Over 100 secondary school students from across the Western Bay of Plenty have signed up to compete in Priority One's Young Innovator Awards.
The awards are part of Priority One's INSTEP programme and recognise secondary school students' ability to problem-solve so businesses can become more efficient and sustainable in the future.

Mount Maunganui College student Harrison Ridley (centre) is considering entering the inaugural Young Innovator Awards. He is pictured with judges Locus Research designer Blythe Rees-Jones, Woods Creative copywriter Jordan Strang, Envirostate executive officer Steve Tierney and Trimax Mowing Systems research and development manager Jim McEwen.

INSTEP manager Lyn Parlane is excited by the large student response and says businesses supporting the awards will also benefit as the competition aims to help develop traits they are seeking in future employees.
Students can compete in teams or as individuals for a $1000 cash prize and the chance to be mentored by a Bay of Plenty businessperson.
Lyn says some schools are reporting students want to enter more than one idea - although they are limited to one entry as an individual and one as a team.
Entries for the competition close on Wednesday, June 30.