‘Perfect pitch’ for AUT Business School

17 Oct, 2025
‘Perfect pitch’ for AUT Business School

AUT Business School is synonymous with applied learning, with a focus on bridging the gap between academia and the world of work.

A recent collaboration between the school’s department of Marketing and International Business (MIB) and an Auckland-based social enterprise epitomises the value that be created when the lecture room meets the boardroom.

Located on Karangahape Road, Merge café is run by the Lifewise Trust, an organisation dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness,

Thanks to a $4,500 teaching grant secured by AUT academics Cordelia Stewart and Andi Zorn, MIB students were invited to participate in an industry collaboration with a difference.

Over the course of the term, students worked in teams to analyse Merge and craft compelling solutions to a key pain point experienced by the café.

Digital marketing students were tasked with attracting a more diverse customer base, nurturing and enhancing supplier relationships, and enhancing the venue’s online presence.

Social entrepreneurship students conducted independent research to understand the social aims of the venture, the business model and ecosystem in which it operates, and the key stakeholders it serves.

At stake? A $1500 grant to go towards implementing projects for each of the top three teams.

Of the 46 participating teams, twelve were invited to the final ‘Pitch Day’. During the event, the teams presented their solutions and strategies to a panel of judges comprising senior leaders from Lifewise and their key funders including SkyCity Community Trust.

Andi said the variety of ideas and approaches presented by the students was impressive.

“Whilst some teams focused on adding new revenue streams through coffee carts, catering services, and barista workshops, others identified the organisation's aim of 'merging communities’ and pitched solutions to strengthen relationships with different community groups through creating a Karangahape Rd mural, attending migrant cultural events, and hosting in-house musical events.”

Students were scored on the feasibility of the idea, its fit with the Merge and Lifewise kaupapa, its creativity and innovation, and its impact and value.

More participants from the day

After much deliberation the judges declared the winning teams ‘The Drip Squad’ from digital marketing and ‘Group One’ from social entrepreneurship.

In a last-minute twist, they also named two runners up – ‘The Legends’ from digital marketing and ‘Group Four’ from social entrepreneurship.

In addition to funding support, the top two teams will also receive mentoring to directly implement their ideas into the Merge café business.

Cordelia said from inception to event, the collaboration between AUT and Merge café was an outstanding success.

“It was inspiring to see the dedication and effort students brought to their assessments. More than just an academic exercise, they understood their ideas could create tangible, positive change.”

Jolie Leach (Service Manager at Merge Café and Lived Experience Lead) was impressed by the students’ enthusiasm.

“The students had a huge impact on us, and we left with a renewed sense of energy and purpose,” she said.

Check out photos from the event.

Winners

The Drip Squad (Digital Marketing)

  • Amelia Fairlie
  • Devon Mea O'Halloran
  • Lana Shcherbyna
  • Dylan Ungureanu

Group One (Social Entrepreneurship)

  • Manuwaru Broughton
  • Sam Elworthy
  • Jacques Lemmer
  • Oliver Lloyd
  • William Lu

Runners up

The Legends (Digital Marketing)

  • Kate Adolph
  • Charlotte Lambie
  • Molly Naples
  • Bianca van den Berg

Group Four (Social Entrepreneurship)

  • Tuileisu Jolly Telesia Papa Ale
  • Amelia Farlie
  • Hannah Gray
  • Yeasao Im
  • Chloe McDonald
  • Saraya McLean