Five outstanding Western Bay of Plenty surf lifesavers have been selected among a record number of participants in Surf Lifesaving New Zealand's leadership programme.

Mt Maunganui's Julia Conway and Philip Pirie, Tyler Nitschke of Omanu, and Georgia Eldridge and Lucy Scown of Waihi Beach will join 11 other emerging leaders on the year-long BP Leaders for Life programme, designed to build their leadership skills and enhance the influences they can have on their local clubs and communities.

A particularly high number of quality candidates prompted Surf Lifesaving NZ to increase this year's intake by one to 16.

Member Development Manager Belinda Slement says she's excited about the group of selected candidates.

'It was a tough process to select only 15 from the dozens of applications we received, hence the increase to 16, but it shows how highly valued the BP Leaders for Life programme is. We had some outstanding applicants this year and we're looking forward to rolling out our first workshop in July.”

Tauranga-based Kiwifruit exporter Zespri are supporting the Bay of Plenty based participants, and say they are proud to be involved in such a fantastic programme for future leaders.

BP Leaders for Life was created in 2012, part of a national strategy to support a wide range of development activity for lifesavers.

Bay of Plenty will host the first workshop on July 7 and 8.

Four more will follow around the country wrapping up in May 2019.