A new Smokefree Rockquest category for musical duets and soloists attracted so many contestants the finals were held over two sessions at the weekend in Auckland.
Almost 60 young musicians from Auckland secondary schools took to the stage at Raye Freedman Centre in Newmarket on Saturday for the region's inaugural final.
McAuley High School student Khona Va'aga-Gray won the late afternoon session, and Carmel College's Elena Siljic won the early afternoon session.
Second place went to Andre Smith of Glendowie College and double-act Talika, made up of twin sisters Shalina and Shantini Sandran from St Mary's College.
Avondale College's Thomas Stone, who plays under the name Thomston, was third along the duo Carlos - Bianca Rocca and Jamie de Jong from St Mary's and Carmel Colleges.
