They had a packed Theatre Royal “moshing” to their original tracks There You Go, and We Are an Absolute Mess.
But their new status proves they’re far from an absolute mess.
The 2026 Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats regional season wrapped up on Friday night, with Waimea College band, Unsupervised, named the top rockstars.
The four-piece, made up of Jordan Hinton, 16, Charlie Fillary, 14, and brothers William Connor, 16, and Harvey Connor, 14, celebrated their win by jumping and dancing together on stage.
Formed at the start of the year and inspired by bands such as Green Day and the Eagles, bassist and backing vocalist William says the title felt surreal.
Guitarist Jordan believes the group’s harmonies and stage atmosphere amped their winning chances.
“I am feeling so hyped!” he enthuses.
“Competing on a stage like this is awesome, especially with a band and such an amazing crowd.
“I recommend giving it a shot to anyone who is passionate about performing – it’s awesome and definitely a good experience.”
Unsupervised and second-placed Nelson College band Bailey Brothers, who were also named regional winners in the Smokefree Tangata Beats band section, now advance to the video submission stage.
They must provide three original songs to qualify for the national finals in Auckland.
Melodramatic, made up of students from Nelson College for Girls and Waimea College, came third.
The Solo/Duo section’s first and second place getters also progress. They were Golden Bay High School’s Poppy Willow and Waimea College’s Bella Watson.
The Bailey Brothers also took out the Smokefree Best Vocals Award, while Nelson College for Girls student Ciara Higginbotham, bassist for Recovery, received a Musicianship Award.
Aston Kibble from Garin College also earned a Musicianship Award as drummer for Meatball.
The Wright Family Foundation Best Song Award went to The Leafy Greens from Motueka High School, and the APRA Lyric Award was awarded to Shilja Tapper from Waimea College.
