Hello, my dear Frankies! 🌼

It’s September! Spring! And all the beautiful things that come with it ♥ Although terrifyingly, we’re also already two-thirds of the way through the year!

September also brings International Literacy Day on 8 September, and here’s a statistic that really stopped me in my tracks: around one in four New Zealand adults aged 16–65 have low literacy proficiency.

Because think about how much reading and writing sneaks into our everyday lives. Filling in forms. Applying for jobs. Reading emails, instructions and manuals. Sitting licence tests. Using websites. Even working out what you’re supposed to write in that little box on yet another online form.

Now imagine if every one of those things was difficult.

That’s why this week’s feature on RYALT - Rural Youth and Literacy Trust - is super important. They’re helping adults right here in our local Franklin community build their reading and writing skills, but also something just as valuable: confidence and independence.

We’re especially grateful to Greg, who so generously shared his own literacy journey with us, and his wonderful tutor Vonni, who gave us a glimpse into the work they’ve been doing together. And Greg’s story is also such a good reminder that struggling with literacy has absolutely nothing to do with how clever or capable someone is.

So please read their story this week, learn a little more about the wonderful work RYALT does, and most importantly, share it. There may be someone in your family, workplace, friend group or wider community who has been quietly struggling for years and simply doesn’t know that this kind of help is available. ♥

R. and the Frankie Team xx

More than words on a page: Greg and Vonni’s RYALT story

Greg can pull apart a machine and put it back together again with ease. He has fully restored a 1976 HJ Statesman that had been off the road for 25 years, doing all the work himself with the help of workshop manuals, YouTube videos and an incredible amount of patience!

But for much of his life, everyday reading and writing tasks have been far more difficult.

“Every day,” Greg says when asked how literacy challenges affected his life. Reading street signs and newspapers, answering emails, applying for jobs, sitting licence tests and filling in forms all presented barriers. Through sheer determination he found ways to cope, but it was never easy.

He had asked for help before, but often found that people did not understand what he needed.

“When filling in forms, I was told to ‘just fill in the gaps’,” he says. “People didn’t understand that I didn’t know how.”

Finding the right fit

Greg eventually found RYALT through word of mouth and was paired with literacy coach Vonni, a retired intermediate teacher who had spent 23 years helping young people learn.

After retiring, Vonni missed that feeling of watching someone make progress. She answered an advertisement in the local paper and put her teaching skills back to work.

“I always enjoyed seeing progress in my pupils’ learning,” she says. “The lights come on behind their eyes.”

It turned out that Vonni and Greg had something very important in common: they are both petrolheads.

“As soon as I found out Vonni was a petrolhead, I relaxed,” Greg says. “It’s a shame she likes Fords!”

The pair now meet each week at the Pukekohe library. Their sessions involve plenty of talking, along with practical work on vowel sounds, consonant blends, spelling, syllables and breaking unfamiliar words into manageable pieces. "There are some parts I don’t particularly enjoy," Says Greg. "Like dictation, but I know it helps me. Vonni told me to say that!" The pair have obviously become good friends!

Importantly, there is no rigid formula to their lessons. They work through problems as they arise, building the learning around Greg and the things that matter in his life.

Confidence that reaches far beyond reading

Vonni quickly recognised that Greg’s difficulty with written words had nothing to do with his intelligence. He has a sophisticated verbal vocabulary, a remarkable memory and the patience to work through complex problems until he finds an answer.

“He never thought he was intelligent,” Vonni says. “But he uses complex words that a lot of people I know would not choose.”

One particularly special moment came during a session at the library, when Greg picked up a book that looked interesting. After talking about his love of westerns and adventure stories, Vonni gave him a Jack Reacher novel.

Greg’s detailed recall of the story showed Vonni that he was not only understanding what he read, but genuinely enjoying it. Jack Reacher books are now firm favourites.

The progress is showing up in practical ways too. Greg has been learning to use a computer, becoming more comfortable with spellcheck and language tools, and recently completed the online forms needed when moving house. In the past, it was something he would not have attempted.

He has also successfully worked through job applications, ACC paperwork and driver licensing tests. These tasks can still be challenging, but he no longer automatically shies away from them.

Perhaps most excitingly, Greg has contributed to a literacy book alongside several other learners and is eagerly waiting to see it printed. It is another first, and an opportunity he once may never have imagined for himself.

Taking the first step

Vonni says asking for literacy support takes enormous courage. Many people have spent years believing they are unintelligent or simply “bad at reading”, when they may never have received the right kind of teaching for them.

Finding the right person or programme can take time, but both Vonni and Greg have the same message for anyone struggling quietly in our community: please keep looking.

“Don’t give up looking for help,” Greg says. “Some services may not provide the help you need. Keep looking for the right fit. Being persistent has paid dividends for me.”

As International Literacy Day approaches this September, Greg and Vonni’s story is a beautiful reminder of what can happen when courage, patience and the right support come together.

Sometimes the biggest change begins with one person taking the brave first step, and another person in their community being ready to meet them there.

Could RYALT help someone you know?

If Greg and Vonni’s story has made you want to get involved, RYALT would love to hear from you. You can volunteer as a literacy coach or support their work in other ways, helping more people find the confidence and skills that can make such a difference in everyday life.

And perhaps even more importantly, please share RYALT with the people in your world. There may be an adult you know who has spent years quietly finding reading, writing, spelling or filling in forms much harder than everyone realises. Sometimes simply knowing that free, friendly help exists can be the first step.

You can find out about getting help, volunteering or supporting RYALT through the RYALT website, or call 0800 891 339.

And if you know someone who might benefit, send them this story. You never know what it might start. ♥

trosh iresots

Unscramble the letters above to find the Franklin-related phrase! Answer at the bottom of the newsletter!

💍 Cliffside Wedding Open Day​
Recently engaged? Come and explore Cliffside at Karioitahi, see the ceremony and reception spaces fully styled, meet trusted local wedding suppliers and chat with the Cliffside team about bringing your day to life. Your $10 couple’s ticket also includes a complimentary glass of bubbles and canapé on arrival.
📅 Sunday 20 September, 11am–2pm
📍 685 Karioitahi Road, Waiuku
🎟️ $10 per couple – limited spaces available - book here!​

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Thursday

💼 LinkedIn Masterclass​
Appetite Boardroom, Pukekohe | 11:00am–1:00pm
A hands-on masterclass to help you create impactful LinkedIn content and build better business connections. Bring your laptop. $199pp + GST + Eventbrite fees.

🎱 Housie​
78 Nelson Street | 11:00am–1:00pm
Come along for a friendly daytime game of Housie. More info​

🍸 Cocktail Happy Hour​
Little Ed | 6:00–7:00pm
All your favourite cocktails, just a little bit cheaper!

🧠 Thursday Quiz Night​
Pukekohe Golf Club | 6:30–8:30pm
Get your team together for Thursday night trivia at the golf club. More info​

Friday

🌴 Tropical Music Bingo Night​
Pukekohe High School | Time not provided
Test your music knowledge, dress in your best tropical attire and help fundraise for Pukekohe High School Art students’ Rarotonga cultural and art exchange. $80 per table of six, including a shared platter.

🎶 Friday Night Bands ft. Loop​
249 King Street | 9:00pm
Kick off the weekend with live music from Loop. More info​

Saturday

🔧 Pukekohe Repair Cafe​
Franklin Arts Centre | 10:00am–1:00pm
Bring along items in need of repair and get some help from local fix-it volunteers. More info​

🥗 Not So Sweet Cooking Workshop​
Nourish Holistic Nutrition | 11:00am
Explore bold, nourishing dishes and learn practical ways to support balanced blood sugar, reduce cravings and create satisfying meals at home. More info​

🌱 Crop Swap Pukekohe​
12 Massey Avenue | 1:30–3:00pm
Bring along your garden surplus, plants, produce or homemade goodies and swap with other locals. More info​

🏍️ DRNZ Waiuku Series​
Waiuku Forest | 4:00pm
The DRNZ 2026 Waiuku Series heads to Waiuku Forest for a weekend of racing. More info​

🚲 Free Bike Mechanic Workshop​
1 Roulston Street, Pukekohe | 4:00–6:00pm
Bring your push bike or e-bike and learn some practical bike maintenance skills with Bike Pukekohe. Tools, materials and light refreshments are provided.

🎸 The U2 Experience NZ​
Waiuku Cossie Club | 8:00pm
Enjoy a live U2 tribute show at the Cossie Club. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for non-members, available from the club office or bar staff.

Sunday

🛍️ Franklin Country Market​
Pukekohe Park Raceway | 8:00am
Browse homegrown produce, handmade crafts, antiques, collectables and NZ-made products, plus food trucks, live music, general market and car boot stalls. More info​

🧘 Sunday Stretch Sessions​
RX Fitness, 42 Belgium Street, Waiuku | 9:00am
A 45-minute guided stretch session with The Stretch Collective. Book here​

🍕 Authentic Neapolitan Dough Making Workshop​
Pizzata Deli, 7A Glasgow Road, Pukekohe | 10:30am–1:30pm
Learn how to make Pizzata’s reliable Neapolitan dough by hand, practise stretching and baking, take your dough home and eat the pizzas you make. More info​

monday

🏃 The Wellness Run Club​
Your Local Coffee, West Street | 5:45am
Start the week with a friendly 5km loop. All levels welcome.

🍳 Good Food, Bright Minds​
Cafe Queen, Waiuku | 7:00–9:00am
Cafe Queen and Sanctuary Retreat are teaming up to provide a nourishing start to the day for Waiuku school kids and their families during the school term.

🧠 Monday Quiz Night​
The Good Home Pukekohe, 65 Edinburgh Street | 7:00pm
Get your team together for Monday night trivia. Booking recommended.

Tuesday

🌺 Tuvalu Workshop​
12 Massey Avenue | 10:00am–1:00pm
Come along to this community Tuvalu workshop. More info​

🎨 Painting Club​
Franklin Arts Centre | 6:00–8:00pm
Bring whatever you’re working on for two hours of dedicated painting time and connect with other local artists. Term time only.

Wednesday

🎲 Anti-Social Social Club for Teens​
Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue | 3:30pm
A safe and inclusive after-school club where teens can join activities, meet new people or simply hang out at their own pace. More info​

🏃 Fire Station Run Club​
Fire Station Eatery, Pukekohe | 5:30pm
Choose from 2.5km or 5km options, with spot prizes and bar menu discounts afterwards.

🧠 Malt N Steel Quiz Night​
Malt N Steel, Waiuku | 7:00pm
Teams of 2–8 can put their knowledge to the test with prizes up for grabs. More info​

Word Scramble answer: Strawberry Matcha

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