Big riffs, nervous energy and hometown pride filled Tauranga venues as more than 20 young Bay of Plenty bands battled it out in Rockshop Bandquest 2026.

Held at Holy Trinity Tauranga and Baycourt Community & Arts Centre on August 20 and 27, the regional events featured 22 primary and intermediate school bands competing in Rockshop Bandquest 2026.

The programme is run by Rockquest Promotions and the Wright Family Foundation, with support from the Rockshop, a media release said.

Launched in 2011, Rockshop Bandquest is a pathway for younger students into Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, giving aspiring musicians the chance to perform original songs or covers on a professional stage.

More than 350 acts involving over 2500 students from 184 schools nationwide have taken part in this year’s programme.

Hamish Jackson, Rockshop’s general manager of artist relations, sponsorship and events, said the competition was about much more than music.

“Rockshop Bandquest is one of the highlights of the year for us. It’s so awesome seeing young people experience the joy of live performance, often for the very first time, and build lifelong creative skills.

“Creating these opportunities for the next generation of musicians across Aotearoa is hugely important to us at the Rockshop.”

Top honours went to Mount Maunganui Intermediate School band Youth Criminal and Aquinas College band Prototype, with both groups winning first place in their respective events.

Aquinas College band Prototype struck the right chord with judges, taking out first place at Rockshop Bandquest Bay of Plenty and progressing to the national finals.

They each received $300 worth of musical equipment from the Rockshop and a place in the online national finals.

Mount Maunganui Intermediate music teacher Shannon Brown said performing at Bandquest can have a lasting impact on students.

“It takes a massive amount of courage, but I think what these kids get out of it is something they can’t prepare for.

“As soon as they walk off that stage, they walk off a different human being. At such a young age, it’s about musical experiences that ignite them to take it to another level. Bandquest helps keep the future of the arts alive.”

Bay of Plenty results included:

Day 1

1st: Youth Criminal, Mount Maunganui Intermediate School

2nd: GreVouS, Greerton Village School

3rd: Sweet Adolescence, Tauranga Intermediate School

Day 2

1st: Prototype, Aquinas College

2nd: INDIGO 4, Papamoa College

3rd: Royals, Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School

Awards were also presented for outstanding vocal and instrumental performances, songwriting and rockstar outfits.

The programme is supported nationally by the Lotteries Board and Lion Foundation and locally by Tauranga City Council and the Creative Communities Scheme.