Mai Lighthouse originated as the Family Support Centre in Pukekohe, established in 1979 following a community survey. In 2008, we became Franklin Family Support Trust, reflecting our growth and evolving mission. In 2025, we rebranded as Mai Lighthouse, embracing a new chapter in our journey.
How to play/spend special time together
Praising and rewarding children
Communicating positively
Setting limits
Dealing with disobedience, selectively
Using distractions, ignoring, time out and other penalties
Helping children to problem-solve
We offer a wide range of supports to help you and your whānau, and if we can’t help you ourselves we will reach out to find other community groups who can.
Our scope of work currently covers social work, counselling, parenting, budgeting and financial capability, and a transport service. You can learn more about each service in our menu at the top.
Our two offices are based in Pukekohe and Tuakau. In our Tuakau office at 5 George Street we have an Op Shop with good quality clothing for all ages.
We are fortunate to hold the Heartlands MSD contract for our area which enables us to host a range of Government agencies at our hub in Pukekohe. This includes a regular Justice of the Peace (JP) service three mornings a week.
Our community hub is able to be hired by community groups and currently hosts ‘Getting Smoke Free’ (Smoking Cessation) and Emerge Aotearoa groups.
We have free 15-minute lawyer appointments each week as well as Community Law appointments available once a month.
Get in touch to talk to our team today about how we can support your family.
Our History
Franklin Family Support Services in Pukekohe is a leading agency for social services in the Franklin District.
Mai Lighthouse, formally Franklin Family Support Services was formed in 1979 after a community survey identified a need for counselling in the area, and the result was the Family Support Centre in Pukekohe. Officially starting in 1982 with a small team of volunteer counsellors, over time the service has grown to a staff of 60 professionals and volunteers.
In July 2008, we changed our name and legal status to reflect the changing nature of the organisation and became Franklin Family Support Trust, known as Franklin Family Support Services.
In 2015, we moved from our home of many years at 2 King Street to 6 Roulston Street in Pukekohe, right across the road from where we began all those years ago. In 2018, we were working from offices in the old council building, 82 Manukau Road, Pukekohe and in 2021 we moved into our permanent home at 205 King Street Pukekohe. This building was purchased and remodelled to provide a purpose built, soundproof environment for counselling and private sessions to be held.
In 2024 we opened a second office in Tuakau, hosting an op shop, financial mentors and social workers. In recognition of our growth and move into surrounding areas 2024 also marked the year of a large
rebrand introducing a new name and logo for our organisation.
