All articles in ‘Community’

For anyone who has dabbled in the vintage or pinup community and culture there is one event that is set into their calendars each year and that is the Very Vintage Day Out. This year, the home of the Jack Daniel’s Miss Pinup New Zealand pageant. The a…

From serving their communities to preventing crime while developing leadership skills, being part of the Police force can be one of the most rewarding careers a person can have, and now, thanks to a growing course initiative between Police, schools and t…

Years of erosion have taken their toll on Sunset Beach, Port Waikato and the problem is now more serious than ever. Over half the car park has been lost, the community hall has been condemned, and is due for demoltion, homeowners have been forced to leav…

The feedback we had on last month’s Franklin Photo News story was amazing. What an incredible feat to scan all the pages of a magazine that 40 years ago was the social media of the day. The stories that have flown in about the people and events that are …

For the ninth year running ex pat Yorkshire people have gathered at the Pukekohe Cosmopolitan club during July for a series of traditional Yorkshire Day events. The event, which attracted 120 people this year, was attended by Bill Cashmore the Deputy May…

In early October, this year at the Trusts Arena in Auckland, the National Gymnastics Championships will once again bring talented children from all over New Zealand to participate and compete over 5 days. It really is the BIG event in the gymnastics cale…

In today’s world, memories and events are recorded and shared with others in an instant, immortalised in a digital form of forever on any number of social media platforms During the late 1960’s to early 1970’s the people of Franklin had a different type …

Initiated by Drury Rotary in 1987, this award has been presented every year, with the exception of a couple to an outstanding local candidate. As the name implies it was started with the aim of promoting young people in vocational training and the recipi…

Would you be happy to pay $6 or $7 for a head of lettuce or broccoli in your weekly shop? It may sound extreme, but unless you grow your own, it could be the only choice in future as a result of Auckland’s rising population and housing demands. Pukekohe …

Papakura High School Principal, John Rohs never imagined his school would one day be the proud owners of a unique Pacifica structure that now proudly sits in the forefront of the school’s grounds. Known as a Fale, John says the semi open air structure is…

A new wave of transformation has hit a Papakura suburb thanks to a new scheme that is providing more cost effecting housing alternatives to those looking to get their foot in the housing market. As the first of its kind in the area, the project is a co-o…

“We’re so excited to be holding our second Street Fest, where we will once again be showcasing all the things that make Papakura great” says Tracy Shackleton, Papakura Town Centre Manager. “It will be a whanau friendly event where we celebrate our town, …

When Joshua D’Acierno first came across Papakura Cadet Force, he was 12 years old lacking in confidence. “In all honesty, I wasn’t the best kid, I had problems with discipline and needed more confidence.” Six years down the track, he is now referred to a…

To understand any religion against a modern landscape, you first need to understand the landscape itself. New Zealand is a country with large scale immigration throughout its comparatively brief history, the Maori people arrived by sea followed by the Eu…

New Zealand’s biggest Mother’s Day event, the Jennian Homes Mother’s Day Fun Run/Walk, in support of women’s heart health, is returning to Pukekohe on May 12 – with tickets now on sale. Runners and walkers will set off from Bledisloe Park at 9am, joining…

Autumn is here, and so are the beautiful sun drenched mornings that have us believing it is still Summer! Take in the sun, the picturesque scenery, the sense of community and the fun, at the annual Mauku Fun Run. What better way to get amongst it wit…

On Saturday 16th March, Pukekohe Christian School will hold their main fundraiser for the year – their popular annual Gala. Commencing at 8.30 with the garage sale and finishing at 1.30, the day offers fantastic bargains, food and fun for everyone in th…

At the completion of 53 years of delivering food to those in need, the hard-working team of drivers at Papakura’s Meals on Wheels, celebrated the end of an era with one last get together at the St Johns Hall in Papakura on February 13th this year. The gr…

Since 2016, the Papakura Local Board has been giving young people a helping hand with its financial scheme that provides a scholarship grant for those embarking on tertiary study, trade or leadership courses. The Papakura Youth Pathways and Excellence Gr…

Since 2011, Papakura Youth Council has been a valuable asset to its Youth in the Papakura community by allowing them to be seen and heard. Working alongside the Papakura Local Board and community groups, the Youth Council are advocates for young people a…