Nov 5, 2025 | franklin, Franklin Stories
At 19 I was skipping college to play Mario-Kart. At that age Logan Soole had done several years of community volunteering and been elected to the Franklin Local Board. Photo supplied by Logan Soole Even now, in my 50s, meeting the now 25-year-old on Zoom from the UK,...
Nov 5, 2025 | franklin, Franklin Stories
1. Maraetai Beach My favourite beach in Franklin (not too far ahead of Karioitahi) where you can do everything from swim and relax to launching the boat. 2. Manukau Heads Lighthouse Located at the tip of the ancient Āwhitu Peninsula, the lighthouse gives amazing views...
Nov 5, 2025 | eat and drink, franklin, Franklin Stories
by Gautam Narayan Serves 2 – 4 What makes a great Paella? In Spain, Paella is a dish that awakens passions – Spaniards take pride in their national dish! They believe a great Paella has three requirements: 1. A short grain rice, preferably Spanish, sold...
Dec 1, 2024 | eat and drink, franklin, Franklin Stories
From the kitchen of Origine, Ben Bayly’s French onion soup recipe is a rich, flavourful broth that celebrates Franklin’s world-famous longkeeper onion. Serves 4 Prep time 20 mins Cook time 1 hour 500 g oxtail 1 onion, sliced 1 carrot, grated 1/3 cup of...
Nov 21, 2024 | franklin, Franklin Stories
Former Auckland Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore was born and bred in Franklin District, with his family having been there since the late 1800s as sheep and beef farmers in the Hunua Ranges. Bill has lived on the east coast of the Franklin Ward all of his life and agreed to...
Nov 12, 2024 | activities, franklin, Franklin Stories
The Franklin region is well-endowed with tracks and trails for walkers and bikers and there are options for people of all fitness levels, abilities and interests. Andrew Sinclair of Franklin Active Trails shares some of his tips. While our National Parks draw the...
