Southland Boys’ High School based rock band, The Internship, took out first place at this year’s Southland regional Smokefreerockquest final at the Civic Theatre on Friday night (14 Jun).

The competition, now in its thirty-seventh year, is held annually throughout New Zealand and gives young high school musicians the opportunity to perform and compete in public. Regional winners go on to compete in a national final.

Band member Sam Kubrycht-Ellis (Drums, Acoustic Guitar) said they were “over the moon” with their win.

“We haven’t been practicing for very long and we went into this with a ‘let’s give it a crack’ attitude."

"We would have been happy to walk away with nothing, because we had so much fun and enjoyed seeing all the other talented bands."

"We are really grateful for this opportunity to do what we love.”

Second place in the band category went to Sounds Of Chaos from James Hargest College; Jotaro Matsuo (Saxophone), Ollie Wilkinson (Bass), Chloe Amos (Lead Guitar), Draven Booth (Lead Vocals), Lachie Calvert (Keyboard, Saxophone), Amanda Henderson (Lead Vocals), Angus Tait (Drums).

They join solo-duo winners for Southland, Faith Dick from Central Southland College and Bellebirds from Maruawai College with the opportunity to submit a video of their original material for selection as one of the top 10 national finalists.

For Danya Sanerivi, RQP event manager, the regional finals are a highlight of the event run.

"It's fascinating to see the growth in these bands from the heats to the finals."

"They really step up their game, pouring everything they've got into their performances."

"It’s like they hit a new level, and you can’t help but feel proud of them."

Smokefreerockquest Southland 2024 results

1st Band (Smokefreerockquest) - The Internship from Southland Boys’ College

2nd Band (Smokefreerockquest) - Sounds Of Chaos from James Hargest College

3rd Band (Smokefreerockquest) - blxckwindow from Central Southland College

1st Solo-Duo (Smokefreerockquest) - Faith Dick from Central Southland College

2nd Solo-Duo (Smokefreerockquest) - Bellebirds from Maruawai College

Musicianship Award - Hinny Bunnage (Drums) of That Band from Maruawai College

Musicianship Award - Oliver White (Keyboard) of blxckwindow from Central Southland College

Smokefree Best Vocals Award - Faith Dick from Central Southland College

ZM Best Song Award - Southern Stones from Menzies College