2026 Smokefree Rockquest Finals @ Great Hall, Wellington – 18/09/2026

Fork, Go Getter, Talking Furniture, Lux, Deaf Raccoon, Trolley, Sidetracked, and Grizzlyfish made up the Top Eight bands selected from more than 1,100 acts nationwide, all performing tonight at the 39th Smokefreerockquest Band National Final at Massey University’s Great Hall. These eight finalists represented regions across Aotearoa — Wellington, Otago, Hawkes Bay, Northland, Auckland Central, and the Bay of Plenty — showcasing months of creativity, rehearsal, and dedication as they competed for a prize pool of more than $60,000.

Taking out 1st place was Fork from Bream Bay College, an all‑female punk band whose powerful performance earned them $10,000 of Rockshop gear plus an NZ On Air recording, video, and promotion package. 2nd place went to Go Getter from Bethlehem College, while 3rd place was awarded to Talking Furniture from Bayfield High School. Every finalist delivered standout original music, continuing Smokefree Rockquest’s legacy of elevating young musicians and launching future careers.

Special awards were also presented: Sidetracked won the Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award; Brodie Jones of Talking Furniture received the Musicianship Award; Ruby Murphy of Sidetracked earned Smokefree Best Vocals; Anna King from Te Puke High School won the APRA Lyric Award; Trolley received the Rockshop Electronic Assist Award; and Go Getter took home the Sapiens Content Creator Award. The night closed with huge applause for all performers — and excitement for tomorrow’s Smokefree Tangata Beats National Final.

Huge thanks for hosting us at this fantastic event.