Three Whanganui acts reach Smokefree Rockquest, Tangata Beats finals
Three Whanganui regional acts are gearing up for the capital after being named as finalists for Smokefree Rockquest and Tangata Beats 2026.
Whanganui High School scooped two spots and Tsyrian Tahau, who performs as Tuwharetorian, is the first-ever finalist from Rangitīkei College.
The finalists will compete in Wellington in September for more than $60,000 in prizes and the chance to join acts including The Black Seeds, Six60 and Marlon Williams as competition winners.
Smokefreerockquest, which started in 1988, is an annual competition that challenges students to create original music and perform it on stage before regional and national audiences.
Solo artist Sophie Toyne (Whanganui High School) was named one of seven finalists in the solo/duo category for this year’s Smokefree Rockquest event.
She said it was amazing to finally make it to the finals in her third year competing.
“Last year, I did my first time as a soloist because I wanted to work on writing songs on my own to see if I could build that confidence.
“I loved it so much. So then, I did this year as a soloist as well.
She describes her music as an acoustic country-folk blend, heavily inspired by Kiwi artist Jenny Mitchell.
“I was not expecting myself to get through, to be honest, and I did so it’s pretty cool.
“We’ve got an international student from the Czech Republic and she’s really into performing arts, so I’m really excited to bring her along.”
Tuwharetorian, a solo metal artist, qualified for the Smokefree Tangata Beats national final.
It was “pretty cool” to be the first student from Rangitīkei College to qualify for the national finals, Tuwharetorian said.
“I get compliments, but I don’t really know how to take them. I suppose I’m pretty stoked about it.
“I’ve never done anything in Wellington other than go there for a holiday.”
He competed twice in the band category but decided to switch to solo this year.
“It was my Dad who inspired me to perform on my own.
“He’d always told me that I was probably better on my own, because I’ve got enough talent to support myself.”
Rangitīkei College music teacher Ayden Hancy said he was “incredibly proud” of the hard work Tsyrian had put in to reach the finals.
“His dedication, talent and commitment have been outstanding.
“It is going to be fantastic to see someone from our school shine on such a big stage and we wish him all the very best.”
Whanganui High School’s 10-piece reggae band Ngā Hau e Whā also qualified for the Smokefree Tangata Beats finals.
Finalists were tested through regional heats, regional finals and a video submission stage judged by a panel of industry professionals, which selected 35 semi-finalists.
Tuwharetorian took home the Rockshop electronic assist performance award during regional finals, and Sophie Toyne the Smokefree best vocals award.
The acts were then rejudged by a new panel, thinning the pool to 15 finalists for Rockquest and 10 for Tangata Beats.
They will all have access to musician mentoring workshops and the chance to record a song in a professional studio.
Singer-songwriter and judge Riiki Reid said she was amazed by the level of talent this year.
“I was very inspired, in awe and left feeling so hopeful for the future of Aotearoa music after witnessing the incredibly strong talent of this year’s competition.
“Each year we see students move from strength to strength, but to be spoiled by this year’s calibre was something else.
“I know that this year’s contestants will become very familiar faces within our music industry and community from here on out; that’s how much belief I have in these young musicians.”
The 25 finalists will perform over three days at Wellington’s Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University.
It is the first time in more than two decades the finals have been held in Wellington.
Transport for regional acts has been funded by the Freemasons Foundation.
Noam Mānuka Lazarus (Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara) is a multimedia journalist at the Whanganui Chronicle.