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If you are anything like me, then the death last month and subsequently funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II has been very much a pointed reminder into the history behind both the Monarchy and its impact on us as a member of the Commonwealth. She was a remarkable woman of service and the funeral if you haven’t already watched at least part of it, is well worth it. It is indeed a moment of History that will never be repeated in our lifetime.…

The season has ended on a high for a group of dedicated Franklin United footballers who have taken out the Northern Region Football Under 15’s Conference Championship with a 3-3 draw against Ellerslie in front of a packed Drury Hill. · The team is coached by Former Solomon Islands International Captain Henry Fa’arodo and Franklin United Premier Team member Chris Brett and the squad of 18 has worked exceptionally hard this season and come out…

The New Zealand Hot Rod Association (NZHRA) recently celebrated a Covid delayed 60th anniversary. For two weeks during September the "Diamond Cruise" traveled from one end of New Zealand to the other stopping at hot rod clubs and shops all over the country. Those who attended said it was an unreal journey as the cruise zig zagged its way across the country starting in Bluff and concluding in Cape Reinga. Just over 20 hot rods, classics and…

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth has passed away, and the overwhelming majority of people in New Zealand mourn her passing. · Not, of course, because her death was unexpected, or a tragedy in the ordinary sense of that word: at the age of 96 and increasingly suffering “mobility issues”, she had outlived the great majority of her subjects by at least a decade and was able to perform her royal duties right up to the end. Not for her, prolonged…

Gut cancers include oesophageal, stomach, liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreatic, and bowel cancers. Collectively, gut cancers are the most common type of cancer in New Zealand, with 15 New Zealanders diagnosed each day. Sadly, more than half of those diagnosed will not survive beyond 5 years. · Local teacher Kim Sutton knows all too well how widespread and devastating the disease is, she has lost 4 family members to cancers of the gut.…

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, died last month at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years. She died peacefully at her Scottish estate, where she had spent much of the summer, with family by her side. Her last duty, just two days before her death to appoint the new British Prime Minister, Liz Truss, which she did with her usual grace and smile. Her death prompted an outpouring of grief around the world and New…

Baker’s Shoes in Waiuku has been a family run business for almost three decades and this month celebrates 30 years in business. The shop was opened by Grace Sullings in 1967 then subsequently bought by Harry and Pam Latta in 1980 and has always been a shoe shop. Fiona and Clark Baker bought the business in 1992 and changed the name to Baker’s Shoes and More. Whilst the store and the style of what it sells has undergone some significant changes,…

Mike Wilson from Stroud Homes in Pukekohe is a man on a mission. Stroud Homes has experienced tremendous growth in recent times and is building a brand-new show home to showcase the latest styles and features that Stroud can offer. He has been building homes for over 17 years, ensuring every customer is given the very best level of service which is reflected in the growing number of families in the Franklin area that are choosing to build with…

Strong Competition amongst the mainstream banks has been a key factor in the limiting of interest rates rises until recently. The likelihood that we have reached the peak of the rising interest rate cycle is uncertain but with one last week and another signalled before the end year – we are not out of the woods yet. · Interest rates and their influence on the borrowing power and therefore housing affordability remains key. Whilst acknowledging…

CHRISTMAS IS COMING! It may seem like a way off, but Christmas is just around the corner and local festivities include these unmissable events and shopping opportunities: · Carols in the Park, December 2, from 6pm, Central Park · Papakura Rotary Santa Parade, December 4, from 3pm, leaving from Central Park · Chilling in the Park, follows the Santa Parade, from 4-6pm, Central Park · Late Night Festive Shopping, December 8, 5-7pm · Santa's…