Young Musical Talent Celebrated at the 2026 Rockshop Bandquest National Final

Twenty-six bands made up of primary and intermediate students from across Aotearoa were celebrated at the 2026 National Final for Rockshop Bandquest, presented by the Wright Family Foundation.

The National Finalist pool was made up of bands placing first at their regional event, where they won $300 of musical equipment from the Rockshop for their school music department, as well as the opportunity to submit a two-song video for the online National Final judging.

Performing a combination of original songs and interpretations of covers selected by the students, the bands taking home awards represented Waikato, Canterbury, Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Otago, the Bay of Plenty and Hawkes
Bay, with both first and second place – Cavemen (pictured above) and The Reset – hailing from the capital. Cavemen, the year 8 winners, performed an indie-rock original called Scars and Sweet Child O’Mine by Guns N’ Roses.

Judge and artist Riiki was awed by the level of talent evident among these tamariki;

“I was truly blown away by the amount of talent in this year’s Bandquest competition! In particular, the drummers really stole the show for me this year! The level of songwriting is also very impressive – very much that of musicians much older than them. I am very excited for these young tamariki to keep developing their music and to watch them grow through
their musical journey.”

Rockquest Promotions Co-Founder and Director, Glenn Common, adds;

“Since Bandquest launched in 2011, we’ve really noticed how programmes like this benefit the creative confidence of our young people. It’s so inspiring watching young kids take the stage for the very first time and realise their potential, all the while having a fun time with their friends and classmates. We’re fortunate enough to meet Bandquest participants again
in later years when they take part in Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, and it’s a huge privilege to be a part of these formative musical beginnings.”

Rockshop Bandquest offers primary and intermediate students the unique opportunity to form bands, perform live and bring their classroom education onto a stage with professional-grade gear, igniting a life-long passion for creativity while simultaneously building confidence, resilience and collaboration skills.

Bandquest is powered by the Rockshop, presented by the Wright Family Foundation, and made possible through the generous support of the Lotteries Board (DIA) and Lion Foundation.

2026 Rockshop Bandquest National Final – full award list:

1st place: Cavemen – South Wellington Intermediate School win $2,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop and the opportunity to record a song
2nd place: The Reset – Rangikura School win $1,500 of musical equipment from the Rockshop
3rd place: No Way Out – Te Atatu Intermediate win $1,000 of musical equipment from the Rockshop

Special Awards:

Original Song Wright-er Award: Rocksical: Waimea Intermediate win $200 cash for school music department
Star Vocalist Award: Miguel Rizzi, Youth Criminal – Mount
Maunganui Intermediate School
Star Vocalist Award: Ireland Osburn, Five Leaf Clover – Havelock North Intermediate
Specialist Instrument Award: Aisha Kimura (violinist), Friday
Harmonies – Somerville Intermediate School
Rockstar Styles Award: Vicente De Castro Gomez, Vicente and the Unihorns – Northcote Intermediate School
Killer Guitarist: Arthur Zhang, The Anarchy – Murrays Bay
Intermediate
Rock-Solid Bassist: Zac Perkins, Unfinished Business – Mount Aspiring College
Rocking Drummer: Robert Reyes, Lemon Essence – Lemonwood Grove School
Outstanding Keyboard Player: Hannah Li, The Blue Socks –
Southwell School