There’s something special about Smokefree Rockquest. The lights hit, the crowd hums, the bass kicks in, and suddenly the whole room is alive. It’s more than just a competition, it’s a moment. A platform where young musicians across Aotearoa step up, share their sound, and give it everything they’ve got.
This year was no different. Hundreds of student bands, solos and duos took to stages across the motu, performing original music through around 40 regional heats and finals. The talent, creativity, and courage on display were next level.
Te Kura ākonga are well used to shining in this space. Every year, they take the stage as solo acts or collaborate with other students, bringing their own style and energy. But this year’s North Shore regional event marked something new. Something big.
For the first time, two full bands made up entirely of Te Kura students performed together on the Smokefree Rockquest stage. It was a milestone moment, not just for the performers, but for the wider Te Kura music community.
Swarm and Nothing in Common stepped forward with confidence, pride, and serious musical presence. While they didn’t move through to the national finals, both bands delivered memorable performances, connected with the crowd, and earned NCEA Music credits for their original compositions.
Swarm
Photo credit: Smokefree Rockquest
Swarm, a four-piece featuring Ruben O’Donnell, Noel Shirley, Ariki Kaho, and Gabe Pring, brought intensity and rhythm in equal measure. Their sound was bold and tight, built through hours of rehearsal outside of school time. Supporting them along the way was mentor Sonny Pring, Gabe’s older brother and former Te Kura student, who helped guide their preparation.
Behind the scenes, the hours of practice paid off the moment they stepped into the spotlight.
“Being on stage was the best part.”
For Noel, it was about the live experience. Adapting to unfamiliar gear didn’t shake him.
“I had to use a different piano, so I changed the sound.”
Ruben felt the pressure too, but leaned into it.
“There was a fear of going wrong, but once you’re up there, you just have to get on with it.”
It’s those moments that define live music. Unpredictable, raw, and real. And for Swarm, it brought them closer together as a band while boosting their confidence heading forward.
For Gabe, a moment summed it up. When their backing track didn’t load, they didn’t hesitate.
“We just went for it.”
That willingness to adapt and trust each other captured the spirit of Rockquest perfectly.
Nothing in Common
Photo credit: Smokefree Rockquest
Bringing a completely different, yet equally powerful energy to the stage was Nothing in Common, a talented trio featuring Isaiah Paniora, Hunter Reynell, and Harley Griffiths. Their musical journey kicked off in Henderson at Te Kura Music Group, under the guidance of music specialist Victoria Thompson.
In the lead up to the event, they pushed themselves hard. Practices moved into homes, ideas turned into songs, and their original track came together quickly under pressure. In fact, the band had only officially formed two weeks before the competition.
That time pressure was real. So were the nerves.
“I didn't tell anyone this, but there were even times where I just wanted to call it off and tell the band that I couldn't do the performance.”
Still, Harley stayed grounded in the process.
“I knew that with enough hard work and practice I could overcome that feeling and it would all work out great and it did.”
The fast-paced environment became a powerful learning experience.
“Involvement in Smokefree Rockquest has really helped me to learn problem-solving and how to deal with a situation that might not be going your way.”
For Hunter, the magic wasn’t just onstage. It was behind the curtain too.
“One highlight for me was when we were backstage before performing and I got to see all the behind-the-scenes of what was happening.”
The Smokefree Rockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats National Finals hit Wellington from 17–19 September 2026. We are incredibly proud of our Te Kura bands for stepping out and making their mark this year, and we can't wait to see where their musical journeys take them next.