The Civic Theatre was a buzz of activity and excitement on Friday 21 May as the venue hosted school teams performing in Showquest, Aotearoa’s biggest performing arts competition for schools. 

Southland was the third region to hold the event. Rockquest Promotions General Manager Matt Ealand said that the regional Showquest competition this year has again opened their eyes to how talented the young rangatahi are in New Zealand.

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“We are extremely grateful to be back with live events this year and yet again we are amazed by the high quality of performances. The leadership and teamwork required in building a performance of this level is immense and these school teams have done an incredible job.”

In the Junior section, Rimu Full Primary School took out the winning spot with their piece themed around the history of Southland. In the Open section, James Hargest Senior took the title with their piece themed around the absence of love.

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Teams were judged overall on their production, performance, movement, and theme.  

Bryan Aitken, a judge at the event, said the Southland event was fantastic; “It’s like the 1st XV of performing arts here, with such extraordinary understanding of what is happening in the world.”

The full list of awards from Showquest Southland Junior:

1st Place: Rimu Full Primary School

2nd Place: James Hargest Junior

3rd Place: Winton School

ZM Soundtrack Award: Rimu Full Primary School Best Theme: Rimu Full Primary School Best Use of Drama: James Hargest Junior Best Choreography: James Hargest Junior Best Lighting: Winton School Best Use of Video Wall: Rimu Full Primary School Effect Costume and Enhancement: Winton School Best Use of Props: James Hargest Junior Tikanga Award:

The full list of awards from Showquest Southland Open:

1st Place: James Hargest Senior

2nd Place: Fiordland College

3rd Place: Southland Girls' High School

ZM Soundtrack Award: Southland Girls' High School Best Theme: Verdon College Best Use of Drama: James Hargest Senior Best Choreography: Southland Girls' High School Best Lighting: Southland Girls' High School Best Use of Video Wall: Fiordland College Effect Costume and Enhancement: Central Southland College Best Use of Props: Verdon College Outstanding Rangatahi: Hayley Monahan, Southland Girls' High School Star of the night: Double Bubble

Showquest is being staged in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington, Nelson, Canterbury, Otago, Southland. A National Final will name the top entry nationwide in September.