The Loop
17
Franklin Local Board Update .
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: 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
• Free job & event listings
Business Development
• Free, high-value workshops and training opportunities
• Subsidies valued at $3,000+GST for each full business member
• Coming soon: “Mind Your Business” networking event
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
• Business security group
• Increasing network of CCTV security and CPTED placemaking Find out more at pukekohe.org.nz
Administration
Committee
Managers Report: A Brand-New Vibe
We’re
proud to officially launch our new place brand: Pukekohe – The High Street of Franklin.
This brand has been created to position Pukekohe as the beating heart of Franklin –a thriving hub for retail, hospitality, services, and events. As Franklin grows, it allows us to confidently tell Pukekohe’s story to the wider region, highlighting opportunities for business, community, and investment.
Inspired by our rich heritage, the brand nods to the character of our iconic buildings and celebrates the town’s role as a gathering place for generations. While embracing progress, it stays rooted in the rural charm and strong community values that define us.
From digital marketing and signage to events and tourism, The High Street of Franklin will be the core identity the Pukekohe Business Association uses to promote business in our town. It offers a unifying message and bold visual identity to position Pukekohe as a key destination in the Auckland region. More than a logo – it’s a statement of pride and purpose. We’re excited to roll it out in the months ahead.
By Shawna Coleman, General Manager of the Pukekohe Business Association
PBA News
More Murals Incoming... Mind Your Business
As we roll out our new branding, you’ll start to see it subtly featured in a series of murals by the talented Allan Wrath. These artworks are a storytelling celebration of everything that makes Pukekohe special.
Keep a lookout around Town Mouse Café and Caroline Eve – with more on the way!
Live band? Sorted. IQ Trivia? You bet. Buffet dinner? Of course. Your team? Tickets only $50+gst per person!
Mind Your Business 2025 - a night of networking with a twist. Enjoy canapés, high-energy trivia, a motivating guest speaker, a delicious buffet, live music, and epic prizes (yes, bar tabs!). It’s business, but way more fun. Email Chenay@pukekohe. org.nz now to RSVP.
Lots To Celebrate! Look up!
This month we’re celebrating some awesome milestones on the PBA team! Chenay marks 8 years with the Association – a huge contribution of energy, ideas, and leadership. Brooke has officially wrapped up her first year, and Alex is already three months in and hitting the ground running.
Time really does fly when you’ve got an epic crew!
Over the next couple of weeks, you’ll see contractors installing the second phase of the canopy fairy lights.
These additions are part of our ongoing efforts to create a vibrant and welcoming Town Centre for everyone to enjoy.
Please be mindful of the team while they’re working, and once the lights are up, let us know what you think!
Your Local Bakery: Why you ‘Knead’ to Visit
Chances are you already know Your Local Coffee
Roasters – whether it’s the Brew Bar or the West Street Café...
Now there’s a new kid on the block: Your Local Bakery. Same heart, just a slightly different flavour. What sets this one apart from Ria Lingad’s other two much-loved spots is that it’s a “sister personality” – a collab with the lovely Carrie Chitty, Ria’s long-time friend, colleague, and fellow lover of all things hospo.
Ria’s story goes way back. She started drinking coffee at just 12 years old – a habit that slowly turned into a passion, then a career.
In 2008, she worked in food development for Starbucks in the Philippines, where her vision for great hospitality came to life. For her, it was never just about the coffee or the food – it was always about how you make people feel.
Carrie joined Ria’s team six years ago, and even back then, they’d throw around the idea of a bakery from time to time. But they knew they’d wait until the time felt right. When it did, it was clear they were meant to do it together.
Since then, they’ve poured their hearts into building spaces that feel warm, welcoming, and full of connection. They remember names, faces, and stories – becoming a part of people’s routines. That’s the spirit behind the name “Your Local” – a nod to community, belonging, and mutual choice. “Because people choose us, and we choose them,” says Ria.
Instead of chasing the title of “the best,” they’re going for something more personal – your favourite. And being someone’s favourite? No one can argue with that.
Their love for community runs deeper than good service. Around 50% of their coffee beans come straight from farmers in Brazil – relationships Ria’s built over the years to support fair, quality sourcing. The rest can be traced directly to specific farms. Locally, they source milk, eggs, honey, and even their takeaway packaging. You’ll also find local artisan goods stacked on the central tables at the bakery – giving small businesses a safe place from which to launch.
Carrie says the best part is always the people. “We’re constantly busy, but you’ve just got to roll with it. I love meeting new faces – that’s the magic.”
She’s often up at 4am, while Ria laughs about sleeping like a rock from the moment her head hits the pillow. “There’s
no point stressing,” she says. “You go with the flow. This is part of my life – I love it.” Their passion doesn’t stop at service. They’re big on learning, growth, and creativity. Everyone across all three businesses is encouraged to share ideas, keep learning, and try new things.
Before opening the bakery earlier this year, Ria and Carrie travelled to America to take a week-long course at the San Francisco Baking Institute – the same one Ria attended 20 years ago. There, they refined the art of Viennoiserie –croissants, brioche, danishes – and came home buzzing with new recipes and ideas.
That energy shaped Your Local Bakery – a space that feels like your humble neighbourhood fave, but with the kind
of finesse that tells you they know their stuff. Carrie calls it an “old but fresh” vibe.
They also stress that great hospitality is what creates real community. It’s what keeps people coming back – not as customers, but as guests. “You’d never call someone in your home a customer, but you would call them a guest,” says Carrie.
That mindset flows through everything they do – from how staff greet people, to the attention paid to remembering regulars’ names and orders. It’s about genuine care, not forced service. People return to places where they’re seen, not just served.
“Fresh but old” vibe
At the core of it all, Ria and Carrie are locals themselves - creating the kind of spot they’d choose to visit. A place where you’re recognised, valued, and always greeted like you’re at home.
Your Local Bakery
7B Glasgow Road, Pukekohe yourlocalbakery.co.nz @yourlocal.bakery
Your Local Coffee Roasters - Cafe
3 West Street, Pukekohe yourlocalcoffeeroasters.co.nz @yourlocalcoffee
Your Local Coffee Roasters - Brew Bar & Roastery
173 Manukau Road, Pukekohe yourlocalcoffeeroasters.co.nz @yourlocalcoffee
Freshly made croissants,
Carrie and her baked goodness
Maximise Your Tax Deductions
If you run a business or work for yourself, it’s important to know what expenses you can claim to lower your taxable income.
Not everything is fully deductible. If something is used for both personal and business purposes - like a car or phone - you can only claim the business portion. Meals and staff functions are considered entertainment and usually only 50% deductible.
Business expenses may include vehicle and travel costs for work, rent on premises or part of your home, and depreciation on items like computers or furniture. You can also claim interest on business loans, some insurance premiums, and costs like work-related phone bills, stationery, uniforms, and journals. Fees for tax agents or professional memberships are also deductible.
If you own an investment property, claimable expenses may include repairs and maintenance (not major renovations), travel for inspections, rates, insurance, mortgage repayment insurance, and fees for accountants, lawyers, or property managers. You may also claim depreciation on appliances and legal fees under $10,000 when buying property.
If you work from home, you can claim a portion of household costs - such as power, insurance, rates, rent, or mortgage interest - based on the percentage of your home used for business. For example, if your workspace is 10% of your home, you can claim 10% of eligible costs. GST can only be claimed on GST-inclusive expenses - mortgage interest and rent generally don’t include GST.
To claim expenses, keep clear records and receipts. These costs are deducted from your business income when filing your return. Using accounting software or a tax professional can help ensure accuracy and maximise your claims.
Keep good records, claim fairly, and don’t miss out on what you’re entitled to. Find out more at business.govt.nz.
Floral Fun with Flower & Gift Shoppe
Right in the heart of Pukekohe sits a little shop that’s been blooming with life for over three decades.
Flower and Gift Shoppe has been part of the community since November 1990, and owner Ingrid has been there from the very beginning - 35 years in the same spot, creating floral magic for birthdays, anniversaries, farewells, and everything in between, always with a personal touch that keeps customers coming back time and time again.
Ingrid and her brother bought the shop all those years ago, and - fun fact - the building had been occupied by another florist for 17 years prior. You could say flowers are woven in the walls!
Ingrid is still at the helm today, continuing the tradition of Wednesday morning flower auctions in Highbrook to select the freshest, most beautiful blooms. She’s part of the Interflora network too, so you can send a little joy anywhere in the country with just a phone call or click.
We recently had the chance to spend the morning with Ingrid, and it was an absolute treat. She taught us how to make posies - small, round bouquets often given as gifts. They’re compact, sweet, and made to be admired. We started with a green block of floral foam (wrapped in cellophane), and Ingrid showed us how to build out the shape using greenery first. Then came the flowers - sunflowers, lilies, orchids, and more, each adding their own unique colour and charm, creating beautiful, eye-catching arrangements.
Watching Ingrid at work was amazing. She made it look easy, but once we gave it a go ourselves, we realised just how much skill goes into creating something so balanced and beautiful! That said, with her guidance (and a few laughs along the way), us girls walked out with four stunning posies - and a whole new appreciation for floristry.
It wasn’t just fun - it was wholesome. You can tell Ingrid genuinely loves what she does, and that love has quietly shaped a little corner of Pukekohe for decades.
Gorgeous chrysanthemums
The girls and their posies
New Members
Welcome to the Pukekohe Business Association
Belle Beauty Studio
A big welcome to Sarabjit and the team at Belle Beauty Studio! Their salon on Cape Hill Road specialises in threading, waxing, facials and lashes.
Belle Beauty Studio
5 Cape Hill Road, Pukekohe @bellebeautynz
Food Source Ltd
Welcome Paul & Veronica at Food Source Ltd. They specialise in supplying food maunfacturers with various ingredients like fibres, additives, protein and organics in Australia and New Zealand.
Food Source Ltd
12 Seddon Street, Pukekohe food-source.co.nz
Franklin Local Board Update
Auckland Council has published its latest rating valuations, revealing notable shifts across property categories.
The latest property valuations, certified by the Valuer-General, show what properties were worth as of 1 May 2024 and will be used to set rates for the 2025/2026 year.
On average, property values across Auckland have dropped by 7.6% since the last valuation in 2021. Residential properties saw a bigger drop of 9.1%, while lifestyle and rural properties went up by about 4%. Commercial property values dropped around 5%, and industrial properties went up by 5%.
Even though residential values have gone down, rates are still going up by an average of 5.8%. A home valued at $1.29 million will now pay around $4,069 in rates—that’s about $223 more per year. Business rates will go up by an average of 7.17%, and lifestyle/farm properties will see the biggest increase at 8.28%.
If you think your property’s valuation is off, you can object until 25 July 2025.
Franklin’s new rates-funded bin system has kicked off. If you haven’t got your bin yet—or got the wrong size—you can report it online via the Auckland Council bin request page or call 09 301 0101.
Need a new rubbish bin for your commercial property?
If you are not the property owner, you will need to request a bin from your Landlord or Property Manager. Only the ratepayer—or an authorised property manager—can request a new bin service.
They’ll need to submit the request using Auckland Council’s “Request a Bin” online form.
If you have leftover orange bags, refunds are available until 31 August 2025 by taking them to either the Pukekohe and Waiuku Libraries.
Happy to take your feedback on these or any other things, that are on your mind, on the below contacts.
Alan Cole
Deputy Chair, Franklin Local Board alan.cole@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 021923719
Local Celebrations
Congratulations to Jenny and Andy who are celebrating their first year of ownership at Yakety Yak! Our personal favourites include their almond croissants and dirty filthy chai - if you haven’t tried them yet, you’re missing out!
Yakety Yak
217 King Street, Pukekohe
@yaketyyakcafe
Kirsty Bullen, Director at Campbell Tyson, was recently recognised on an international stage at the 2025 Mindshop Australasian Conference held in Sydney. In addition to participating as a featured speaker, Kirsty was awarded the 2025–26 Mindshop Rising Star Award.
This prestigious accolade highlights Kirsty’s exceptional dedication to delivering practical, high-impact business advisory services - not only to clients of Campbell Tyson but also as a mentor and leader within the firm itself.
“We are incredibly proud of Kirsty and thrilled to see her talent and leadership recognised,” said the Campbell Tyson team. “Her ability to inspire others and bring meaningful results to businesses is truly her superpower.”
Campbell Tyson 2/1 Wesley Street, Pukekohe @CampbellTysonLtd
We Will Miss You Sergeant Wayne!
Kia ora everyone. I’m sure some of you would have heard the news, and if not, you are about to find out that change is coming.
After around 20 years of policing in the Franklin and wider Counties Manukau South area, I am moving on to a role based out our Manukau Headquarters looking after the Manukau Court police staff and the Mental Health Team. It’s a role that will be challenging but super rewarding once I get my feet under the table. It is with some trepidation and sadness that I step away from working in our beautiful area and with our amazing community.
The team at the PBA have asked me to make mention of something I have achieved that has made me extremely proud. I struggle to single out one event, as there have been far too many incredible achievements, we as a community have accomplished. But if I were turn it around, (and Shawna will hate me for this) I am proud of you as business owners and of your PBA.
When I first took on the role as the South (Papakura/Franklin) Communities Sergeant, I remember a challenging discussion with the PBA team around engagement, presence, and visibility. Shawna took on the role as Town Manager and the team just got stuck in and look where we are now. Engagement is the best it has ever been. We have an incredible CCTV project, that is virtually growing every day, and our businesses are united, and all share the same goal of having a vibrant and welcoming space for our community to spend their time and money.
I won’t be a stranger and I’m sure you will see me out & about at community events. Keep doing what you are doing, look after and support each other and remember to continue to report things. ��
Take care & ngaa mihi nui.
Wayne Paxton, Community Sergeant
