Trains ‘n boats…

Franklin Country is having their fantastically popular Thomas the Tank Engine Weekend this weekend!!

If trains are your thing, this will be the place to be.

The Glenbrook Vintage Railway ‘s annual Thomas day always proves to be a great winner and an added bonus will be the new Glenbrook Morel Railway, which is situated on Morley Road…..a train stop away from the station at Glenbrook.

Bob and his elves have been working intently to make sure that they can get the Model Railway operating to coincide with the Thomas weekend, so if you are in the area……keep an eye out to discover the magic of the miniature train, boats and more!

….but wait!!….there IS more.

The Port Waikato Whitebait fritter competition is also on!. Head out to our west coast beach for a taste test of some of the locals recipes for the perfect fritter!!  mmmmmmm….mmm

I can personally vouch for a fantastic taste tingle!

so why wait??

Head to our patch of country – where Auckland meets the Waikato – and check out what’s on!!

Franklin Country – it’s where things happen!!

It’s that time of year again – the V8 Supercars are here in town – our place – Franklin Country!

Today saw the blessing of the Pukekohe Park Raceway track and drivers for the V8 Supercar racing ahead of this weekends excitement.

The fun has really begun now – the track is set up and raring to go with the thunder of V8Supercars ITM 500. Fans will be flocking in to see their motor sport heroes in action!

For those wanting to spread their wings and investigate the region, well….there’s plenty to see. Head to our web page for some ideas including our fantastic local GVR steam train, our iconic Manukau Heads lighthouse and surrounds.

If you want to just hang out in Auckland city, the Cloud on the waterfront will be the place to head to see the Travel Expo for what we have in the outer regions of Auckland – the regional playgrounds!

There are local museums to investigate – great foodie haunts for all appetites….and speaking of haunts – head on over to Spookers too!!

Keep looking – there is much more to see and investigate than what it appears. We have it all – in a location that gives you city savvy with country style!

Locals are NOT happy – Auckland may need to rethink.??…….

Generally, Franklin is a great place to be……

We have so much that is great here.

The  chance for a very good lifestyle, towns and rural regions conveniently located, lovely shopping, cafes, accommodation, beaches and so much more……………….

but……………………the locals are once again, feeling the effects of big brother – Auckland.

One of our local papers has some unhappy letters to the editor in response to  the train service that isn’t……..

Let’s just hope that someone can take notice of the local ratepayers and constituents!

Franklin’s Pukekohe Train station…….

a brief update

News from the Franklin Local Board regarding the Pukekohe train station upgrade, is that the Auckland Transport budget of $4.5m is not guaranteed to have a start made this year. The locals may have to wait another year. The timeline is apparently set for 2014 – 2015, but

“is a bit flexible due to discussions regarding electrification of the trains to Pukekohe”

The upgrade is part of the Auckland Council Draft Annual Plan for 2014 – 15 and is set to include a park and ride system (which I think many of us had heard about already). Fingers crossed that this will be accomplished as soon as possible to help solve problems with parking that there is currently, and give easier access to the station for those who need and want to head to the “big smoke” for work/activities and more.