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.
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.
Martias Kinzurik
Venture Manager, AUT Ventures
Matias is passionate about translating technical innovations into real-world impact for people, businesses, and the planet. He has identified commercialisation opportunities, built high-value partnerships, and guided multidisciplinary teams across STEM fields. His expertise spans science commercialisation, business development, and innovation strategy.
Matias completed a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Auckland before working in the wine, red meat, and food testing sectors. He then moved into research commercialisation, first as Business Development Manager at Wellington UniVentures and now as a Venture Manager at AUT Ventures.
With his deep understanding of technology and innovation, Matias is well-equipped to assess business ideas, challenge assumptions, and support founders in turning concepts into successful ventures.
Campbell Tyson
One of the incredible team at Campbell Tyson will be joining us as a judge. More information coming soon
Prize Pack information coming soon!
Contact [email protected] to find out more!
