Bayleys Gisborne is founded on core pillars of People, Performance, Community and Relationships. We exist because of our Tairawhiti community and as an engaged community member, we seek to give back in numerous ways. In 2023 Bayleys decided to launch a youth ambassador in our district. Alicia Hoskin, Gisborne born and raised, is Bayleys inaugural youth ambassador. Alicia is an elite athlete, specialising in canoe sprint.

Alicia has plenty of possible superpowers she could claim, but instead this unassuming and very grounded Gisborne athlete prefers to encourage others to find theirs.

The 24-year-old has teamed up with Bayleys Gisborne to create a programme aimed at primary age children, to help inspire them to be the best version of themselves.

“I want every kid to understand that their difference is really valuable and special,” says Alicia “It was percolating in my mind and I started thinking about how I could encourage young people to really appreciate who they were, and help them see that their uniqueness can actually make a difference,” she says. “We are all super heroes who each bring a unique and different power – there’s not one that is better than the other.” She felt the best way to bring each superpower to the surface was not by comparing to anyone else but “discovering and staying true to our own superpower”.

For Bayleys Gisborne Director Simon Bousfield, partnering with Alicia made perfect sense. “She aligns with the values we have,” he says. “We are very community focussed and a lot of our sponsorships are with youth and helping them thrive. They are our future.”