Bay of Plenty schools will be strongly represented at this year’s Smokefreerockquest National Finals, with four local acts earning places among New Zealand’s top young musicians.

Bethlehem College band Go Getter, Ōtūmoetai College’s Grizzlyfish, Pāpāmoa College solo performer Stella Riley, and Mount Maunganui College’s Deffex have all been named national finalists for the 2026 competition.

The Bay’s success was further highlighted by Tauranga Girls’ College student Sandy Corsame, who received a highly commended award in the solo/duo category.

The finalists were selected from nearly 100 video submissions after more than 1100 acts and 3700 student performers competed across 22 regional competitions throughout New Zealand.

Go Getter and Grizzlyfish will compete in the band category, while Stella Riley has secured a place in the solo/duo national final. Deffex will represent the Bay in the Smokefree Tangata Beats final, which celebrates original music rooted in Māori language, culture and identity.

Rockquest Promotions said this year’s finalists showcase the depth of emerging talent across Aotearoa.

Judge and Smokefreerockquest alumna Riiki Reid said she was inspired by the standard of performances.

“I was very inspired, in awe and left feeling so hopeful for the future of Aotearoa music after witnessing the incredibly strong talent of this year’s competition.

“I know that this year’s contestants will become very familiar faces within our music industry and community from here on out; that’s how much belief I have in these young musicians.”

The national finals will be held in Wellington from September 17-19, marking the first time in more than 20 years the event has been staged in the capital.

All 25 finalists will have the opportunity to record a song in a professional recording studio and compete for a prize pool worth more than $60,000. The eventual winners will join an impressive list of Smokefreerockquest alumni, including Aldous Harding, Bic Runga, Six60, The Black Seeds and Marlon Williams.

With finalists drawn from Tauranga, Pāpāmoa, Mount Maunganui and Bethlehem, the Bay of Plenty has once again demonstrated its strength in nurturing the next generation of New Zealand music talent.