Standing proudly on the tip of the Āwhitu Peninsula, the Manukau Heads Lighthouse has guided ships safely into the harbour since 1874. One of New Zealand’s few remaining timber lighthouses, it marks both a historic and emotional point on Franklin’s rugged west coast....
Tucked along Franklin’s eastern shoreline, Maraetai is a seaside township with a charm all its own. Its name, meaning “meeting place by the sea,” reflects its history as a gathering point, where rolling hills meet sheltered bays. With sweeping views across the Hauraki...
Connie ClarksonFounder of The Kitchen Project The Kitchen Project is cooking up something special in Franklin. The initiative is helping local foodie entrepreneurs turn their passion into their profession. With a training base in Pukekohe, the project provides a tasty...
Travellers into Pukekohe might be forgiven for making a few false assumptions about this relaxed street side café. Firstly, if they were after some kind of greasy fry up, they wouldn’t be disappointed. Not because they’d get it, but because they’d get something much...
Nick Jones and Josephine Elworthy are staunch Clevedoners. Their work invigorates some of the village’s most historic buildings. It's a marriage of business nous, equestrian sport and unbreakable community spirit. Under the banner of Hololio - Hawaiian for running...
Just out of his teens William Britton bought a vintage poster for $400, and sold it for $13,500 in the US. Already hooked on treasure hunting his way around New Zealand, he’d hit upon a career. William BrittonOwner of Salvage Place William’s not an antiques dealer,...
Born in 2011 through the Waiuku Business & Development Association and local car clubs, Steel ’n’ Wheels quickly became a flagship celebration of Waiuku’s character. Rooted in the town’s connection to New Zealand Steel – an industry central to Waiuku’s growth and...
Gautam NarayanOwner of Nourish Holistic Nutrition Among the dairy fields of Waiuku, Gautam Narayan has created a holistic health oasis. And it’s open to all. Just meeting Gautam is nourishing. From that first moment, it’s clear this is a man in service to those around...
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,...
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...
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 under the...
Meet Francis Hewitt. It feels like eyeballing the human embodiment of one of the machines he painstakingly restores, alongside his colleagues Mike Blake and Turoa Royal. He exudes the same robust confidence. It taps into a similar history of resilience and...
There’s no doubt that in Franklin we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat and drink, and Pukekohe is no exception.
What better way to explore some of the best in town than with Pukekohe on a Platter.
For the month of September, over 20 cafes, restaurants, and bars are putting their best plate forward and showing us what they’ve got to offer our taste buds. You can even vote for the best coffee, best signature dish (using local ingredients, of course), and finish up the day by voting for the best cocktail.
Live music, like spring, brings renewal and fresh energy – encouraging us to get out of the house, shake off the winter blues, reconnect, and enjoy the vibe at the local.
For a small but bustling town, Waiuku’s got plenty of this going on. On Sunday the 14th, there’s a good old-fashioned hoe-down at the Cossie Club, featuring dress-ups, dance-offs, and endless amounts of country music. This doesn’t happen every Sunday, so now’s your chance to throw your cowboy boots on and head down to the club to get your membership. If that’s not your thing, then every Friday night there’s a live band at the Kentish Hotel, and every Saturday night a DJ.
The Wairoa River snakes its way across the wild, volcanic landscape of the Hunua Ranges.
Nestled between Manukau Harbour and Karioitahi Beach, Waiuku (meaning "brown water") is a quirky township with a rich history. The Kentish Hotel, Waiuku's social focal point, is New Zealand's longest-standing tavern, and its walls are decorated in its lore.
Paerata Rise is a thoughtfully planned township near Pukekohe, blending Franklin's rural charm with a new urban townscape. Designed for diverse lifestyles, it features quality homes, outdoor spaces, schools, and amenities such as retail precinct and transport hub. The...
Situated in Pukekohe, 1 Roulston began life in 1912 as home to Franklin’s first newspaper and has been serving the community ever since. Following a quick refresh by Eke Panuku, this character building continues its legacy, offering space to host events, gatherings,...
Pukekohe, the high street of Franklin, showcases a handful of beautifully restored historic buildings, now home to inviting eateries and unique spots that celebrate the town’s past.
The Clevedon Farmers Market, a Sunday tradition, is a must-visit for food lovers seeking fresh, locally grown produce. With over 60 seasonal and permanent stalls offering everything from fresh vegetables to artisan products, the market also hosts Twilight Markets in...