Young Kāpiti musician Peyton Morete picked for mentoring programme

Rising singer-songwriter Peyton Morete, 15, of Raumati Beach has been selected for the national Pinnacle Programme.

The Pinnacle Programme is a unique mentoring programme for passionate teens nationwide aged between 15 and 18 who are high achievers in one or more fields.

Peyton has been chosen for her musicianship but she also excels in the arts, sports and academically.

Her accomplishments so far include winning the SmokefreeRockquest regionals for three years in a row, winning the Champions of Kāpiti songwriting competition, being runner-up in the Hook Line and Sing-a-long national songwriting competition and performing at Gladstonebury Festival.

"I was really excited and so honoured to have been chosen for this programme," Peyton said.

"I felt very proud too as it recognises teenagers who are passionate about something and who are out there achieving in their chosen field."

With 120 applicants from around New Zealand Peyton was one of eight chosen for the programme.

It's is run by former Silver Fern Bernice Mene and Hyundai New Zealand, with the selected youth attending an induction day in March.

"The Auckland induction day was an amazing day and we had our parents with us so they could celebrate and understand everything too," said Peyton.

"I met such inspirational people like Bernice Mene, who runs the programme.

"She was so warm and welcoming to us. It was fantastic hearing their stories, including Adam Hall, who won a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, and how the Pinnacle Programme has helped him."

Hall was selected for Pinnacle's first intake many years ago and has since been mentored and helped with goal-setting to achieve his winning ambitions.

During the first year of the programme Peyton will participate in the Spirit of Adventure, working on her goals with help from Mene and the team.

In the third year she will be mentored by a professional in her chosen field, music.

Already Peyton has met New Zealand music legend Peter Urlich, a mentor on the programme who was impressed with her application and has already talked about getting her in the recording studio.

"A highlight for me was meeting Peter Urlich, who was really interested in my music and talked to me about my music career and gave me some advice," she said.

"It was also inspirational to meet the other seven people who were chosen from throughout New Zealand and see what they're achieving in their lives.

"I felt very proud to be part of this special day and am excited for all the opportunities it can bring to me."