Franklin District Council is a local government authority that looks after the Franklin District south of Auckland. Franklin District Council has a Mayor elected by the District at large and represents the whole of Franklin. There are also 12 Councillors. Councillors are elected by wards and represent the interests of that ward. However, they have an overarching responsibility to make decisions which will promote the wellbeing of the whole community. The township population of Pukekohe is approx. 19,000 people. Pukekohe is Franklin's main town along with Waiuku (population approx 5,500) and Tuakau (population approx 3000). Latest population figures show Franklin with a population of approx 58,932 and growing. Franklin is still primarily rural and we are proud of our country feel. Saying this, Pukekohe has two major supermarkets, some ‘big box' shopping and a lively main street with many restaurants and cafés. Franklin is only approximately 30 minutes from Manukau City Centre, 50 minutes from downtown Auckland and approximately an hour from Hamilton. There are lots of recreational options in Franklin. Pukekohe has a Council owned recreation centre with a gym and indoor heated swimming pool along with outdoor pools around the district. We have beautiful coast on both sides including the black sand beach of Karioitahi, and the beaches of Port