Rock band blxckwindow from Central Southland College and Winton School took out first place at this year’s Southland regional Smokefreerockquest final at the Civic Centre on Friday night.

The programme, which is now in its thirty-seventh year, is held nationwide with events held in venues in 21 regions from Whangarei to Invercargill -hosting thousands of young musicians every year.

When chatting with frontman and vocalist Deacon about their win, he said he “didn't expect it at all”.

“When we got called for first place we all just lost our minds! We have been competing for four years and this is unfortunately out last year, but it's a great way to end it. I am just so proud of everyone in the band.”

Second place in the band category went to Third Degree from Southland Girls’ High School.

The top spot of the Solo-duo category went to Nadia Petch (Six String Confession) from Māruawai College, and second place to Noah Kuresa and Poliko Faalialia (2AM) from Southland Boys’ High School.

All four Smokefreerockquest place winners now have the opportunity to submit a video of their original material for selection as one of the top 15 national finalists to play off at the national finals in September.

Glenn Common, RQP Co-founder and Co-Director, says the next stage of the program offers new opportunities for development, building on what the entrants have already experienced.

“Preparing their performance helps develop their musicianship, songwriting, and performance skills. For bands and duos, it’s a collaborative effort that builds teamwork and important life skills, like communication. All entrants are learning valuable lessons

in setting goals and experiencing the sense of achievement that comes from creating something and showcasing it."

The full list of awards for Southland is (prize list below):

• 1st place Band (Smokefreerockquest) - blxckwindow from Central Southland College and Winton School
• 2nd place Band (Smokefreerockquest) - Third Degree from Southland Girls’ High School
• 3rd place Band (Smokefreerockquest) - therangaandtherest from Menzies College and Wyndham School
• 1st place Solo-Duo (Smokefreerockquest) - Nadia Petch (Six String Confession) from Māruawai College
• 2nd place Solo-Duo (Smokefreerockquest) - Noah Kuresa and Poliko Faalialia (2AM) from Southland Boys’ High School
• Musicianship Award - Walter Paterson (drummer from therangaandtherest) from Wyndham School
• Musicianship Award - Jirene Opaco (drummer from SunBleedsGold) from Central Southland College
• Smokefree Best Vocals Award - Noah Kuresa (2AM) from Southland Boys’ High School
• ZM Best Song Award - Third Degree from Southland Girls’ High School
• APRA Lyric Award - Fabian O’Donnell from Verdon College