Posts by Melissa Mae
Instep Young Leaders celebrate a year of courage, connection and growth
Last night the Instep Young Leaders came together for their finale, marking the end of a year filled with learning, friendship and personal growth. Each student received their certificate and…
Read MoreFrom jandals to job offer, McAlpine Hussmann is powering the future of manufacturing careers
What does a career in manufacturing look like in 2025? Our team recently found out after an invite to visit from Head of Operations Hayden Briscoe. And if you ask…
Read MoreWhat happens when you ask young people to design a city brand?
Ten Year 12 and 13 students from across the region came together, not to talk about logos, but to talk about belonging, vibrancy, and what it would take to stay…
Read MoreFrom orchard to opportunity: Instep Young Leaders experience Seeka’s world of horticulture
Our Instep Young Leaders recently had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at Seeka, one of New Zealand’s largest horticultural companies. The visit offered a look at how innovation,…
Read MoreStudents step inside new career pathways in business and accounting
Across the Bay of Plenty, a collective of regional employers and professional service firms is working together to open doors for the next generation. Through hands-on experiences and real conversations…
Read MoreCity centre’s fresh flavours and familiar favourites are giving Tauranga new energy
There’s a quiet but confident buzz rising through the heart of Tauranga. Step into the city centre and you’ll find it’s not business as usual. It’s business better than ever.…
Read MoreBuilding culture from the ground up: students inspired by LT McGuinness
Our Instep Young Leaders braved the chilly morning last week for a chance to go behind the scenes of a major building project and hear directly from the LT McGuinness…
Read MoreMeet Basie Pikimaui: Building connections, unlocking potential
We’re thrilled to welcome Basie Pikimaui to the Ara Rau team as our new Employment Mentor. A calm presence with a strategic mindset, Basie brings a fresh energy to our…
Read MoreWestern Bay of Plenty youth reimagine their city in this year’s yia! innovation challenge
More than 220 students from across the Western Bay of Plenty took part in this year’s yia! (Young Innovator Awards), bringing their boldest ideas to life in a one-day design…
Read MoreBlog – August 2025
Winning the Momenta Live the Life You Love Award: A journey of leadership and growth Source: By Koen Mckenzie – Instep Young Leader 2025 When I first applied for the…
Read MoreFrom take-off to insight: Mt Maunganui students explore aviation and tourism careers
What does it take to land a career at the intersection of adventure, people, and precision? For a group of Year 12 students from Mt Maunganui College, the answer came…
Read MoreEzra’s story: A new chapter of confidence, routine, and possibility
When Ezra reflects on his time with Ara Rau, it is the hands-on, practical nature of the experience that stands out. From forklift training to barista skills, the programme offered…
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