Nau mai, haere mai
Welcome to Pukekohe
Member Benefits:
The Pukekohe Business Association is dedicated to empowering local businesses and contributing to a prosperous Pukekohe. We are involved in many facets of our town to help businesses thrive, residents prosper and our town flourish, but our first priority is supporting our members’ businesses. We do this in a number of ways:
P3. CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
P4. NEWS FROM THE PBA
P5. KEVS’ CORNER
P6. BUSINESS FEATURE: STARBUCKS PUKEKOHE
P10. MEET THE NEW PBA COMMITTEE MEMBERS
P12. COUNTIES ENERGY CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN
P14. LETTERS TO SANTA & COUTNDOWN TO CHRISTMAS
P15 LOCAL ACHIEVEMENTS / CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
Promotion
• Marketing campaigns that showcase local businesses and town attractions
Inclusion in an online business directory
• Events, promotions, beautification projects and placemaking that attract customers to town
• Biennial Business Excellence Awards
• Free job & event listings
Business Development
• Free, high-value workshops and training opportunities
• Subsidies valued at $3,000+GST for each business
• Coming soon: Mentoring Programme and more Small Business Support
Networking & Connections
• Sharing PBA updates, local business news & events, sponsorship and development opportunities
• Regular business and industry events
• Opportunities to engage with community
• A network of local businesses
Advocacy & Security
• Fostering relationships with Police, schools, govt agencies, Auckland Council & its subsidiaries, Franklin Local Board, community groups and industry associations (among others) to benefit local business
• Advocating on policies and initiatives that create positive outcomes for the business community
• Facilitating meetings and info sharing
• Business security group
• Increasing network of CCTV security and CPTED placemaking
Find out more at pukekohe.org.nz
Meet Melissa, Our New Chair
I am delighted to start by introducing myself. Alongside my husband, we own Smith and Sons Renovations and have been successfully running the business for the past 12 years.
We have been operating on Manukau Road for 11 of those years. We are blessed with three school-aged children who keep us very busy. I have proudly served on the PBA committee for the last five years and have thoroughly enjoyed witnessing the strength and unity of our business community.
For the month of December, it is going to be a busy time for us all. The committee has recently welcomed three new members from different industries, and it is wonderful to see such diversity within our ranks. This diversity strengthens our ability to advocate effectively for all our businesses, ensuring that every sector is represented and heard.
I hope you all had the chance to attend the Christmas on the Green event despite the change of date. The light show was truly spectacular. This event is a source of great pride for the PBA, and seeing so many families come together to enjoy it was incredibly rewarding. It stands as a testament to our commitment to creating memorable experiences for our community while supporting our Businesses.
December presents a fantastic opportunity for all our retailers and hospitality businesses. In the past few years, I have set myself the challenge of completing all my Christmas shopping
General Manager Shawna Coleman shawna@pukekohe.org.nz
Melissa van den Brink Chairperson Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions Franklin
Akerei MaresalaThomson Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank
Max Boniface Mag & Turbo Pukekohe
Events & Promotions Coordinator Chenay Douglas chenay@pukekohe.org.nz
Merritt Watson Deputy Chairperson Pik n Mix Lollies
Alison Daldy Franklin Hospice Pukekohe
wishlists exclusively in Pukekohe, and I have succeeded each time. I challenge all our members to do the same this year. We have an impressive range of shopping options available, and I believe you will be pleasantly surprised by how much you can accomplish locally. Plus, taking a break to enjoy a coffee or meal at our many cafes and restaurants will make your Christmas shopping experience all the more enjoyable.
As we approach the end of the year, I want to extend my gratitude to all the members of the PBA for their continued support and dedication. Our collective efforts have made a significant impact on our community, and I am confident that we will continue to thrive in the years to come. Let us embrace the opportunities that December brings and work together to make it a successful and joyous month for everyone.
- Melissa van den Brink Chairperson
Membership Liaison Logan Soole logan@pukekohe.org.nz
Phillippa O’Mara Treasurer Engine Room Chartered Accountants
Ash Hawke Signmax Pukekohe
Peter Elliott Computer Food
Marketing & Communications Coordinator Brooke Druyven brooke@pukekohe.org.nz
Alan Cole Franklin Local Board Representative
Maree Trow
Stirling Sports Pukekohe
News From The PBA
Merry Christmas from the PBA team! We’re all about spreading Christmas cheer, so don’t miss out on the fun—giveaways, letters to Santa, and hopefully, you joined us at Christmas on the Green!
We will be closing down from 12pm Friday 20th Decmber, and back in the office 9am Monday 6th January.
COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY
Our Countdown to Christmas Giveaway (previously 12 Days of Christmas) kicks off on Monday, 2 December! Keep an eye on our FB page to check out the awesome giveaways and make sure you get yourself in the draw each day!
LETTERS TO SANTA
Experience the magic of Christmas by writing to Santa! Santa’s mailbox arrives at 217 King St on Monday, 2 December. There’s a template on the back cover—just fill it out and send your letter to the North Pole for a personal reply!
LAST BUSINESS & BEERS FOR THE YEAR!
We are so excited about this month’s Business & Beers, hosted by the team at Bayleys Pukekohe!
Our Business & Beers events are a great way to connect with fellow Pukekohe businesses in a relaxed networking environment. Nibbles and your first drink are on us too! Join us from 5:30pm Wed 4th December. RSVP below now!
Wed 4th December
COUNTIES ENERGY CHRISTMAS ON THE GREEN
Thankyou all for coming to Christmas On The Green! We hope you all had a great time enjoying all there was to offer. Flick to page 12 to read more and see a glimpse of all the fun that was had!
RHYTHM IN THE SQUARE - A ROCK ‘N’ ROLL XMAS
This month, join us for a Rock ‘n’ Roll Christmas themed Rhythm In The Square featuring The Plymouth Furys! On from 5:30pm to 8pm in the Pukekohe Town Square.
Enjoy a relaxed summer evening as you grab dinner to-go from a local eatery, or a tasty treat from a food stall, while listening to live tunes!
Fri 13th December
Kevs’ Corner
Your friendly Community Constable updating you on what’s been happening around town.
Welcome to the final Loop edition of 2024.
It’s hard to believe we are here already.
The silly season is upon us and although criminal activity occurs all year round, there is always that added incentive that Christmas brings.
As recently mentioned in a previous Kev’s Corner, I urge you all to be extra vigilant with
staff training and procedures, as well as a general check of your premise. These can include CCTV in good working order and positioned correctly, good lighting, cash handling and fake notes identification, store layout, lock up procedures and timely reporting of any incidents.
The higher volume of general population can also bring issues. Be extra careful with rear or side doors of your store being left open during the day. People who have ill intentions will take the opportunity to enter and could catch staff unaware.
Retail crime continues to be a high priority for us and we will continue to hold offenders to account for shoplifting offences. Remember evidence is important, so provide as much detail as you can if an incident occurs.
Your stores’ security over the Christmas break should also be considered - burglary offenders like to take the opportunity to cause issues when they believe stores will be unattended over a period of time. Clean and tidy the exterior of the premise to remove any attractions that suspicious individuals may find interesting. Have adequate security lighting working or installed, this will help deter offenders but also attract Police and Community Patrol who might be in the area if lights are activated at an unusual time.
Enjoy the busy Christmas period as well as a much deserved break, and be assured that your local Policing team will still be looking after Pukekohe to the best of our ability.
Merry Christmas everyone.
- Constable Keven Greasley
BUSINESS FEATURE
Starbucks Pukekohe: The Global Brand With a Local Heart
When Starbucks opened its doors in Pukekohe in June last year, it brought more than just coffee—it brought a unique blend of global appeal and local connection.
While tourists still arrive expecting the same food and snacks they find at Starbucks overseas, they’re often surprised to discover local treats like Whittaker’s chocolate bars and Molly Woppy cookies instead!
Their focus on local sourcing reflects Starbucks’ broader commitment to the community. The company’s ethos of giving shows within its partnerships
with charities such as I Am Hope and Kiwi Harvest. Starbucks also empowers its staff to contribute, offering paid leave for volunteering at beach cleanups, food rescues, or making school lunches for kids in need.
“I only have 40 hours and 2 hands... our local team are just amazing, and I couldn’t do it without them!”
Inside the Pukekohe store, sustainability is also very
important. Customers are encouraged to enjoy their drinks in-store, minimising the use of takeaway cups, while waste is further reduced through initiatives like paper straws, reusable cups for purchase, and the elimination of plastic bags. The store will even giveaway used coffee grounds to customers, who happily take them home to use as fertiliser for their gardens—with some locals even bringing in their own buckets for collection!
The store’s welcoming atmosphere is amplified by its spatial design, with comfortable
seating that invites people to linger. The thoughtful design makes it easy for people to stick around and soak up the vibe, creating a real sense of community. You’ll often find locals chatting over their lattes, students working on their laptops, or families sharing a treat. It’s more than just a coffee shop—Starbucks Pukekohe has become a go-to spot where people can kick back, recharge, and connect.
Store Manager, Jessica is the heart and soul of the team, often calling her staff her “kids.” This close bond feels natural, especially with her family’s strong ties to Starbucks—her son worked there, and her 15-yearold daughter is excited to apply next year. Reflecting the store’s local roots, all of Jessica’s team members are from the Franklin
area, adding to the genuine community feel. With drinks for every generation—from coffee for grandparents to childfriendly beverages, Starbucks Pukekohe has cultivated a loyal customer base they are extremely proud of.
While Starbucks Pukekohe carries the weight of a global brand, its heart is firmly in Pukekohe.
Interview with Jessica Keeling
Store Manager of Starbucks Pukekohe
(with help from Michal Haines - GM of Starbucks NZ!)
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT STARBUCKS?
Jess - I’ve been the Store Manager here at Starbucks Pukekohe for 4 months.
WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO STARBUCKS ORDER?
Jess - A caramel macchiatocan’t go wrong!
WHAT DRINK WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO A NONCOFFEE DRINKER?
Jess & Michal - If you’re wanting to get into coffee, we would reccomend starting with a mocha or a macchiato. We do however have a Refreshers range (not coffee based) that are like a lemonade too!
IF YOU COULD GO ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD TO EXPLORE COFFEE CULTURE, WHERE WOULD YOU GO?
Michal - I would love to visit Sumatra to explore the origins of some of our coffee!
Meet Our New Committee
In November, the first Commitee meeting was held with the newly elected members, as well as the voting of the election of offices. Read below to meet the elected officers, as well as the new faces within the PBA Committee.
MELISSA VAN DEN BRINK
SMITH & SONS RENOVATIONS
When did your business first open in Pukekohe?
12 years ago.
What’s your most popular product/ service?
This time of year we do a lot of decks/out spaces.
What’s your favourite thing about Pukekohe?
We have a great mixture of small family run local businesses & big box stores to provide all you need.
PHILIPPA O’MARA ENGINE ROOM
When did your business first open in Pukekohe?
18 years ago.
MERRITT WATSON PIK N MIX LOLLIES
When did your business first open in Pukekohe?
5 years ago now.
What’s your most popular product/ service?
Maceys sour fruits!
What’s your favourite thing about Pukekohe?
The small town feel with large city resources.
What’s your most popular product/ service?
Annual accounts & tax returns.
What’s your favourite thing about Pukekohe?
There’s everything you need in one place without driving long distances or near the motorway.
AKEREI MARESALATHOMSON PASIFIKA DIGITAL KNOWLEDGE BANK
When did your business first open in Pukekohe?
Since 2019 (5 years).
What’s your most popular product/ service?
Business startup funding and grant applications for communities.
What’s your favourite thing about Pukekohe?
The exciting growth happening now.
ALISON DALDY FRANKLIN HOSPICE
How long have you been with Franklin Hospice?
I’ve been at Franklin Hospice for 4 and a ½ years.
What’s your most popular product/ service?
The second hand shop is quite popular, but we also do fantastic fundraisers like the Garden Ramble.
What’s your favourite thing about Pukekohe?
The community feel and support for each other!
MAX BONNIFACE MAG & TURBO
When did your business first open in Pukekohe?
2 and a ½ years ago.
What’s your most popular product/ service?
Tyres & wheels.
What’s your favourite thing about Pukekohe?
The people, they are amazing!
Counties Energy Christmas
We weren’t going to let the weather dampen our Christmas spirit!
A last-minute postponement on Saturday morning saw Santa’s elves hard at work rescheduling. What a fantastic decision that turned out to be—how great was the weather that night?
We welcomed an estimated 2,000+ people through the gates to join in the Christmas fun and festivities. From Pukekohe North School’s amazing Kapa Haka performance, to DJ Melton John’s lively party set, all leading up to the epic laser light show to close the night—we hope you all had a fantastic afternoon with your whānau.
A big thank you to Now Events, Bluelliners Entertainment, our sponsors below, and the businesses of Pukekohe for making it all possible.
On The Green
“It was so cool to see so many families there together.”
- Shawna Coleman, PBA General Manager
THANKYOU AGAIN TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS
Countdown To Christmas Giveaway
Previously named ‘12 Days of Christmas’, our new ‘Countdown to Christmas’ Giveaway begins on Monday 2nd December.
Thanks to the generosity of 28 local businesses, each contributing prizes worth a minimum of $150, we’re celebrating the festive season with 14 days of daily giveaways!
Each day, two giveaways will go live on Facebook for 24 hours. Simply leave a comment with the prize you would like to win and you’re in the draw! Winners will be drawn the following morning, before the next two giveaways are launched!
This is always our most popular promotion, generating incredible engagement rates, with an average of 1,200 comments per day. We’re stoked to have been able to open it up to 28 businesses this year, instead of the usual 12. You can support your fellow business owners (and also potentially win an awesome prize) by leaving a comment each day.
Letters To Santa
We’re bringing the magic of Christmas to Pukekohe with our ‘Letters to Santa’ Promotion.
Starting December 2, kids of all ages can post their letters to Santa via a special mailbox, conveniently located outside our office at 217 King Street, Pukekohe.
Santa’s elves are on hand to make sure every child who writes a letter receives something extra special in return—a personalised reply from Santa himself!
The mailbox will be open between 9am – 5pm each weekday. Letters must be posted before the mailbox closes on December 19.
LOCAL CELEBRATIONS
BAKERS DELIGHT
Congratulations to the team at Bakers Delight Pukekohe who took out the Franchisee Excellence in Community Contribution award!
2 Stadium Drive, Pukekohe
CPNZ PUKEKOHE TEAM
A massive thankyou to Phil and the Pukekohe CPNZ team who have aided Police with a couple of recent incidents. You guys are amazing!
CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP
KINETIC ELECTRICAL
THE URBAN MARKET/ THE DAILY GOODS
Congratulations to The Urban Market & The Daily Goods on their 3rd birthday woohoo!
216 King Street, Pukekohe
Congratulations to Andrew and the team at Kinetic Electrical who have taken the business over from Phil Beston. Welcome!
Unit 1, 80 Adams Drive, Pukekohe
@Kinetic Electrical - Franklin | www.kinetic-electric.co.nz/locations/franklin
If your business is celebrating its anniversary, received a recognition or another achievement, share it with us. We also share public events held in Pukekohe.
H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S
Letter to Santa
Dear Santa,
Hello! My name is and I am years old.
This year I've been
Very good
Pretty good Kind of naughty (I can explain!)
I hope you, Mrs Claus and the reindeer have been well!
A few gifts I'm wishing for this Christmas are:
Have a safe trip on Christmas Eve!
Love,
P.S My return address is:
