Bay of Plenty schools are celebrating after presenting a range of powerful performances at this year's ShowQuest competition.

The Sir Howard Morrison Centre came alive with school spirit as student teams performed live onstage at ShowQuest, the country's biggest student performing arts platform.

Bay of Plenty was the ninth and final region to hold the event. This year the platform returned to a live show format after hosting last year's event solely through digital shows, an adaption to the usual programme due to Covid-19.

In the Junior section, Rotorua Intermediate took out the winning spot with their piece portraying the effects and implications of Covid-19.

In the Open section, Rotorua Lakes High School took the title with their piece about the impacts of war on innocent people.

About being a part of the event, Lakes Student Captain, Brock Aitchison says: 'it's awesome…. it gives us a chance to tell a story, and in a way that wouldn't usually be told.”

His advice for students thinking about entering next year was simple, 'definitely just have commitment and give it a go. '

This year Mount Maunganui Intermediate took 96 students to compete in ShowQuest, and took out second place in the junior competition.

The students decided on a theme after the school vision, which is poipoia te kakaano kia puawai and this means, nurture the seed and it will blossom, according to Mount Maunganui Intermediate visual arts specialist teacher Sally Wylie.

Sally says the school's story 'follows a young girl who journey's from childhood to adulthood in the 21st century and all that she faces through trials, triumphs and TikTok”.

'Students always feel as though they need to act as chameleons and seamlessly blend into the environments they find themselves in, but Ko Wai Koe? Who Will You Be? This story speaks to being yourself and enjoying the journey, not only waiting for the destination.

'Ko Wai Koe? and it's 96 performers including a live band, backstage crew, dancers and actors placed 2nd overall in the Bay of Plenty junior division this year.

'A huge accomplishment in a stacked division this year. ShowQuest continues to be an enriched and unmatched opportunity for our young students to feel empowered as performers and artists.”

Teams were judged overall on their production, performance, movement, and theme.
The 2023 Bay of Plenty judges were Emma Carey, movement, Kahu Piripi, performance, and Ngahiriwa Rauhina judging the technical aspects of the performers.

Showquest was launched in 2018 by Rockquest Promotions, or RQP, the company behind music development programmes, Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats and Rockshop Bandquest.

Showquest Director and RQP General Manager Matt Ealand says that Showquest provides a growth opportunity for students that goes beyond developing skills in the performing arts.

'Having been active for six years, we can see just how much of a difference that can make for these young people on their journey into the arts. We have seen students return to the Showquest stage as leaders. They're exhibiting awesome teamwork, communication, and coordination skills, and with great confidence.”

The full list of awards from Showquest Bay of Plenty Junior:

1st Place: Rotorua Intermediate

2nd Place: Mount Maunganui Intermediate

3rd Place: Pāpāmoa Primary

ZM Soundtrack Award: St Mary's Putaruru

Best Live Music: Mount Maunganui Intermediate Highly Commended Live Music: St Mary's Putaruru

Best Theme: St Mary's Rotorua

Highly Commended Theme: Mount Maunganui Intermediate Best

Use of Drama: Rotorua Intermediate

Highly Commended Use of Drama: Mokoia Intermediate Best

Choreography: Mokoia Intermediate

Highly Commended Choreography: Mount Maunganui

Intermediate Best Lighting: Pāpāmoa Primary School

Highly Commended Lighting: St Mary's Rotorua

Best Use of LED Video Wall: Rotorua Intermediate

Highly Commended Use of LED Video Wall: Mount Maunganui Intermediate

Best Costume & Enhancement: Rotorua Intermediate

Best Use of Props: St Mary's Rotorua

The full list of awards from Showquest Bay of Plenty Senior:

1st Place: Rotorua Lakes High School

2nd Place: Rotorua Boys High School

Best Live Music: Rotorua Boys High School

Best Theme: Rotorua Lakes High School

Best Choreography: Rotorua Lakes High School

Highly Commended Choreography: Rotorua Boys High School

Best Lighting: Rotorua Lakes High School

Best Use of LED Video Wall: Rotorua Lakes High School

Highly Commended Use of LED Video Wall: Rotorua Boys High School

Whetū Rangatahi - Star of the Show: Ella Burke - St Mary's Putaruru

Showquest School Spirit: Mokoia Intermediate