On Sunday 17 May, emerging artists lit up the stage at The Dorothy Winstone Centre, competing in the Auckland Central Regional Heat of RQP’s 2026
Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats.
From first-time performers to annual participants, the event showcased the depth of young musical talent in Aotearoa, with standout performances earning places in the next stage of the nationwide competitions.
Award winning artist and event judge Geneva AM shares;
"I love it! It has been an incredible weekend filled with so much talent from so many corners of Tāmaki Makaurau. I can't wait to see what these musicians come up with in the future."
Top 12 Bands Headed to Smokefreerockquest Auckland Central Regional Final:
Twelve bands were selected to compete in the Auckland Central Regional Final, taking place on Friday 5 June at The Dorothy Winstone Centre. The Regional Final will award the top three bands, alongside a range of special awards including Musicianship, Smokefree Best Vocals, Wright Family Foundation Best Song, and an APRA Lyric Award.
The Auckland Central Regional Final will also determine the top two bands advancing to the video submission stage for national finalist consideration.
Tickets for the Auckland Central Regional Final can be found www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/smokefreerockquest-auckland-central-final/auckland/freemans-bay
Rockquest Auckland Central Regional Heat – Top 12 Bands
in no particular order
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Crying Ivy - Western Springs College-Ngā Puna o Waiōrea, Saint Kentigern College
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Frontmen - Sacred Heart College (Auckland)
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Halsey Drive - Lynfield College
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Teuila - Massey High School
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Sidetracked - Rutherford College, Hobsonville Point Secondary School
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Arsenic - Liston College
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Terry Town - Lynfield College
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Incipit - Green Bay High School
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M.O.A. - Onehunga High School
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The Kardiaque Procedure - Western Springs -Ngā Puna o Waiōrea
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Aortic - Glendowie College
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Epic Drone Footage - Green Bay High School
Pictured Below: Crying Ivy by Irena Ekens
Top 13 Bands Headed to Smokefree Tangata Beats Auckland Regional Final:
Celebrating original contemporary music grounded in Tangata Whenua and Pasifika identity and culture, Smokefree Tangata Beats recognised its Top 13 bands, all of which now progress to the Auckland Regional Finals.
Tangata Beats Auckland Regional Heats – Top 13 Bands
in no particular order
- Addiebays - Papatoetoe High School
- Essence - De La Salle
- Eunoia - Massey High School
- Hiva Afi - Papatoetoe High School
- KOKONOTES - Ormiston Senior College
- L3GACY - Aorere College
- Poly Echo - Rosehill College
- RIBBIT - Papatoetoe High School
- Rooted 7 - Papatoetoe High School
- Soul Prosperers - Papatoetoe High School
- TENTATIONS - Manurewa High School
- Teulia - Massey High School
- The Clicks - Tangaroa College
Tickets for the Auckland Tangata Beats Regional Final can be found www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/smokefree-tangata-beats-auckland-final/auckland/freemans-bay
www.rqp.co.nz/rockquest
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