National Award at Rockquest

Having taken on and conquered over 400 rock bands throughout the country, College rock band, Haze had their moment in the spotlight over the weekend, having won a place in highly coveted SmokeFree Rockquest National final at the Dorothy Winstone Theatre.  

Performing two original songs, Thomas Hyland (Guitar), Ethan Jupe (Guitar), Christina Middelbeek-Harrison (Vocals), Tom Mills (Bass) and Jayden Welsh (Drums) were exceptional and at the end of the evening were presented with the National Peoples’ Choice award – one of the major awards in the competition. 

The SmokeFree Rockquest has become a national institution for secondary school musicians advertising itself as ‘New Zealand’s only nationwide, live, original music, youth event.’ Now in its 29th year, Rockquest has been the launching pad for a number of New Zealand’s top acts such as Ladyhawk and The Broods. 

At the National Finals, world class opportunities and mentoring are provided for the final twelve bands. Haze recorded five original songs at The Lab in Mt Eden as well as receiving a full day’s mentoring from ELEMENOP bassist, Lani Purkis at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios, giving them the opportunity to develop and refine their performance before taking on the best of the best. 

The College Rock programme currently boasts 15 bands, comprising 63 students, all directed by Mr Geordie McCallum who also teaches guitar from the Music Centre’s Rock Studio.