Priority One is pleased to welcome the 2026 cohort of the Instep Young Leaders’ Forum, a group of Year 12 and 13 students from across the Western Bay of Plenty selected for their curiosity, leadership potential and willingness to step forward and contribute to their community.

This year’s selection process carried a special significance. Returning Instep Young Leaders played an active role in reviewing applications and helping choose the new cohort. After completing the programme themselves, they brought a genuine understanding of what the experience asks of participants and what it gives back in return. They approached the task carefully, considering leadership potential, personal growth, communication and future aspirations, and debated thoughtfully to ensure the final group reflected a diverse range of strengths and perspectives.

Their involvement matters. Leadership development is not only taught, it is modelled. When students are selected by peers who have already walked the path, the programme shifts from something delivered to young people into something owned by them. It reinforces the idea that leadership is a responsibility to others, not a title.

The Instep Young Leaders’ Forum sits within Priority One’s wider Instep programme, which connects secondary school students with local businesses, education providers and career pathways across the region.
The goal is simple but important: help young people understand the opportunities available to them here, and help employers to provide the opportunities and strengthen our future work force.

Across the year the cohort takes part in a number of leadership activities including a noho at a local marae, business breakfasts with professionals from a range of industries, workshops, and networking experiences that develop leadership capability and career awareness. Students build practical skills such as communication, problem solving and decision-making while forming relationships with both peers and industry leaders.

The forum also gives students a voice in conversations about the future of their city and region, building networks that often continue beyond school. Why does this matter for our region? From a talent perspective, programmes like Instep are not a “nice to have”. They are economic infrastructure.

The Western Bay of Plenty is growing quickly and local businesses need skilled, motivated people to support that growth. At the same time, many young people leave school without a clear understanding of the careers available locally. Instep exists to bridge that gap between education and employment and to showcase real pathways into work.

By introducing students early to employers, industries and training options, the programme helps young people make informed choices about study and careers and encourages them to see a future for themselves in the region. Local rangatahi represent a critical part of the future workforce, and connecting them to opportunity early supports both retention and regional prosperity.

Put simply, when we invest in our young people those young people understand they can build meaningful careers here, they are more likely to stay, contribute and lead. And see themselves as future contributors to the Western Bay of Plenty.

If you are a business that wants to get involved with Instep contact Instep Manager Michelle Clarke at michelle@priorityone.co.nz