Frankton Thunder rolls into Hamilton

Miss Frankton Thunder Pin-Up hopefuls, Miss Maggie Lane (Alescha Collier) (left) and Miss Jessy Junebug (Jessica Powell). Photo / Geoff Lewis

Frankton Thunder isn't all about big boys' toys — there's a bit of something for everyone.
Along with the wheels, engines and paint jobs will be the Miss Frankton Thunder Pin-Up competition, Thunder Ink Tattoo competition and the innovative steampunk market.

Entertainments organiser Kat Wakefield said the Miss Frankton Thunder Pin-Up event has developed a reputation as a great place for women who love dressing in pin-up style to make their first appearance in competition.

"The girls are fascinated by the styles and the community of pin-up is very accepting. You don't have to be a size 6. The styles are very flattering.

"We've had a lot of newby pin-ups. Ladies have come from all over the Waikato, Tauranga, Rotorua and Auckland. We have a limit of 10 entrants and we're massively oversubscribed. Lots are new to the competition scene and the challenge is to select who should be in the event.

"One of our 2017 contestants went on to win the Miss Pin-Up New Zealand competition in Auckland."

The Miss Frankton Thunder Pin-Up contestants enter in three categories.

The 10 women are allocated to an equal number of photographers and a selection of sparkling custom and high-performance machinery during the Thunder Photo-Rama section.

"In the Photo-Rama we're looking for poise, the girl's ability to listen to the photographer and how they interact with each other."

Principal judge for the Frankton Thunder Photo-Rama is Hamilton professional photographer David Rowe and first prize is a 90-minute photo shoot with Rowe and fellow professional Keith Maynard.

Just after midday, the contestants then head for the main stage and the swim-suit section of the competition, MCd for the fourth year by Tone Parangi.

"Then we do a Best Dressed vote from the crowd. For the the third section the contestants appear in day wear and undergo a short on-stage interview.

"The aim is to allow the audience to get to know the girls better. There's no right or wrong answers. It's about personality," Wakefield said.

Part of first prize is a floral bouquet donated by Frankton business Florist Ilene.
Frankton Thunder also includes the Thunder Ink tattoo competition, $10 entry with funds donated to St Vincent de Paul.

Judging will be by a professional skin artist from My Crazy Life Tattoo in Frankton. A new category this year is New Zealand — tā moko.

Along the street will be 14 market stalls offering a range of life-style products from beard oil to leather goods. New this year is the Steampunk market.

Frankton Thunder will take place in and around Commerce St Frankton, Hamilton, 9am to 3.30pm, Sunday March 10.