Local businesses come together

• By Rose Fuller, Franklin Junior Journalist

Over two days, the Franklin Home and Lifestyle Show offers the opportunity for locals to purchase items perfect for their homes right here in Pukekohe.

Now in its tenth year, the show continues to thrive. As soon as you walk in, you are instantly transported into a world of spicy sausages, gooey gelato, fragrant flowers, and so much more!

Held on March 7 and 8 in the PIA Event Centre, over 100 stalls were set up all around, inside and outside, full of promise and character; each holding a completely different experience.

According to the organisers, the hottest thing to buy right now is a vacuum cleaner. The food stalls also gained a lot of attention, especially with homemade pies and hot dogs. The warm and flavourful scents would send anyone inside for a bite.

I personally enjoyed the homemade marshmallows from Bad Habits, and I’ve got to say, they were incredible! I found myself instantly drawn to the mango and raspberry, and it was absolutely just melt-in-the-mouth.

Now Events managing director Aynsley Graham said the Pukekohe Business Association supported the home show, which showcased many local businesses.

“We have exhibits here. If you’re building a home, renovating or just want a change in decor, we have stalls that sell just that and more. If you want curtains, carpet, swimming pools or even vacuum cleaners, it’s all here.”

Graham has been running the event since 2016, and since then (even with the unwanted surprise that was Covid-19) managed to come through to the other side and deliver something that draws nearly 4,000 people every year.

“The idea behind it was really just to get local businesses together, instead of travelling all the way to Auckland. Now, you don’t have to travel in traffic to support local businesses.”