and tight corridors. Add in the presence of an unknown monster lurking about, and you have all the makings of a classic horror b-movie.

action game where the monsters are far stronger than you, and the only way to survive is to run and hide to avoid being killed.

The Chinese Room does a fantastic job of making the rig look like a place where humans live and have made a temporary home for themselves. It drew me into the game and really sold me on the idea that this was a living, breathing world.

Sounds are suitably eerie and help sell the idea that you and the people on board the rig are in immediate danger, and it added to the overall suspense.

Unlike other games the Chinese Room has made, Still Wakes the Deep is a stealth-semi-

It’s a fun mechanic that ramps up the tension and forces you to think rather than blundering into the action.

With a lot of games now worth over $100 a piece, an indie game like Still Wakes the Deep that is half the price ($45.00, at the time of my purchase) will be a relief for those not living the high life.

Overall, I would wholeheartedly recommend picking this up; while not a graphical powerhouse, it more than makes up for that with its creepy atmosphere.

SIMON’S SUMMER CREAMED CORN

This is a proper summer side dish. Creamy, comforting, and bloody good alongside a great steak off the BBQ. Brilliant spooned over toast or in a toasted sandwich for an easy brunch. Just as good with grilled chicken or pork too.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 corn kernels cut from 5 to 6 fresh corn cobs (about 600g)

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 230ml cream

• 230ml milk

• 1 tsp salt

• Pinch of cayenne or white pepper

• 2 tbsp butter, softened

METHOD

• 2 tbsp flour

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, optional

Optional garnish

• A light sprinkle of Gault’s Mexican Seasoning

• Fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or coriander, finely chopped

Serves 8

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add corn and sauté for about 3 mins, until just softened. Add cream, milk, salt and cayenne or white pepper. Bring to boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 mins. Remove about one third of mixture and blend until smooth, then return to pan and stir well to create a creamy texture. Mix butter and flour into a smooth paste and whisk into corn. Cook for a further 3-5 mins, stirring constantly, until thickened and glossy. Remove from heat, taste, and stir through Parmigiano-Reggiano if using. Spoon onto toast or into a warm serving bowl, then finish as desired.

SIMON SAYS: If you give it a go, tag me in a photo or reel. I love seeing how people put their own spin on it.

Scan to discover Simon’s Secret Pantry Weapons

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COOKING MORE, WASTING LESS

Cooking more at home has a quiet power. It slows us down, reconnects us with what we eat, and when done thoughtfully, helps reduce the amount of food we throw away. In a world where waste often happens without us noticing, the kitchen is one of the easiest places to make more sustainable choices.

It starts with ingredients that work a little harder. A roast chicken becomes tonight’s dinner, tomorrow’s lunch, and the base for a comforting soup. Seasonal vegetables can be stretched across multiple meals, roasted one evening, folded into a salad the next, and blended into a sauce by the end of the week.

Choosing multi-use ingredients not only saves money, it encourages creativity and flexibility in the way we cook. Leftovers, too, deserve a rethink. Rather than an afterthought, they can be part of the plan.

Cooking slightly more on purpose means fewer rushed meals later and less reliance on takeaway. With good storage and an organised fridge, yesterday’s food stays visible, appealing, and ready to enjoy again.

Sustainable cooking isn’t about perfection or restriction. It’s about small, realistic habits that fit into everyday life: planning meals loosely, using what’s already there, and valuing food enough to give it a second or third chance.

When the kitchen is designed to support these habits, ample prep space, practical storage, room to cook comfortably, it becomes easier to cook with intention. In the end, cooking more and wasting less isn’t just good for the planet. It’s good for the rhythm of daily life, turning simple meals into something more thoughtful, satisfying, and enduring.

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MOVIE REVIEW BY JACK WATSON

MARTY SUPREME

DIRECTOR: Josh Safdie

STARRING: Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kevin O’Leary, Tyler Okonma

GENRE: Sports comedy-drama

RATING: 4.5 stars

Marty Supreme’s Marty Mauser is Timothée Chalamet’s bombastic campaign for his long overdue Oscar and Timmy, as expected, is perfect.

Mauser is nothing short of a horrible person, but every shenanigan he finds himself in is the most stressful jolt of electricity to your system. One minute you’re laughing hysterically at one of Mauser’s offhand comments and the next minute you’re covering your face in shock, only for you to peel your hands away just to find out how he gets himself out of the hole he’s dug himself in.

And although Chalamet’s performance takes up every inch of the screen, each side character is just as enjoyable as the titular Marty. Whether it’s Kevin O’Leary’s Shark Tank parallel, Tyler Okonma as Mauser’s partner in crime or Gwyneth Paltrow as a lonely wife who’s excited by Marty, everybody matches Chalamet’s energy. But that being said, Marty Supreme is a table tennis movie, and although heavily sidelined, the atmosphere of each scene is intoxicating.

Whether it’s Daniel Lopatin’s electronic score or Marty’s own dynamic with his opposition, the table tennis sequences will have you levitating. Marty Supreme is an event that’s best witnessed in a crowded theatre.

> Jack Watson saw Supreme at Monterey Howick.

NOTEWORTHY PODCASTS

WATCH READ LISTEN

BEST NEW BOOKS

ECHOES OF THE UNKNOWN

Episodes on this podcast series cover such cases as the 1989 abduction and murder of United States schoolgirl Amy Mihaljevic, who left her school in Ohio and was later killed by an unidentified assailant; the infamous 1990 heist at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, Massachusetts, which resulted in the theft of 13 priceless artworks and the 2004 disappearance of university student Maura Murray from an isolated road in New Hampshire.

BACKPACKER RADIO

This podcast is produced by The Trek, hosted by Zach “Badger” Davis and Juliana Chauncey, aka “Chaunce”. Every Monday, the Cinnamon Connection brings listeners about two fresh hours of backpacking interviews, advice, and banter to fuel their inspiration to hit the trail. Backpacker Radio is the numberone hiking podcast with more than six million lifetime downloads. Past guests include Nat Geo Adventurers of the Year Andrew Skurka, Jennifer Pharr Davis, and Heather “Anish” Anderson.

PLANETARY RADIO: SPACE EXPLORATION, ASTRONOMY AND SCIENCE

This is the podcast for people with an interest in all things space. The most recent episode focuses on NASA’s upcoming Artemis II and III missions to the moon. Host Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Kelsey Young and Noah Petro, two of the scientists helping turn humanity’s return to the moon into reality. Young serves as the Artemis science flight operations lead, while Petro is the lab chief of the Planetary Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Laboratory at NASA Goddard.

THE SHADOW WEAVER

RRP $38.

Author Ivy Cliffwater’s new fantasy-science fiction novel centres on the fictional character Caris Ironside. She’s forged from iron and shadow and is one of the Cursed – an outcast hiding a deadly secret. Caris is a skilled blacksmith and the only woman known to craft legendary swords. The novelty of her profession provides much-needed cover as she seeks vengeance for her mother’s murder. When Caris’s perilous mission takes her to Capita, a city ruled by The Order of Men, she must tread carefully.

GUESS HOW MUCH I LOVE YOU

RRP $20.

This beloved picture book by Sam McBratney was shortlisted for the 1994 Kurt Maschler Award and the Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year Award. It’s the story of Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare, who discover love is not an easy thing to measure, and is described as the perfect bedtime story that people will want to read again and again. McBratney has won the Bass Ireland Arts Prize and the Bisto Award twice. Guess How Much I Love You is illustrated by the acclaimed Anita Jeram.

How forgiving you are defines the success of your business

How loving you are defines how many achievements you have made

FRANKLIN WALKS: MOUNT WILLIAM

„ By LOUISE WILLIS

Mount William, just a stone throw south of Bombay, isn’t exactly a secret, but it still feels like a hidden gem.

From the summit, the views are nothing short of epic. Here, full 360-degree vistas stretch across Pōkeno and the Waikato, out to the Firth of Thames, and even north and westward on a clear day. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop, breathe, and feel small in the best possible way.

There are two main ways to reach the top, and each has its own charm. That morning, we took the Puketutu Road entrance — a gentle climb through rolling paddocks that many locals call the “easy option.”

It’s a popular choice for families and weekend wanders, and while the first section is a short climb, the rest of the track meanders around the hillside at a comfortable pace. Even in the dark, with just our torches lighting the way, the well-worn path was easy to follow. We passed fences and followed the curve of

the hill.

When we reached the summit, we had time to spare. Waiting and watching as the sky shifted from deep blue to soft pink and gold. And then, just like that, the sun peeked over the horizon — a slow, golden rise that lit up the entire landscape. It was breath taking.

If you’re looking for more of a challenge, there’s another route to the summit from the Mangatawhiri side, accessed via McMillan Road off State Highway 2. This track starts in a small paddock and quickly enters lush native bush. The climb is steeper here, with stairs and inclines that get the heart pumping, but the forest offers cool shade and a real sense of adventure. Once you emerge from the trees, the views over Pōkeno and the Waikato open up — the perfect excuse to

pause, admire, and catch your breath.

The final stretch to the trig looks deceptively gentle, but it definitely works your legs. Still, it’s a manageable climb, and the reward at the top is the same breathtaking panorama — one that somehow manages to look different and beautiful in every light.

This isn’t a loop track, so you can choose to return the way you came or make it a pointto-point if you’ve got someone to pick you up on the other side. I recommend trying both routes eventually as each gives you a different slice of the mountain’s character.

Join

open day at Franklin Village

The grand reveal of Pukekohe’s newest retirement village.

Bring the family along for a tour of a beautifully designed villa and the thoughtfully considered spaces that make Franklin Village feel like a true country retreat.

Explore the country club–style amenities that set the village apart, including a welcoming restaurant and bar, a stunning spa and pool, and even a private cinema.

To celebrate our open day, enjoy local catering, barista-made coffee and live music, while getting to know the neighbours who already call Franklin Village home.

We’d love to show you around, Saturday 21 Feb, 11am – 3pm

THE TROUBLE WITH LAWN MOWERS

„ By NATALIE PITFIELD

Many lifestylers have livestock as lawn mowers.

We get them when they’re young and grow them on to about two years old. Then they head off, and new youngsters arrive. It’s always an interesting experience. Every single animal is different.

We started out with steers. This was great until one kicked my Mum and really hurt her. So, we switched to heifers. While they weigh less and generally fetch less at market, they’re easier to handle. Given that we’d given Mum the job of ‘stock manager’, it was important that her stock behaved. She’s the fittest senior citizen I know, and I definitely didn’t want her damaged.

Most of our cows have been awesome. They tame up very quickly, especially with Mum giving them carrots as treats. We had one Angus steer who was a nasty piece of work.

STICKY CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

INGREDIENTS:

• 100g butter

• 175g caster sugar

• 75g dark muscovado sugar

• 125g dark chocolate

• 1 tbsp golden syrup

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp chocolate or vanilla extract

• 100g plain flour (gluten free works great too)

• 2 tbsp cocoa powder

• ½ tsp baking powder

He’d stamp his feet and paw the ground. You just knew he was dying to have a go at you. I gave him loads of space, and all was well until the day I found him stuck over a wire fence. Most of his body was in the paddock, but his hind legs were caught on the top wire, and he just couldn’t heave himself over.

So, I went and basically pushed him the rest of the way. He was unhurt, but our dog ran

METHOD:

Lightly grease a 20cm shallow square cake tin and line the base. Preheat oven to 180°C.

Place the butter, sugar, dark chocolate and golden syrup in a heavy-based saucepan and heat gently, stirring until the mixture is well

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into the paddock and started barking at him. I raced in to rescue her and then realised I was within reach of bovine Satan, and I froze. He looked at me. He pawed the ground. And then he bowed his head as if to thank me for rescuing him and went back to the herd. I was shaking after that episode.

His gratitude didn’t last long. He was back to being evil the very next day.

blended and smooth. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

Beat together the eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk in the cooled chocolate mixture.

Sieve together the flour, cocoa powder and baking powder and fold carefully into the egg and chocolate mixture, using a metal spoon or spatula.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 25 mins until the top is crisp, and the edge is beginning to shrink away from the tin. The inside of the cake mixture will still be quite stodgy and soft to the touch.

Leave the cake to cool completely in the tin and then cut into squares to serve.

SHOP FRANKLIN FIRST SHOP

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By PJ TAYLOR

Better be hungry with a healthy appetite if you’re sailing on the Oceania Riviera, as there’s a priority for the finest and most diverse range of culinary delicacies awaiting. A thirst is recommended too.

If you’re a foodie – a serious one, or curious – and like the idea of cruising with no one under the age of 18, on a ship that presents as a five-star hotel voyaging on the open sea, with activities, entertainment and excursions galore, it’s worth investigating.

The eye on service is exemplified by the ratio of 800 staff members and crew looking after and hosting up to 1250 passengers. That’s also one chef to 10 travellers.

Oceania Cruises, based in Miami, Florida, is introducing Riviera to its New Zealand, Australian and Oceania routes during the southern cruise season, and the company has a new focus on what’s described in the business as “small ship luxury”.

James Sitters, the Australasian sales vicepresident, tells us it’s “leading to luxury”

RIVIERA WORKS UP AN APPETITE

as we assemble to tour the cruise liner – three journalists and 50 travel agents – on a wet and windy Sunday in downtown Auckland recently. From the moment we stepped aboard, following a thorough security screening, it’s calm, quiet and welcoming, the Riviera’s intention to deliver a relaxed and captivating atmosphere, “spacious by design”.

If pampering is on the agenda, Aquamar Spa Health and Wellness is equipped to rejuvenate the weariest of souls, and there’s a gym, and art classes, theatre shows and a bar – a relative giant club that you can have a drink, a dance and singalong to live music.

The pool and surrounds are elegant in their traditional, classic design – it had a retro 1950s feel with ample deck chairs and recliners that aren’t crammed in like the sardines, which of course, you can probably get at any time of the day or night. Anchovies, too.

We pass the open smorgasbord late morning as passengers were embarking – sailing to Tauranga that night –and breakfast was still on the menu, in fact, everything was on the slate, from salads to roasts, desserts and many more treats and abundant beverages, at a servery one suspects is open round the clock.

the Polo Grill, and Toscana, and the muchheralded, French-flavoured Jacques, with their passionate focus on the “fine dining experience”, while for those who want to try their hand at cooking and expanding horizons, the Riviera has a tempting idea. A well-fitted modern kitchen stages Culinary Kitchen sessions, with the ship and sometimes celebrity chefs, sourcing local produce from wherever they dock, to cook destination-influenced dishes.

We visit speciality restaurants including

The five-star accommodation rooms vary in sizes and prices, and are thoughtfully and stylishly designed, up to the top-of-the-range penthouse suites, with 24-hour butler service. Our tour concluded with a delicious and fulfilling four-course lunch in the grand dining room at the ship’s stern. It comprised a light and tasty crab appetiser, a perfect risotto, mouthwatering ribeye steak, combined with a seriously smooth and not-so-heavy Merlot vino, and chocolate creation dessert, and cappuccino, to put, literally, the icing on the cake.

Disembarking, there was a small sense of envy that the newly-boarded passengers were carrying on from where we were getting off, having just seen what they’re about to experience – for days on end – and the thought of stowing away crossed the mind as we headed out again into Auckland’s sometimes stormy summer.

We operate a modern processing plant in South Auckland, handling Prime Steer & Heifer, Cows, and Lamb year-round. Contact one of our local Livestock Representatives below to discuss the options and benefits of processing with us.

Seeking unsung touch legends

Nominations are open to celebrate the unsung heroes whose dedication and generosity help their touch communities thrive, with selected recipients receiving $5,000 to reinvest in grassroots sport.

Touch relies on the tireless commitment of volunteers and supporters who give far beyond the sidelines to help players train, compete and represent their communities.

Bunnings Home Ground Heroes is inviting touch communities across the country to recognise the volunteers who make the game possible. From organisers and coaches to those working tirelessly behind the scenes, the initiative celebrates the unsung individuals whose passion, commitment and mahi (work) keep touch thriving at a grassroots level.

ners. He brings decades of experience as a player, coach, referee, administrator, and mentor; his passion and commitment have strengthened the sport’s presence in Pukekohe. “I was greatly appreciative of being selected as a benefactor of the $5,000 grant with the overwhelming objective of being able to ‘give-back’ to our community becoming a reality. The grant was shared to our local club (Pukekohe Rugby Touch Module) and our local High School (Pukekohe High School).”

Touch NZ chief executive, Joe Sprangers, said the partnership continues to make a meaningful difference.

able individuals over the past five years, and we’re excited to continue celebrating these everyday heroes.”

Past recipients have used the support to expand local initiatives, reduce barriers for families, and invest in equipment that strengthens participation. Among them is 2022 winner, Luke Chapman, of Counties Manukau, who has dedicated endless hours and energy to working with others in the touch community to develop and improve their game.

Over the past five years, 20 Home Ground Heroes from communities nationwide have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to touch.

Rolph Watson is the leader of the Pukekohe Rugby Touch Module and one of five 2025 Home Ground Heroes win-

“Through the Bunnings Home Ground Heroes programme, Touch NZ has the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people who are the backbone of our communities. In partnership with Bunnings, we’ve been able to acknowledge 20 remark-

“Running completely feesfree modules means we can cover things like referee costs and remove any financial pressure on families, especially those with multiple children, allowing everyone to take part,” Chapman said.

Nominations close Saturday, March 14, with winners to be announced in midApril. Further info is at www. touchnz.co.nz.

Are you tough enough?

„ By KERRY LEE

If you ever thought, “I’d love to try strongman”, then this challenge is for you, says Ben Binsted.

Binsted, a personal trainer and coach based at Counties Fitness in Pukekohe, is also the owner and founder of Franklin Strongman Strength HQ.

“We send a lot of athletes to plenty of competitions within New Zealand as well as overseas, and we also host a lot of our own competitions at Counties Fitness.”

He runs multiple weightlifting classes a week, providing opportunities for up-and-coming athletes at the regional, national, and international levels. He is offering the eight-week challenge to anyone who wants to compete in the Steel and Stone novice competition this April.“It’s about preparing athletes to take that next

step to compete in a local competition, the Steel and Stone hosted by Fortress Gym in Henderson. It features five events that are are very beginner-friendly, and they have novice sections for those competing for the first time.”

Those events are the truck pull arm over arm, max deadlift, log press for reps

(informally they are the same thing, but formally called the log ladder), the stone over bar, and the Max Hussafell carry.

“The weights are slightly lower so that they’re able to get in among it, and it also has sanctioned weight classes, which means the weights are slightly higher for them.

“This is an amazing opportunity in terms of get ting into the sport.”

“We have a lot of peo ple who are keen on getting introduced and getting acquainted with the sport, but it’s about taking that first step, so these challenges are great for those individuals who want to get their foot in the door,” said Binsted.

20 at Counties Fitness, at 151 Manukau Road, Pukekohe.

The eight-week challenge begins on February

The Steel and Stone Competition starts at 11am on April 18 at the Fortress Gym on 25A Northway Street, Te Rapa.

PUZZLE TIME

PUZUP PUZZLE NO. 2

HOW TO PLAY PUZUP® 7X7

• Use only the numbers 1-7, with each number appearing exactly seven times.

• Fill each outlined rectangle with a palindrome (the same number forwards and backwards i.e. 52425 or 1441).

• The numbers in each rectangle must add up to the total shown on the edge of the grid.

• No palindrome may be used more than once.

• Each main diagonal must contain all seven numbers (1-7) once. The centre square is shared by both diagonals and must be the same number.

• Solution on page 71

PUZUP palindrome puzzle books are available online (scan QR code). PUZUP is suitable for all ages, comes in three sizes, and three difficulty levels.

PUZZLE TIME

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8197

ACROSS

7. How long it took to succumb to temptation? (5,2,1,4).

8. The main theme is that it’s onerous (6).

9. At large, or on the loose, in a bad environment (6).

10. Contacts to take round and have a drink (5,2).

12. Seeing that there’s snow - a nice sprinkling (5).

15. Get confused when you speak roughly to (5).

16. Arranged as instructed (7).

18. Manage to get hold of the music (6).

20. Though it’s unimportant, friend, do your best (6).

22. Get one playing (5,1,6).

DOWN

1. The duel is fought over a misconception (8).

2. Watch out for your head! (4).

3. Leading in the laps, you gather (5,2).

4. Lady who had a very hectic morning? (5).

5. I take a small quantity, myself, about to have a headache (8).

6. Her name was brought up by the panellist (4).

11. Gary, not I, arranged the revolution (8).

13. How the applauders greeted you? (8).

14. Intend to sit for, at first (7).

17. Downright see-through! (5).

19. Ferret about when one’s out (4).

21. Bring down a rookie as well (4).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8197

DOWN

1. Tyrant (8)

2. Addict (4)

3. Violinist (7)

4. Pry (5)

5. Graze (8)

6. Prohibit (4)

11. Low spirits (8)

13. Odd (8)

14. Whale (7)

17. Wander (5)

19. Tress (4)

21. Tooth (4)

DRAINLAYER

PAUL VOORBURG

Paul Voorburg | 021 029 05733

paul voorburg@bayleys co.nz

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF PAKAU RESERVATION TRUST AGENDA

TO OWNERS OF OPUATIA 9C2B 2, OPUATIA 9C3B AND OPUATIA NO 15 A BLOCKS TUAKAU TOWN HALL, 70 GEORGE STREET, TUAKAU SATURDAY 28TH FEBUARY 2026 (after Pakau Trust hui) TIME 12-00

1 ACCEPTANCE OF RESIGNATIONS FROM FORMER TRUSTEES

2 ELECTION OF NEW TRUSTEES nominations recieved on the day TRUST SECRETARY MARIA TAUA mariataua55@gmail com

NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF PAKAU TRUST TO OWNERS OF OPUATIA 9C 3B, OPUATIA 9C 2B 2 AND OPUATIA NO 15A BLOCKS

Tuakau Memorial Hall, 70 George Street, Tuakau Saturday, 28 February 2026 Time: 10 00 am

AGENDA: 1 Karakia Tīmatanga 2 Apologies

3 Election of trustees - Nominations received on the day 4 Karakia Whakamutunga Court appointed facilitator: Glenn Tootill glenn@maurealaw co nz

Google

Listen

Notice is hereby given of a Special General Meeting of the South Auckland Choral Society Inc. Held on Tuesday 24 February '26, 7pm at Crossroads Church, 25 Broadway, Papakura. Purpose - to approve the new Constitution of SACS. All welcome.

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

BPW Franklin

BPW Franklin (www. bpwfranklin.org.nz) is a vibrant group of women who meet monthly for dinner, engaging speakers, and empowering conversations. As part of BPW NZ, we advocate for gender equality and support women’s growth through networking, leadership, and education. Join us to connect, be inspired, and make a meaningful impact together.

Selwyn Seniors Social Group

Feeling lonely, finding it difficult to get out? Our small, friendly groups could be the answer.

We enjoy gentle exercise, fun activities, scones, chatter, and plenty of laughter. You can join us Tuesday or Friday morning 9-12, at Crossroads Methodist Church lounge, 25 Broadway, Papakura.

Enquiries: Nikki 0224779575.

Social tennis in Tuakau

Wednesday 9am to 11.30am. Come along and have some enjoyable social tennis with mainly retired players at The Tuakau College Courts.

What we charge is very minimal.

Tea/coffee/ biscuits/tennis balls provided. If you want more info, ring Errol on 021 730 710.

RUNCIMAN TENNIS CLUB

Our small, friendly country club offers social or competitive tennis.

Come along and play social

tennis at 29 Pitt Road, Drury. Sessions are held from 9am to noon on Tuesday mornings for all players, from 9.30am to noon Wednesday mornings in summer for ladies, 5.30pm til dark on Wednesday evenings for men, and from 5pm until dark on Thursday nights for social night.

Casual players are welcome. The first two visits are free.

We welcome all levels of players, from beginners or returning players, to experienced players.

Check out www.sporty.co.nz/ runcimantennis or text 021 931 396 for more details. Franklin Arts Festival Society AGM 2026

Franklin Arts Festival Society Inc invites supporters of the Arts in Franklin to attend their AGM that will be held:

· Monday 16 February 2026

· 6pm in the Edmund Hillary Room, Franklin Arts Centre (Library Building), 12 Massey Ave Pukekohe

We welcome new volunteers to become involved with developing the future of the art community within the Franklin Local Board boundaries.

An outline will be presented on the vision for the Society, but we need enthusiastic, creative, management people to make it happen!

RSVP to secretary@ franklinartsfestival.co.nz if you would like to attend or would like further information.

Send your free community events to info@times.co.nz. Due to limited space, we can’t guarantee every listing will run. This section is reserved for not-for-profit community groups.

SUDOKU P66 PUZUP 5X5 P65

23 1 6 79 54 8

5 8 6412 3 97

749 3856 2 1

39 87 2 6 154

4 72 5 3 1 8 69

16 59 48 273

927 8 5 3 4 1 6

6 531 9 4 782

81 4 2 679 35

BLANKS P65

QUICK NO. 8197

Across - 7, Questionable. 8, Torrid. 9, Orator. 10, Trodden. 12, Dippy. 15, Stale. 16, Connect. 18, Claret. 20, Piffle. 22, Companionway. Down - 1, Autocrat. 2, User. 3, Fiddler. 4, Snoop. 5, Abrasion. 6, Veto. 11, Doldrums. 13, Peculiar. 14, Dolphin. 17, Stray. 19, Lock. 21, Fang.

CRYPTIC NO. 8196

Across - 7, Devil of a time. 8, Burden. 9, A-b-ro-ad. 10, Ring-s up. 12, S-ince. 15, Snarl. 16, Ordered. 18, Snatch. 20, Pal-try. 22, Score a single. Down - 1, Delusi-on. 2, Mind 3, Round up. 4, Mad-am. 5, M-I-grain-e. 6, (tsil)Lena(p) (rev.). 11, Gyration (anag.). 13, Cheerily. 14, Pro-pose. 17, Sheer. 19, Nose (anag.). 21, L-and.

SITUATION VACANT

Do you enjoy building genuine relationships and being part of your local community? We’re looking for a people-focused sales professional to work closely with Franklin businesses, helping them share their stories through trusted local media. This is a relationship-led role, you’ll be working with an established, respected local brand, supported by a small, friendly team and proven systems. Why you’ll love this role:

• You’ll work with well-known local businesses

• You’ll sell something that genuinely matters to the community

• Strong brand recognition opens doors

• Support, structure and autonomy in your role

• Long-term client relationships, not quick wins About you:

• Sales experience (media/advertising a bonus, not essential)

• Motivated, target-driven and enjoys a fast-paced team

• Confident, personable and organised

• Comfortable using everyday digital tools

Location:

Based in Franklin, working directly with local businesses you already know and trust.

Sound like you? Email your CV and a short cover note to bo@times.co.nz

PUKEKOHE PARK

FRIDAY 20 MARCH

Calling all tradies, suppliers, and hard-working legends – this one’s for you.

From builders and sparkies to rural retailers – if you work hard, this is your day to play. Expect an epic day at the races, cold brews, great food and unbeatable trackside vibes.

Whether you’re on the tools, behind the counter or just tagging along for the fun, this is your chance to ditch the high-vis, round up the crew and toast the end of a big week.

Male or female, boots or boardroom – all are welcome.