Showing the plight of the Maui dolphin has given Whangamata Area School first place in the RAW division of the J Rock Stage Challenge in Tauranga tonight.

The group's performance called Aihi Maui – Whawhai nui tone ake shows how only 55 Maui dolphin remain and are facing extinction from the likes of seismic testing for deep sea oil wowed the judges last night on the second night of the stage challenge.

Whangamata Area School in action at last night's Stage Challenge. Photo: QUICKPIX.

Event manager Hazel Reid says she was impressed by the school's performance.

'Whangamata Area School put on a brilliant performance tonight addressing a great theme. It was really enjoyable to watch.”

Design judge, Daniel Pepperell agreed describing Whangmata's performance as a 'real visual feast”.

Production judge, Tim Julian says he was impressed by the school's concept saying it was meaningful and relevant.

'It was a superb performance, totally engaging.”

Otumoetai College Team 2 took out second with their performance; What is Wealth? In third place was Otumoetai's Team 1 with Danger in our water.

Hazel says Tauranga put on a fantastic final night at the Baycourt Theatre where all the schools showcased their creativity and innovation.

'You can see all the hard work and determination that goes into their performances. The show reflects how Stage Challenge and J Rock is a great pathway for youth to creativity express themselves and their values.”

She says Stage Challenge and J Rock offers the perfect platform for students to develop self-belief, confidence and resilience, as the safe, fun and exciting atmosphere upholds key values of attending school, working towards realistic education goals, and staying fit and healthy without tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

Results;

RAW Division:

Whangamata Area School

Otumoetai College Team 2

Otumoetai College Team 1

Student Horizons Award of Excellence for Performance Skill:

Otumoetai College Team 1, Papamoa College, Otumoetai College 2, Forest View High School, Whangamata Area School, Hauraki Plains College

Tearaway Magazine Award of Excellence for Choreography:

Aquinas College, Otumoetai College Team 1, Otumoetai College Team 2, Forest View High School

Ministry of Education Award of Excellence for Concept:

Papamoa College, Forest View High School, Whangamata Area School

Ministry of Youth Development Award of Excellence for Drama:

Otumoetai College Team 1, Papamoa College, Forest View High School, Whangamata Area School

The Edge Award of Excellence for Soundtrack:

Otumoetai College Team 1, Papamoa College, Otumoetai College Team 2, Forest View High School, Whangamata Area School

BayTrust Award of Excellence for Costuming Character:

Otumoetai College Team 1, Otumoetai College Team 2, Whangamata Area School, Hauraki Plains College

Canon Award of Excellence for Visual Enhancement:

Aquinas College, Otumoetai College Team 1, Papamoa College, Otumoetai College Team 2, Forest View High School, Whangamata Area School

Ministry of Education Award of Excellence for Student Achievement:

Otumoetai College Team 2

Four Winds Foundation Award of Excellence for School Community:

Otumoetai College Team 1

The Lion Foundation Award of Excellence for Environmental or Social Awareness:

Whangamata Area School

Ministry of Youth Development Student Leadership Award:

Whangamata Area School

5 + A Day Award of Excellence for School Initiative:

Otumoetai College Team 2

Award of Excellence for Lighting Design:

Aquinas College

2016 J ROCK Awards List – Tauranga

Spirit of J Rock Award:

Golden Sands School

Award of Excellence for Performance Skill:

Golden Sands School

The Southern Trust Award of Excellence for Stage Use:

Tahatai Coast School

The Edge Award of Excellence for Soundtrack:

Golden Sands School, Tahatai Coast School

5 + A Day Award of excellence for Costuming Character:

Tahatai Coast School

Canon Award of excellence for Visual Enhancement:

Golden Sands School