The Pick is opening doors across Te Tai Tokerau

To support budding entrepreneurs from across Te Tai Tokerau, this year The Pick Business Foundations course is offering a variety of ways participants can access course information – including hitting the road to take its weekly workshops to Kaitāia and Ngāwhā, as well as Whangārei.

With more than 70 Northlanders developing their big business ideas as part of The Pick '26, the practical workshop sessions have been designed with flexibility in mind. To reduce barriers for those with busy schedules, limited access to transport or who live in isolated locations, The Pick is rotating its in-person workshops between three locations around the region.

But that's not all. Participants can also watch recordings of each session or join via livestream – a new option that allows this year's cohort to take part live when they can't attend a workshop in person.

During the free 10-week course, run by Northland NZ, a guest speaker leads a practical learning session each week, with local facilitators supporting participants joining via livestream at the two alternative locations.

Module 3 focused on building capability and was delivered live in Kaitāia last week, giving Te Hiku participants the chance to connect with each other and ask questions as they test and develop their business ideas.

Through practical workshops, expert guidance and real-world tools, The Pick participants build their skills and confidence throughout the 10-week programme, which culminates in Pitch Night, where selected finalists present their ideas to a panel of Northland business leaders.

The Pick '26 is a Northland NZ initiative delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea – Asset Holding Company for Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, and Whāriki Te Taitokerau, with support from Foundation North, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, Whangārei District Council, Te Puni Kōkiri, Business Mentors New Zealand, Creative Northland, One NZ, Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust, NorthChamber and Westpac NZ.

Photo highlights from Module 3 at the Digital Hub, Kaitāia.