Abulia from James Hargest College took out first place at this year’s Southland regional Smokefreerockquest final at the Civic Theatre last Satuday night (10 Jun).

The nationwide music competition, now in its thirty sixth year, hosts thousands of young musicians every year. 

Abulia’s lead guitarist Ingamar Siegruhn said the rock band’s chemistry as the secret to their success at the event.

"It was good. We were tight. There was a lot of chemistry,” Siegruhn said.

Also playing for Abulia were Tiana Turnbull on vocals, Luke Wheeler on drums, and guitarist William Robertson. 

Second place in the band category went to Blxck Window from Central Southland College.

They join solo-duo winners for Southland, Faith Dick from Central Southland College and Carson Smith from Gore High School with the opportunity to submit a video of their original material for selection as one of the top 10 national finalists to play off at Auckland’s Q Theatre on 16 Sept.

The Smokefree Tangata Beats Award went to Rainfall from Central Southland College.

They now go into the selection process for the national final of Smokefree Tangata Beats, at Auckland’s Q Theatre on 15 Sept. 

For founder Pete Rainey, participating in the arts can have a big positive impact on young people. 

“The arts in education play a huge role in helping our young people to face the future with a set of skills that give them flexibility, creativity, ability to cooperate and work in groups."

"Skills they can apply in life wherever it takes them.”

The full list of 2023 awards for Southland  

Band 1: Abulia, James Hargest College

Band 2: Blxck Window, Central Southland College Band 3: The Southern Stones, Menzies College Solo/Duo 1: Faith Dick, Central Southland College Solo/Duo 2: Carson Smith, Gore High School

Smokefree Tangata Beats Award: Rainfall, Central Southland College Best Vocals: Blxck Window, Central Southland College

Musicianship: Abulia, James Hargest College ZM Best Song: Meadow Bodkin Allen, James Hargest College APRA Lyric Writers’ Award: M.O.R.B, Verdon College