Whanganui High School Performing Arts

Congratulations Sophie Toyne!!! Making it this far is a massive achievement. We wish you all the best of luck for the next stage.

Smokefreerockquest

We're so pumped to reveal the Smokefreerockquest Solo/Duo National Finalists for 2026, presented by the Wright Family Foundation and powered by the Rockshop!!

These finalists earned their place after competing in one of twenty-two regions from the Far North to Southland, where more than 1,100 acts and over 3,700 student performers brought their original music to a professional stage across 37 live events ⭐🎤

All 25 Smokefreerockquest & Smokefree Tangata Beats National Finalist acts across both categories have the opportunity to professionally record a song thanks to the Ministry of Education NZ.

These 7 Solo/Duo acts will perform in Wellington, competing for a prize pool valued at over $60,000 from the Rockshop NZ and NZ On Air 🤩

SOLO/DUO NATIONAL FINALISTS:

Bella Watson – Waimea College (Nelson)

Ioteva – Manurewa High School (Manukau)

Lily Moore – Havelock North High School (Hawkes Bay)

Mind The Gap – Burnside High School (Canterbury)

Oscar Walsh – Takapuna Grammar School (North Shore)

Sophie Toyne – Whanganui High School (Whanganui)

Stella Riley – Papamoa College (Bay of Plenty)

Highly Commended:

Sandy Corsame – Tauranga Girls' College (Bay of Plenty)

Boston and Janetta – Cashmere High School, Burnside High School (Canterbury)

Cameron Beattie – Long Bay College (North Shore)

31/7/26