A group of Franklin locals out to make a difference.
Fran Oliver
Partnerships and Engagement Manager
Fran has recently stepped into the role of Partnerships and Engagement Manager at Innovation Franklin, after starting with the team in administration and support.
With a strong background across various industries, Fran brings a proactive and people-focused approach to her work. As a proud local, she is passionate about Franklin’s growth and is committed to building strong relationships that help drive innovation and opportunity across the region.
A mum to two young boys, Fran is inspired by the vision of a future where Franklin is a thriving community full of possibilities - for her children and for generations to come.
The Board
Te poari whakahaere
Mike Marr
Board Chair
Mike Marr was born in Pukekohe and is a New Zealand entrepreneur, and the founder of Innovation Franklin.
Over 25 years Mike has led ten successful start-up companies and completed 17 acquisitions.
His company, TPT Group, brings together a diverse portfolio of businesses across electronic security, data communications, information technology, security monitoring, innovation and artificial intelligence, finance, and commercial property.
He started off his career as a young electrical apprentice and holds qualifications in electrical trade, electrotechnology, an Advanced Dip. Business, Dip. Management, Dip. Integrated Risk Management and a Dip. Project Management.
In 2020, Mike was acknowledged as a Blake Leader Awardee. This prestigious award recognises inspirational New Zealanders whose leadership style has delivered high-impact results and contributed to a more sustainable future for Aotearoa.
2017, he was one of two Global recipients of the Beta Gamma Sigma Medallion of Entrepreneurship (the first recipient to be awarded the Global honor outside of the USA). The Medallion for Entrepreneurship is awarded to noteworthy Global business people who combine innovative business achievement with service to humanity. In 2014, he was a finalist in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for NZ.
Current board roles include being the Chair of The Runway Foundation and Innovation Franklin. Previous external governance roles have included Deputy Chair of electricity lines company Waipa Networks, an elected trustee of Counties Energy Trust, the owner of electricity lines company Counties Energy, a member of the AUT University Business School Advisory Board, Chair of Rhema Media, and an Independent Director of Eqalis Pharmaceuticals.
Mike co-founded The Runway Foundation in 2015, a registered NZ Charitable Trust providing support for families experiencing the challenge of ADHD but also to support the wider community. He is a strong believer in giving back to the community and supports several charities and community initiatives including Lifewise, Community Food Banks and Crisis Funds.
Tracey Kay
Board Member
Born, raised and still residing in South Auckland, Tracey feels extremely fortunate that her life journey and career pathway has led her to a place now that enables her to contribute in many ways, beyond the traditional work-based activities her current role as GM Safety, Culture and Sustainability at Counties Energy suggests.
She believes opportunities are to be seized and seeks to awaken others to their true potential. Tracey is intensely passionate about assisting youth achieve their dreams through a supportive environment and creating opportunities. This passion, combined with over 20 years of involvement with the First Foundation, continues to be an inspiration to her and she feels humbled to be a supporting part of the journey for many wonderful youth.
A proud mother of two, Tracey says her own children are an inspiration, and she’s excited to view the path forged by them, and their peers, as they shape a fulfilling life and career in a world that is becoming excitingly more sustainable and socially aware.
John Gasson
Board Member
John is a successful entrepreneur and the Managing Director of The Surveying Company, a significant engineering and surveying business based in Pukekohe. He’s well known in the Franklin area and is a passionate local, who over the years has been involved with and supported many local clubs and schools in the wider Franklin district.
His role leading The Surveying Company has seen him shaping the growth of the Franklin area. He is also a previous member of Entrepreneur’s Organisation.
Brendan Wood
Board Member
Brendan is a partner of Auckland law firm Daniel Overton & Goulding with a local office in Franklin. Daniel Overton & Goulding is a multi-award winning law practice.
He specialises in company law, commercial law and commercial property and has a particular interest in entrepreneurship.
He also holds various Independent Trustee roles as well as director roles. One of his recent roles included been an Independent Director of listed company Just Life Group and is an Independent Director of TPT Group. He is an alumnus of Entrepreneurs Organisation, a global support network of 14,000+ like-minded leaders across 61 countries.
