The Shark Tank is back for 2026!
We were so impressed with the innovation in the Franklin community that we can't wait to do it all again!
We’re searching for bold thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators ready to make an impact. Whether you’ve got a fresh business idea, a community project, or a product ready to take off, this is your chance to pitch your concept to business leaders, gain valuable feedback, and compete for a prize pack designed to help you take your idea to the next level.
Have a business idea, community project, or product you’re ready to submit?
Meet the Judges
Mike Marr
CEO, TPT Group
Mike brings over 25 years of entrepreneurial experience and business leadership to the Shark Tank judging panel. Born in Pukekohe, he’s the founder and CEO of TPT Group, which spans electronic security, IT, AI, and more. With 10 start-ups launched and 17 acquisitions led, Mike has a sharp eye for scalable ideas and smart investment.
A qualified electrician turned award-winning entrepreneur, Mike has earned national and international recognition, including the Blake Leader Award. He’s Board Chair of Innovation Franklin and a trustee of The Runway Foundation, supporting families impacted by ADHD.
Mike’s deep industry knowledge, innovation-driven approach, and commitment to impact make him a powerful and supportive judge.
Tracey Kay
GM Safety, Culture and Sustainability, Counties Energy
Tracey brings heart, vision, and lived experience to the Shark Tank judging panel. As GM of Safety, Culture and Sustainability at Counties Energy, her leadership is grounded in people, purpose, and long-term impact.
Born, raised, and still proudly based in South Auckland, Tracey believes in creating opportunities—and empowering others to reach their full potential. With over 20 years of mentoring and community involvement through organisations like the First Foundation, she’s helped individuals from all walks of life grow with clarity and confidence.
Tracey’s ability to connect, uplift, and champion future-focused thinking makes her a compassionate and courageous voice on the panel—one who sees the people behind the ideas.
Amanda Mills
CEO, In Your Corner
Amanda brings a powerful mix of leadership expertise and a passion for unlocking human potential to the Shark Tank panel. With over a decade in senior roles, she’s known for sharpening strategy, building leadership capability, and turning big visions into action.
As CEO and partner at In Your Corner, Amanda leads a consultancy focused on human-centred change. She’s also a certified Life Coach, NLP practitioner, and mentor with Business Mentors NZ.
A proud Pukekohe local of 16+ years, Amanda is grounded in her community and a strong supporter of innovation. She’s all about bold thinking, meaningful growth, and backing people to go further.
Brendan Wood
Partner, Daniel Overton Goulding
Brendan is a partner at Daniel Overton & Goulding, a multi-award-winning law firm with a local office in Franklin. He specialises in acquisitions, commercial law, and commercial property, and brings extensive experience as an independent trustee and director, including roles with listed company Just Life Group and TPT Group.
An alumnus of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation, Brendan has a deep understanding of business growth, strategy, and governance, making him exceptionally well-placed to evaluate and challenge Shark Tank participants on execution, scalability, and impact.
James Gordon
General Manager – Noninvasive Ventilation, Fisher and Paykel Healthcare
James brings nearly two decades of experience in product development, innovation, and leadership to the Shark Tank judging panel.
As the General Manager at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, he has held diverse roles across Product Development, Operations, and Sales, both in New Zealand and London—giving him a deep understanding of what it takes to bring complex, life-changing products from concept to market.
Alongside his corporate career, James has served over 20 years in the New Zealand Army Reserve, now as an Infantry Company Commander. He also contributes to leadership programmes like RYLA, supporting young leaders in their personal development.
With his blend of technical insight, and values-driven leadership, James understands what it takes to turn bold ideas into real impact.
Merritt Watson
Franklin Local Board Member and Managing Director, Pik n Mix Lollies
Merritt Watson is proudly based in Pukekohe and is passionate about practical solutions, smart growth, and keeping Franklin a great place to live, work, and raise a family. A born-and-raised local, Merritt runs a successful confectionery business in Franklin, which has grown from a small home operation to a thriving company employing over a dozen local staff and shipping products worldwide.
With a background in business, logistics, transport, and horticulture, Merritt brings first-hand experience navigating the challenges of small business—from supply chain issues to regulatory hurdles. As the previous Deputy Chair of the Pukekohe Business Association and a recently elected member of the local board, he combines entrepreneurial experience with strong community leadership. Merritt’s practical insight and strategic approach make him well-placed to evaluate and support businesses with growth potential.
Cindy Luo
Venture Programme Manager, AUT Ventures
Cindy Luo is passionate about turning research and innovation into real-world impact. As a Venture Programme Manager at AUT Ventures, she works closely with academics to develop products and services that solve meaningful problems, with a particular interest in health-tech and med-tech. Cindy is committed to ensuring founders and researchers have access to the right support and resources to transform ideas into successful ventures.
Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and a Master of Bioscience Enterprise from the University of Auckland. Alongside early-stage venture development, Cindy also specialises in identifying, protecting, and managing university intellectual property to maximise growth and long-term success.
With her expertise in science, venture development, and intellectual property, Cindy is well-placed to challenge assumptions, provide practical guidance, and support founders in turning their innovative ideas into endeavours that can make a real difference.
Mathew Roberson
Managing Director, Campbell Tyson
Mathew brings over 20 years’ experience helping businesses strengthen their financial foundations and plan for sustainable, long-term growth. He has supported organisations across a wide range of industries, guiding them through tax planning, cashflow management, business valuations, and succession planning, with a clear focus on practical, real-world outcomes.
After beginning his career at Campbell Tyson in 2001, Mathew gained international experience with a Big4 firm before returning to New Zealand and progressing to Director in 2013 and Managing Director in 2024. As Campbell Tyson’s in-house tax specialist, he works closely with business owners navigating growth, change, and challenging economic conditions.
With his deep understanding of business finance and strategy, Mathew is well-placed to assess business ideas, challenge assumptions, and help founders build strong, sustainable ventures.
Be in to win a prize pack valued at over $10,000!!
We are proud to partner with generous local businesses to provide this prize pack for the Shark Tank winner. Each prize has been thoughtfully sponsored through time, expertise, or financial support to help the winner build strong foundations and grow their idea with confidence.
A 12-month Business Mentor Registration valued at $295 + GST - Proudly sponsored by Business Mentors New Zealand
We want to express our gratitude to Business Mentors New Zealand (BMNZ) for supporting our Shark Tank for a second year, generously contributing a 12-month mentoring registration as part of our prize pack.
Founded in 1991, BMNZ is New Zealand’s only independent, nationwide business mentoring service. For more than 30 years, they have supported small businesses and not-for-profit leaders, helping over 80,000 business owners and executives navigate growth, challenge, and change.
Through a network of more than 1,500 experienced mentors, BMNZ offers a personalised mentoring approach, carefully matching mentees with the expertise best suited to their needs. This tailored support empowers entrepreneurs to build confidence, strengthen decision-making, and thrive in today’s competitive business environment.
One professional development workshop (value dependant on workshop selected) - Proudly sponsored by Campbell Tyson Chartered Accountants
We are proud to recognise Campbell Tyson Chartered Accountants for their generous support of our Shark Tank, contributing a valuable professional development workshop as part of our prize pack.
Based in Pukekohe, Campbell Tyson is passionate about empowering provincial businesses with expert advice and practical, personalised solutions that support sustainable growth. Their team works closely with business owners to strengthen financial confidence, improve performance, and support informed decision-making.
Through this sponsored workshop, finalists will gain practical insights and tools designed to strengthen their business capability and support long-term success.
Sponsored prize option (select one):
• Time & Priority Mastery Workshop — valued at $499 + GST per person
• Financial Literacy Series — valued at $695 + GST per person
• Profit Improvement Workshop — valued at $995 + GST
Up to three hours of legal support (contracts, business setup, and more) Valued at approximately $1,500 + GST - Proudly supported by Daniel Overton Goulding
We are proud to recognise Daniel Overton Goulding for their generous support of our Shark Tank, contributing up to three hours of professional legal advice as part of our prize pack.
Daniel Overton Goulding is a general practice law firm committed to delivering excellent service and achieving the right outcomes for their clients. They place a strong emphasis on open communication, practical advice, and ensuring clients feel informed, confident, and supported throughout the process.
With a people-first approach, the team takes the time to understand each client’s unique circumstances and goals, enabling them to provide tailored legal solutions that are both sensible and effective. Their breadth of expertise allows them to support a wide range of legal needs, while remaining approachable, flexible, and easy to work with.
Through this sponsored legal support, Shark Tank finalists will gain trusted advice to help set strong foundations and move forward with confidence.
Three months of “Unlimited” hotdesking membership Valued at $1,050 + GST -Proudly sponsored by Loom Shared Space
We are proud to recognise Loom Shared Space for their generous support of our Shark Tank, contributing three consecutive months of their Unlimited hotdesking membership as part of our prize pack.
Loom Shared Space is Pukekohe’s coworking space and community, supporting small business owners, freelancers, and remote workers who are looking for a better way to work. Loom provides more than just a desk and WiFi — it offers a collaborative, welcoming environment with a built-in network of like-minded professionals who want to see each other succeed.
This membership includes 24/7 access, unlimited high-speed WiFi, printing (reasonable use applies), tea and coffee, listing on the Loom members page, invitations to member events, access to the online community, and the support of a positive and encouraging coworking community.
Through this sponsored membership, finalists will gain a professional workspace and a supportive community to help them stay focused, connected, and moving forward with confidence.
Use of the membership is subject to Loom Shared Space’s standard membership agreement and code of conduct.
Two exclusive 45-minute 1:1 coaching sessions Valued at $360 + GST - Proudly sponsored by People Ink
We are proud to recognise People Ink for their generous support of our Shark Tank, contributing two exclusive one-on-one coaching sessions designed to help the winner take their idea to the next stage.
People Ink provides personalised coaching and recruitment services that empower people and elevate potential. Their approach focuses on building confidence, clarifying messaging, and creating practical pathways for growth — supporting individuals to communicate their value clearly and open doors to new opportunities.
Through these tailored sessions, the winner will receive support to build confidence in how they talk about their idea, sharpen their message so the market clearly understands their value, identify their ideal audience and where to find them, and explore ways to increase visibility and momentum as they move forward with their award-winning idea.
This coaching is designed to help the winner build clarity and confidence, and take practical next steps as they develop and grow their idea.
Cash contribution towards the Shark Tank prize pack Valued at $500 - Proudly sponsored by Barfoot & Thompson Waiuku
We are proud to recognise Barfoot & Thompson Waiuku for their generous financial support of our Shark Tank, contributing $500 towards the overall prize pack.
As a trusted local real estate team, Barfoot & Thompson Waiuku is committed to supporting their community and backing initiatives that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth. Their contribution helps strengthen the prize pack and ensures the winner has access to practical resources to support the next stage of their journey.
This sponsorship reflects Barfoot & Thompson Waiuku’s commitment to investing in local people, ideas, and the future of our community.
Up to 4 hours of digital strategy support – Valued at $1,200 + GST – Proudly sponsored by Razor Web Design
We are proud to recognise Razor Web Design for their generous support of our Shark Tank, contributing up to four hours of expert digital planning and strategy support to help the winner establish a strong and effective web presence.
Razor is a high-performance digital operations company based in Auckland, New Zealand, specialising in technical web development and building robust, scalable digital platforms and business-critical web applications. Working with clients across New Zealand and internationally, they bring deep expertise and real-world experience to help turn smart ideas into smart digital solutions.
Through this tailored support, the winner will receive expert guidance to clarify their positioning, define website structure, map user flow, and identify the right first digital step. This prize is designed to ensure their online presence is strategic, purposeful, and aligned with their growth goals.
As part of the overall Shark Tank prize pack, Innovation Franklin is contributing a practical support package designed to help the winning finalist move their idea forward.
We recognise that building something sustainable takes multiple components, and these four elements focus on planning, protection, connection, and growth — providing structured support that complements the generous contributions of our wider sponsor group
Cash contribution - Valued at $1500
Supporting local ideas, entrepreneurs, and future-focused thinking sits at the heart of what we do. This contribution is designed to give the winning finalist practical support to help move their idea forward and take the next step in their journey.
Our Shark Tank exists to encourage bold thinking, build confidence, and connect people with opportunities — and this prize contribution reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in local people and the future of the Franklin region.
Business Planning Workshop – Valued at $500
Turning a great idea into a sustainable business requires clarity, structure, and strategy.
This business planning workshop is designed to help the winning finalist refine their concept, strengthen their business model, and map out a practical pathway forward.
Through guided sessions (up to three hours), the winner will work alongside an experienced business owner and mentor to develop a practical business plan for their idea, product, or community initiative.
At Innovation Franklin, we believe strong foundations create lasting impact. This workshop equips our winner with the tools and confidence to build their idea with purpose and direction.
Intellectual Property Workshop – Valued at $500
Innovation deserves protection.
This intellectual property workshop (up to two hours) will provide the winning finalist with an understanding of how to safeguard their ideas, brand, and creative assets. From trademarks and patents to copyright considerations, this session will help demystify the IP landscape and highlight the steps needed to protect what they are building.
Too often, great ideas lose momentum due to uncertainty around protection. This workshop empowers our winner with knowledge, clarity, and practical next steps — helping them move forward confidently and securely.
Supporting innovation means supporting smart growth, and protecting intellectual property is a critical part of that journey.
Building Your Business Support Package – Valued at $500
Starting is exciting. Scaling is strategic.
This session focuses on funding pathways and growth opportunities. The winning finalist will receive guidance on what funding options may be available to them and who within our network could be introduced to support their next stage of growth.
Through strategic conversations and tailored introductions, we aim to open doors — connecting the winner with people who may help accelerate their business journey.
At Innovation Franklin, we know that ideas grow faster when the right connections are made. This support package is designed to turn potential into opportunity and momentum into meaningful progress.
Contact [email protected] to find out more!
