Two Bay of Plenty acts are among the top 15 finalists of the Smokefreerockquest nationals.

Aisha and Bebe (Aisha Scott and Bebe Campbell), from Otumoetai College, are returning to the national finals, in which they came second last year.

Four Piece Go Getter, from Bethlehem College, have made it to the finals after winning the Bay of Plenty Smokefreerockquest final in June.

Go Getter is made up of Connor Cumins (guitar, vocals), Tre O’sulivan (bass, vocals), Isreal Cameron (guitar) and Issac Reidy (drums).

“Since its beginnings in 1989, Smokefreerockquest has provided a platform for thousands of young musicians,” a spokesperson for the event said in a statement.

Aisha and Bebe performing at 2024 Smokefreerockquest event. Photo / Chontalle Musson

In 2025, its 37th year, the event attracted more than 1000 acts - comprising more than 3200 young people - showing the enduring strength of youth music in New Zealand.

Across the country throughout May and June there were 34 events across 24 regions, with an online region available for those unable to make it to a live event.

“These standout acts have been selected following a multi-stage judging process which started with them performing their original material at regional live events,” an event spokesperson said.

To determine the national finalists, the top acts from each region were invited to submit live performance videos for the top 35 selection, which were viewed by a panel of industry professionals.

The top 15 national finalists for Smokefreerockquest 2025 are:

BANDS

Courtney’s Place – Scots College, Wellington College (Wellington)

Deaf Raccoon – John McGlashan College (Otago)

Equilibrium – Burnside High School (Christchurch)

Go Getter – Bethlehem College (Bay of Plenty)

HOON – Hillcrest High School, Vision College (Waikato)

IWI – Gisborne Boys’ High School, Awapuni School (Tairāwhiti)

Rumpus Machine – Long Bay College (North Shore)

SEEK HELP! – Queen’s High School (Otago)

SOLO-DUOS

Aisha and Bebe – Otumoetai College (Bay of Plenty)

Greer Castle – Wellington Girls’ College (Wellington)

Knelle Marsters – Papatoetoe High School (Manukau)

Kosta Silich – Kerikeri High School (Far North)

Levol Y – Manurewa High School (Manukau)

Sahara – Cambridge High School (Waikato)

Tahi O’Neil – Gisborne Boys’ High School (Tairāwhiti)

As part of the top 7 solo-duos, Aisha and Bebe have been invited to perform at the Smokefreerockquest solo-duo national final, at Auckland’s Big Fan on Thursday, September 11.

Go Getter will perform at the Smokefreerockquest band national final, at Auckland’s ASB Waterfront Theatre on Friday, September 12.