Articles in ‘Community’

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

“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, our people and our cultural richness. Last year’s event was attended by over 6,000 people and had over 45 stalls. This year…

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…

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 Europeans. In the modern era we have drawn in people from the south east pacific islands, so much so that twenty per cent of…

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 thousands of others participating in regional events around the country. The annual event contributes to fundraising and…

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…

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 the family. Located on Yates Road (past the railway station and behind the race course), PCS is a privately-funded Year 1 – 13…

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 group, which was initially founded by Reverend FL and Mrs Gardner, has been delivering nutritious meals to those in need for over…

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 Grants recognise the importance of ensuring young people get a great start in life and provide awarded applicants a maximum of…

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 and organise initiatives and events that creates awareness and engagement for youth in today’s society. Current Papakura Youth…

There’s never been a better time to be old in New Zealand. Baby boomers, the generation born after WWII, are enjoying longer and better twilight years than ever before. And they are enjoying those years thanks to better health, better living conditions and greater wealth than their predecessors. Courtesy of government-provided, universally available superannuation, today’s…

For the eighteenth consecutive year the vegetable growers of Franklin will once again show their extreme generosity by donating produce to the annual Christmas appeal for the Salvation army.Which this year will occur on Wednesday the 19th of December Started by the Rotary Club of Drury in 2001 this has become a regular event in the week leading up to Xmas . Three big trucks…

During 2018 there could have hardly been a soul who wasn’t aware that this year is the centenary of the end of World War I. Sadly, and inevitably, it turned out not to be the war to end all wars, but its horrific nature and consequences changed the way conflict was regarded for ever. Living at the bottom of the world, the horror of war is something most New Zealanders are…

From its early origins as farming land and as an undeveloped bush covered district where logs were once milled, the history of Opaheke and Ponga districts has undergone many changes throughout the years. Opaheke is part of the wider Papakura area and also provided two sites for American servicemen during World War 2. Its name literally translates to “the place where the large…

She’s a bouncing black and white ball of fun, with the soul of an artist but aspirations to be the next Maradona. “Our five month old border collie puppy, Davinci, loves to play soccer any chance she can get her paws on a ball - inside or outside,” say her owners, Sara and Tom. “Border collies have so much energy, they really need something to keep them amused, and Davinci's…