Our Journey

Innovation Franklin was born from a simple question: what can we do now to help position Franklin for the future?

New Zealand has long faced the challenge of turning great ideas into innovation, opportunity and economic growth. In 2012, New Zealand was ranked 13th on the Global Innovation Index. By 2021, that ranking had fallen to 26th. For a group of Franklin locals, it sparked a bigger conversation about what the future could look like — and what role our region could play in shaping it.

Six Franklin locals came together with a shared belief that innovation should not just happen somewhere else. They established Innovation Franklin as a charitable trust to connect people, ideas, education and business, and to create more opportunities for our region.

Since then, Innovation Franklin has moved from an idea to an organisation actively working across the community.

We work with schools, businesses, educators, industry, iwi, government and community partners to create opportunities for people to experience innovation, develop ideas and build the skills and confidence to take the next step.

Our programmes now span youth innovation, business capability, STEM and technology opportunities, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. From Youth and Adult Shark Tank and the Counties Energy Innovation Fund, to our Business Elevate Series, and the Mobile Innovation Lab, we are creating practical opportunities for people to learn, connect, test ideas and have a go.

The Mobile Innovation Lab is one example of where we are heading — bringing hands-on technology, STEM, entrepreneurship and innovation experiences directly into schools and communities across Franklin, making opportunities more accessible and helping young people see what could be possible for their future.

Alongside our programmes, we are building the relationships and infrastructure needed to support a more innovative Franklin. We work alongside businesses and education providers, create pathways between industry and learners, support local innovation and help connect good ideas with the people and resources that can help them move forward.

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 more than 26 years Mike has led ten successful start-up companies and completed 17 acquisitions.

TPT Group comprises companies in the electronic security, data communications, information technology, security monitoring, innovation and artificial intelligence, finance, and commercial property sectors.

​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 an Independent Non-Executive director of electricity lines business WEL Networks, and the Chair of The Runway Foundation and Innovation Franklin.  Previous external governance roles have included Deputy Chair of  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.

He is a Pukekohe High School old boy and is a supporter of many community initiatives.

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.

Merritt Watson

Board Member

Merritt Watson is a born-and-raised Franklin local who is passionate about supporting innovation, strengthening local enterprise, and ensuring Franklin continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

An experienced entrepreneur, Merritt is the founder and owner of a successful confectionery business based in Franklin. What began as a small home operation has grown into a thriving company employing more than a dozen local staff and exporting products around the world. His background in business, logistics, transport, and horticulture has provided him with practical insight into the opportunities and challenges faced by growing businesses.

Merritt is committed to creating an environment where local businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive. Through his leadership roles, including his previous position as Deputy Chair of the Pukekohe Business Association and his role as a member of the Franklin Local Board, he has developed a strong understanding of the importance of collaboration, strategic planning, and sustainable growth in shaping the future of the region.

Having experienced first-hand the realities of building and growing a business—from navigating supply chain challenges to adapting to changing regulations—Merritt brings practical insight, sound judgement, and a solutions-focused approach to the Innovation Franklin Board.

There is still plenty to do — and we are just getting started.

Franklin is changing. Its population is growing, its businesses are evolving and new opportunities are emerging across technology, manufacturing, energy, construction, agritech, medtech and beyond.

Innovation Franklin's role is to help make sure our people and our region are ready to take advantage of those opportunities.

We don't believe innovation is just about technology or having the next big idea. It is about people, capability, connections and creating the conditions for good ideas to become real opportunities.

Our next chapter is about growing what works, reaching more of Franklin, strengthening our partnerships and creating greater impact.

We are grateful to the businesses, organisations, educators, funders and community supporters who have backed the journey so far. Their investment has helped turn ideas into programmes, opportunities and experiences that are making a difference. 

We are positioning Franklin for the future.