The Pick returns to back the ideas building Northland’s future

Northland’s flagship business foundations programme, The Pick, is returning in 2026 with an expanded programme and a call for sponsors to help back the next generation of entrepreneurs in Te Tai Tokerau.

A Northland NZ initiative, The Pick has become a cornerstone of the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem since launching in 2017 - supporting local people to turn ideas into real businesses that contribute to jobs, innovation and long-term regional growth.

The Pick ‘26 builds on this momentum, evolving into a 10-week business foundations programme designed to better reflect the realities of building a business today, with an increased focus on capability, leadership and sustainable growth.

Paul Linton, CE Northland NZ.

Northland NZ Chief Executive Paul Linton says programmes like The Pick play a critical role in shaping Northland’s economic future.

“Northland has the talent, the ideas and the ambition. The Pick was developed to back that potential and turn it into real businesses that create jobs and drive growth across our region.

“Start-ups are a vital part of a resilient and future-ready economy. When we invest in our entrepreneurs, we are investing in the long-term success of Northland.”

The programme continues to deliver strong outcomes for the region. In 2025, The Pick supported over 40 participants, culminating in six finalists presenting their ideas to Northland’s business community at the Pitch Night.

Sixty-two percent of registered participants identified as pakihi Māori and sixty-seven percent as wāhine, reflecting the programme’s accessibility and its role in supporting a diverse and inclusive pipeline of entrepreneurs.

Programme Lead Tania McInnes says The Pick is designed to be a high-energy, supportive experience that helps people take their ideas seriously and turn them into something real.

“The Pick is an incredible journey. It’s fast-paced, hands-on, and built around a strong network of support that spans the region.

“You don’t have to do it alone - we surround participants with the people, tools and connections they need to build confidence and make real progress. From day one, you’re part of a community that’s learning, building and growing together.”

Regional partnerships continue to play an important role in the success of The Pick. Northland NZ is working alongside organisations committed to growing capability and enabling opportunity, including Te Rarawa through its asset holding company, Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea.

Chair of Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea, June McCabe, says the partnership is about creating space for people to explore their ideas.

"Not everyone comes with a fully formed idea, and that's okay. Sometimes the most valuable thing is just turning up, listening, and seeing what takes shape. We want our whānau to know the door is open."

Piripi Moore, Head of Kaupapa Māori, Enterprise and Innovation at Northland NZ, says that's what makes the partnership meaningful.

The Pick 2025 - Supreme Winner Georgia Keys (with trophy), the other five finalists and Programme Lead Tania McInnes (Far Right).

"The Pick has always been about giving people a starting point. Partnering with Te Rarawa means more of our people in the North get the chance to come along, learn, and see where it leads - whether that's a business, a new direction, or just new thinking."

The Pick is open to anyone with a business idea, whether starting from scratch or looking to take an existing concept further. Participants are supported through a structured journey of workshops, mentoring and real-world feedback, culminating in Pitch Night.

Applications for The Pick ‘26 open on Tuesday 26 May and close on Friday 3 July.

The Pick ‘26 is delivered in partnership with Ministry of Social Development, Whāriki Te Taitokerau, Te Waka Pupuri Pūtea - Asset Holding Company for Te Runanga o Te Rarawa, Foundation North and NorthChamber, with support from Te Hiku Development Trust, One NZ and Westpac NZ. Limited additional sponsorship opportunities are available now.