The Pick - PREVIOUS WINNERS
This page celebrates the innovative thinkers and bold doers of The Pick, showcasing the winners from each year.
Since 2017, The Pick has been a free, hands-on Business Ideas Accelerator, helping aspiring Northland entrepreneurs turn ideas into impact.
Each year, a group of finalists is chosen to take part in the high-energy Pitch Night, where they refine their idea, build a compelling pitch deck, and sharpen their storytelling skills to connect with potential funders and supporters.
he Pick 2024 Pitch Night with winners on stage
Supreme Winner's Trophy
A Supreme Winner’s Trophy was introduced in 2025. This award features a stylised pōhutukawa sapling representing a fledgling business idea or concept. The Pohutukawa Tree - symbolising bravery, strength and resilience and the circle representing unity, wholeness and continuity.
“The roots of the pōhutukawa resemble Kowhaiwhai patterns, symbolising the deep foundations and interconnected growth that are the supporting strength of a successful business.”
Concept: Tania McInnes
Creator: Jason Povey
Managed by Creative Northland
2025
Supreme Winner: Georgia Keys, MAED Innovations
1st Runner-Up: Shane Stewart, Stewart Piping
2nd Runner-Up: Helen Horrocks, She's Got Game www.shesgotgame.co.nz
Highly Commended: Frank Manifold, EcoFoul
The remaining two finalists who received a variety of product from sponsors were:
- Jodeci Phillips-Wilson, Rongomai Ora
- David Croft & Jessica Henson, Moe Mai Ra Coffinz
2024
Supreme Winner
Moka Fibre - Sharee Wilkinson
Product: Eyelash glue made from natural flax fibre
2022
Supreme Winners
PreHome - Matenga Ashby
Rongoa Wai Māori - Emily Kingi-Hepi
2019
Supreme Winners
Absolute Stainless
Australasian Moulding
Grinning Gecko
My Goodness (Wellkit Foods)
Meet Vince (Formerly known as Olive & Ash when they entered The Pick) www.meetvince.co.nz
2018
Supreme Winners
Akudos
Dataphyl
Developers Institute
Earth's Kitchen
Engin
Lylt
Tankful
100Rails
2017
Supreme Winners
Akudos
Clever Things
Hewlett Point Farm - Coarse Wool Concepts
Live to Print
Stay Native