Seventeen-year-old singer-songwriter Michael Kuresa, from Southland Boys’ High School, has taken first place of the Southland Smokefreerockquest.

Runners-up were musical duo Marea Malinao and Chantelle Talaese, from Verdon College.

Both placegetters have taken home musical prize packages and will be moving into the next phase of the competition.

Michael Kuresa won the top spot with his song ‘Across the Ocean’, which tells the story of a long-distance relationship. Michael, who is also the head boy at Southland Boys’ High School, said he didn't expect to win the competition and was stoked to just be a part of the competition. 

“I’m so passionate about my music and it is something I will take with me no matter where life takes me,” he said.

“A dream of mine would be to release music that everyone loves and perform to a sold-out stadium. I’ve worked really hard and will continue to do so, so I hope that is what came through for the judges.”

This year's winners of the regional Smokefreerockquest competition must now submit new footage to be considered to play off at the Smokefreerockquest national final in Auckland on Saturday, September 12.

Each video entry will be judged by a panel of expert judges. Artists will be whittled down to the Top 10 National Finalists; which will be made up of the top seven bands and top three solo/duo artists.

Due to earlier COVID-19 restrictions, the event models were revised to hold this year's competitions online. The public can follow the progress of the competition through the Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats social channels and website, where there will be virtual regional shows and awards from the video entries.

As well as a shot at first, second and third place at a national level, competing artists can also win the Musicianship Award, Rockshop Electronic Assisted Performance, Best Vocal, APRA Lyrics Award, and the ZM Best Song.  

Smokefreerockquest is recognised as the "launching pad" for many great Kiwi musicians. 

Founder and director of the competition Pete Rainey said that at the regional level some entrants were already demonstrating the standout factor that may see them achieve music career success. 

“It’s fascinating for us to look back at success stories like Kimbra, Marlon Williams, and Broods where we could see the star factor right back at the regional level. Each event gives a new cohort of bands the opportunity to take their obsession with music and develop the organisational and stagecraft skills that will help them become another Kiwi music success.” 

Marea Malinao and Chantelle Talaese, from Verdon College.

Smokefreerockquest winners also win prize packages, which include $22,000 in Rockshop vouchers, $16,000 NZ On Air recording, a video and promo package, and a photoshoot and branding package from Imaginary Friends. 

The Smokefree Tangata Beats national final is also held the night before on Friday, September 11. Smokefree Tangata Beats is run alongside Smokefreerockquest with a focus on the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa New Zealand and the South Pacific. 

View Michael's winning entry here: