Articles in ‘Community’

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 calendar and involves Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline, Tumble & Aerobic disciplines. Franklin Gymsports have 9 children that have qualified to attend Nationals this year. Niamh in Woman’s Artistic…

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 featured in the magazine have been both poignant, fascinating and humorous. Imagine my delight then, when one of the original photographers, Barbara McGrath (nee Watkins) popped into the office…

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 of social media in the form of the Franklin Photo News. Sixty-four pages every month or thereabouts of images capturing the glitz and glamour, award ceremonies, teen dances, weddings, motoring…

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 recipients have covered a range of occupations. Applicants need to be in the 18-30 age group and either live or work in the South Auckland area. · This year, the same high level of applicants was…

Everybody loves a story. Telling stories is an age-old art form, and a good story well-told stays long in the memories of its listeners or readers. This June, Franklin Writers' Group is offering the chance to compose your own short story and finally let the ideas buzzing in your head the opportunity to get out. · The Franklin Writers' Group's biennial short story competition is on now. Past competitions have proved popular, with up to 100…

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 is one of Auckland’s biggest growing hubs and ‘food bowl’ so called because it’s one of the only areas that grow produce all year round. Its estimated that around 4,359 Hectares around 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 venue that can be used for Pasifika events, meetings, celebrations and concerts, but will also be open to anyone in the community to use. · The Fale is believed to be one of the biggest…

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-operative between a local church and private sector developers that were able to create four residential homes in Tairere Crescent in the Rosehill suburb. Launched in October 2018, The four…

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 with the whanau! · Sunday April 7th is when the action begins! · Mauku School is the start point for a 5km or 10km run or walk. Race start times are 8.15am for the 10km and 8.30am for the 5km. •…

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 as Warrant Officer classtwo, Joshua D’Acierno and he feels very fortunate that his friends introduced him to a future that would lead to possibly joining the police force in the near future. “At…