Whanganui High School Band Wins 2026 Smokefree Tangata Beats

On Saturday 19 September, Smokefree Tangata Beats celebrated the cultural identity and creative expression of young musical talent in Aotearoa, with Whanganui High School band act Ngā hau e whā from taking out the illustrious first place title.

Vocalist for Ngā hau e whā, Alijah Ngaronga, was both excited and surprised by their win;

“I feel really surprised! The other bands were all so good, super talented, and I didn’t think we would come first. I was also surprised because I felt quite comfortable on that stage – we performed at the National Final in Tāmaki Makaurau last year. I was still a little nervous, but I just tried my hardest and it’s always so much fun getting to perform with my friends.”

For the first time in over two decades, the Smokefree Tangata Beats National Finals were brought to Aotearoa’s capital, with the ten 2026 National Finalists celebrating their journey through the multi-stage competition process and performing on Massey University’s incredible Great Hall stage.

Artist and event judge Wayno was incredibly impressed with their performance;

“It was a really charismatic performance, especially from the singers. They had the most mature sound, even though they were the youngest band.”

Moana Ete adds;

“Ngā hau e whā were showstoppers, I couldn’t quite believe my eyes and ears!”

Ngā hau e whā’s national achievement comes with incredible opportunities to further their music careers, receiving an NZ On Air Recording, Video and Promotion package, as well as $3,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop.

Smokefree Tangata Beats, which is run alongside Smokefreerockquest, is a platform for developing and growing young musical talent reflecting the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa and the South Pacific. Tangata Beats encourages young artists to connect with their roots and incorporate elements of Māori of Pasifika culture through original music that speaks to who they are and where they come from. It’s been a nurturing ground for many of Aotearoa’s most successful artists, including Nesian Mystik, the only NZ band to ever have ten singles certified gold and platinum.

The 10 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 focused on taonga pūoro, songwriting, media training 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 event 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.

Smokefree Tangata Beats is proudly supported by Rockquest Promotions, Health NZ, Rockshop, Ministry of Education and NZ on Air.

2026 Smokefree Tangata Beats National Final – full award list:

● 1st place band: Ngā hau e whā – Whanganui High School wins $3,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop and an NZ On Air Recording, Video and Promotion package
● 2nd place band: Tentations – Manurewa High School wins $1,500 of musical equipment from the Rockshop
● 3rd place band: Ribbit – Papatoetoe High School wins $500 of musical equipment from the Rockshop
● 1st place solo/duo: DnA – St Mary’s College wins $1,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop

Special Awards

● Musicianship Award: Augustine Panapa Lote, drummer of Tentations – Manurewa High School wins $500 cash
● Smokefree Mana Wahine Award: Madelyn Taylor, saxophonist in Teuila – Massey High School wins $500 cash
● NZ Music Commission Best Song Award: Rau Huia – Rotorua Boys’ High School wins $500 cash
● Smokefree Best Vocals Award: Bernard Kioa Nifo, Tentations – Manurewa High School wins $500 cash
● Te Reo Award: Rau Huia – Rotorua Boys’ High School wins $500 cash