The Instep Young Leaders’ Forum has kicked off for 2025, bringing together a new group of secondary school students from across the Western Bay of Plenty. Each year, this programme provides students with the opportunity to connect with local businesses, develop leadership skills, and gain insights into career pathways. The selection process is always a challenge, as so many motivated students apply, but this year’s group has now been chosen and is ready to begin their journey.

The selection panel—made up of five returning young leaders from last year’s cohort—fully embraced the challenge of reviewing every application. They approached the process with real dedication and care, recognising the high calibre of students who had applied. Each submission was thoughtfully considered, with close attention paid to leadership potential, personal growth, communication skills, and future aspirations. The panel took their role seriously, engaging in thoughtful discussion and debate to ensure the final group would bring a rich mix of strengths and perspectives to the programme.

Now that the cohort has been selected, the year ahead is shaping up to be full of opportunities. One of the key experiences they will take part in is a series of seven business breakfasts that give students the chance to hear from professionals across different industries, ask questions, and get a clearer picture of the working world. Conversations at these breakfasts often go beyond career advice, touching on challenges, industry changes, and what leadership really looks like in practice.

Alongside these breakfasts, the students will take part in leadership workshops that focus on communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Many will also have the chance to be mentored by professionals, giving them a direct line to people who can share experiences and offer guidance as they think about their next steps.

The programme encourages students to think about leadership beyond the workplace—it’s about having a positive impact in all areas of their lives.

With a busy year ahead, this new group of Instep Young Leaders will have plenty to reflect on as they progress through the programme. Each experience, whether it’s a conversation over breakfast, a workshop exercise, or a visit to a business, will give them something to think about as they start shaping their own futures.