Central Otago high school musical talent was on show at the Smokefree Rockquest Central Otago Regional Final on Saturday (June 14). 

Dunstan High School (DHS) band Stolen Rings placed second overall out of 17 bands, behind Mt Aspiring College’s Superficial. 

The Stolen Rings are Max Hollebon (drums), Jimmy Naylor (bass), Jay-T McFadyen (vocals/guitar), and Josh Ballantine (guitar) and it is the second time the band has entered the competition.

Second place went to DHS’s Stolen Rings. Photo: Dunstan High School 

DHS principal Andrew King said he was incredibly proud of Max, Jimmy, Josh, and Jay-T.

“Their hard work on their original songs, both in and out of class, truly shows their passion and commitment to developing their own music.

"Their dedication, supported by staff and parents, is helping them refine their skills and explore their passion. I am looking forward to hearing the new songs they are working on.”

Two Cromwell College pupils were awarded individual awards. They were a musicianship prize to Sullivan (Sully) Sonntag drummer in The Bad Haircuts and best vocalist to Mischa Thomlinson from Offshore. 

Cromwell College‘s The Bad Haircuts returned to rockquest for a second time in 2025 with original metal songs Grave-born and Buried. Photo: Cromwell College

Pupils in year 12 band The Bad Haircuts were Ollie Dicey, James White, Sullivan Sonntag and Connor Haig. The members of Offshore are Mischa Tomlinson (vocals), Ethan Fiebig (guitar), Indie Cameron (bass) and Logan Hunt (drums).

Cromwell College's second band Offshore in matching t-shirts for their performance. Photo: Cromwell College/Mischa Tomlinson Music Facebook

In 2024 Cromwell College band Mistep placed third at the regional final, going on to future success opening for the Gibbston Valley concert this summer after being selected by Everclear's lead singer Art Alexakis for the gig.

Smokefreerockquest is New Zealand's live, original music, youth event which gives young musicians the opportunity to perform live in a professional setting. The event aims to motivate young musicians to strive for success, to realise the opportunities available in music careers, and to encourage their peers to support original New Zealand Music.

The top two regional final winning bands, join the regions’s top two solo-duos and enter a video submission for the national top 30 selection. They then have a chance to perform at the national final.

Rockquest began in 1990 and was in five locations around New Zealand initially (Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Rotorua and Wellington). 

The concept has expanded to include Bandquest in 2011 (for primary and intermediate age students) and Showquest in 2018 (performing arts and wearable arts for year 1 to 13). 

Check out videos of the original songs in the regional final and information on the Central bands on their Instagram pages: The Bad Haircuts, Offshore and Stolen Rings.

Read more: Cromwell singer-songwriter’s tune to air on Shortland St.

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