For the first time in over two decades the Smokefreerockquest 2026 National Finals were held in Aotearoa’s capital, with the 15 rangatahi acts finalists across the Solo/Duo and Band categories performing on Massey University’s Great Hall stage in Wellington, in separate events held on Thursday and Friday 17/18 September.

Northland punk rock trio Fork, representing Bream Bay College, placed first in the band category, with Go Getter from Bethlehem College in Tauranga judged second, and Talking Furniture from Dunedin’s Bayfield High School third.

Musician and judge on the night, Sofia Machray praised the band for their independent approach. “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.” 

“Music is our therapy, we use it to understand our feelings,” the Fork members shared when asked about the win. “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, Neil, our mums and families. We wouldn’t be doing this without them.”

The band section also included several special awards with the Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award going to Sidetracked (Rutherford College and Hobsonville Point Secondary School). Brodie Jones the drummer of Talking Furniture claimed the Musicianship Award, and Ruby Murphy from Sidetracked won the Best Vocals Award.

The solo/duo event saw seven finalists performing, with alternative folk artist Lily Moore from Havelock North High School (pictured) winning the top prize. Second place went to Burnside High School duo Mind the Gap, with Ioteva from Manurewa High School claiming third.

Six60 bassist and event judge Chris Mac had high praise for Moore’s performance. “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.”

The Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award in the solo/duo section went to Stella Riley from Papamoa College. Alex Gibson of Mind the Gap from Burnside High School in Ōtautahi won the Musicianship Award, with Sophie Toyne of Whanganui High School claiming the Best Vocals Award.

In 2026, more than 1100 acts and over 3,700 student performers took part in Smokefreerockquest across 22 regions and 37 live events, from the Far North to Southland. All the national finalist acts will receive the opportunity to record a song in a professional recording studio thanks to the Ministry of Education, with the two main winners and receiving an NZ On Air recording, video and promotion package.

Solo/Duo National Final

• 1st place solo/duo: Lily Moore – Havelock North High School 
• 2nd place solo/duo: Mind the Gap – Burnside High School 
Special Awards
• 3rd place solo/duo: Ioteva – Manurewa High School
• The Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award: Stella Riley – Papamoa College
• Musicianship Award: Alex Gibson, Mind the Gap – Burnside High School
• Smokefree Best Vocals Award: Sophie Toyne – Whanganui High School

Band National Final

• 1st place band: Fork – Bream Bay College 
• 2nd place band: Go Getter – Bethlehem College
• 3rd place band: Talking Furniture – Bayfield High School
Special Awards
• Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award: Sidetracked – Rutherford College & Hobsonville Point Secondary School
• Musicianship Award: Brodie Jones, Talking Furniture – Bayfield High School 
• Smokefree Best Vocals Award: Ruby Murphy, Sidetracked – Rutherford College
• APRA Lyric Award: Anna King – Te Puke High School 
• Rockshop Electronic Assist Award: Trolley – Havelock North High School
• Sapiens Content Creator Award: Go Getter – Bethlehem College
• Chloe Wright Scholarship: Isabelle Cannon – Kerikeri High School 
• Chloe Wright Scholarship: Finn Clark, Trolley – Havelock North High School