Aotearoa’s Next Generation Crowned at 2026 Smokefreerockquest National Finals

Fifteen rangatahi acts, a prize pool of over $60,000 and two events showcasing the inspiring talent and creativity of Aotearoa’s future music community – Smokefreerockquest 2026 has celebrated an extraordinary year of original live music, with Lily Moore from Havelock North High School and Northland’s Fork taking home the prestigious national titles.

Event judge and More FM / Channel X Content Director Reagan White was extremely impressed with how each members’ individual performances contributed to Fork’s band dynamic;

“Fork really isn’t trying to sound like someone else. Not one of them was carrying it individually – they were all contributing equally.”

Artist, musician and judge Sofia Machray adds;

“I really felt like Fork was channeling something – it was so authentic. I kept focusing on each different band member and they were all so strong. Each of them stood out in their own way.”

When asked about the band and the win, Fork shared;

“Music is our therapy, we use it to understand our feelings. It feels totally unreal, we’re beyond stoked to have won. This has been a goal of ours ever since we started this band. We want to thank everyone that’s helped us on our journey – Mr Brown, Niel, our mums and families. We wouldn’t be doing this without them.”

For the first time in over two decades, the Smokefreerockquest National Finals were brought to Aotearoa’s capital, with the 2026 National Finalists celebrating their journey through the multi-stage competition process – where over 1,100 student acts participated – and performing on Massey University’s incredible Great Hall stage.

On Thursday 17 September, alternative folk artist Lily Moore from Havelock North High School claimed first place, followed by punk rock band Fork from Bream Bay College winning first place in the band category on Friday 18 September.

For both winners, the national achievement comes with incredible opportunities to further their music careers, with each receiving an NZ On Air Recording, Video and Promotion package worth $10,000 each, as well as musical equipment from the Rockshop – $3,000 worth for Lily Moore and $10,000 for Fork.

Six60 bassist and event judge Chris Mac said Lily’s performance was one of the most vulnerable he’s ever witnessed at Smokefreerockquest;

“The vulnerable themes and honesty in Lily’s music were beautiful. Her voice was effortless and impressive, I really loved the guitar hooks and chord changes – she’s a very mature songwriter.”

Founded by Glenn Common and Pete Rainey in 1988, Smokefreerockquest has become an integral part of Aotearoa’s music landscape, supporting the early careers of many successful artists including Marlon Williams, Six60, Fazerdaze,
Aldous Harding, Troy Kingi, Drax Project, Brooke Fraser, Kimbra, Bic Runga and many more.

Nearly four decades on, the kaupapa continues to give young people across the motu the opportunity to create, perform and develop their own original music in a professional environment.

In 2026, more than 1,100 acts and over 3,700 student performers took part across 22 regions and 37 live events, from the Far North to Southland.

The 15 Rockquest National Finalists represented the very best of this year’s competition, earning their places through a nationwide journey of regional performances, hard work and dedication. Beyond the awards, every finalist gained valuable experience, participating in a diverse range of workshops across the two days, focused on songwriting, recording, media training, gig organisation and more. These workshops are designed to help students build the skills and confidence to navigate their next steps as emerging artists beyond the National Finals.

The events not only celebrated the hard work of all the participants, but also students, teachers and alumni of Massey University, as James Coyle, Director of Technical and Commercial Services Toi Rauwhārangi, shares;

“This year at the Great Hall Massey University we have a team of 50 Screen Arts and Commercial Music students, working alongside graduates, staff and industry professionals to produce the live show and broadcast. We are so proud of the work they are doing to elevate the performances of our emerging young musicians. What’s even more exciting is that this is just the start of the Massey University and Rockquest
Promotions partnership.”

Additionally, all 2026 National Finalists receive the opportunity to record a song in a professional recording studio thanks to the Ministry of Education.

Smokefreerockquest 2026 is presented by the Wright Family Foundation and powered by the Rockshop. Proudly supported by Rockquest Promotions, Health NZ, Wright Family Foundation, Ministry of Education, Massey University,
Freemasons Foundation, and NZ on Air.

2026 Smokefreerockquest National Final – full award list:

Solo/Duo National Final – Thursday 17 September

● 1st place solo/duo: Lily Moore – Havelock North High School wins $3,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop and an NZ On Air Recording, Video and Promotion package
● 2nd place solo/duo: Mind the Gap – Burnside High School wins $1,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop
● 3rd place solo/duo: Ioteva – Manurewa High School wins $500 of musical equipment from the Rockshop

Special Awards

● The Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award: Stella Riley – Papamoa College wins a professionally recorded song
● Musicianship Award: Alex Gibson, Mind the Gap – Burnside High School wins $500 cash
● Smokefree Best Vocals Award: Sophie Toyne – Whanganui High School wins $500 cash

Band National Final – Friday 18 September

● 1st place band: Fork – Bream Bay College wins $10,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop and an NZ On Air Recording, Video and Promotion package
● 2nd place band: Go Getter – Bethlehem College wins $5,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop
● 3rd place band: Talking Furniture – Bayfield High School wins $3,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop

Special Awards

● Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award: Sidetracked – Rutherford College & Hobsonville Point Secondary School wins a professionally recorded song
● Musicianship Award: Brodie Jones, drummer from Talking Furniture – Bayfield High School wins $500 cash
● Smokefree Best Vocals Award: Ruby Murphy, Sidetracked – Rutherford College wins $500 cash
● APRA Lyric Award: Anna King – Te Puke High School wins $500 cash
● Rockshop Electronic Assist Award: Trolley – Havelock North High School wins Advance Push 3 live performance interface USB/MIDI controller & audio interface pack
● Sapiens Content Creator Award: Go Getter – Bethlehem College wins a social media mentor package and content shoot
● Chloe Wright Scholarship: Isabelle Cannon – Kerikeri High School wins up to three years of tertiary education at any NZ institution
● Chloe Wright Scholarship: Finn Clark, Trolley – Havelock North High School wins up to three years of tertiary education at any NZ institution