"I think we probably stood out because we were having such a great time, we were making the most our last time in rockquest and on stage we just feed off each other so much to create the energy."
It would be amazing to win the Smokefree Rockquest final but that is not what it is about for Joe's Van, he said.
"It's about having a good time when we play and any prize is a bonus."
Another three piece outfit, progressive-rock band Hogshorts! from Otumoetai College, took out the second place in the band section. The members are Joshua Woodbine (lead guitar), Liam Buckley (bass) and Jack O'Brien (drums).
Ben Mollison, 16, from Bethlehem College was placed first in the solo/duo section.
Mr Mollison, who plays both acoustic and electric guitar, has only writing songs for the last 18 months, he said.
"I write about things that really inspire me, like other great musicians or art - one of my songs tonight was inspired by a John Lennon poster and the other one was a tribute to a family friend's mother who passed away," he said.
"Some of her family was in the crowd so it was quite emotional, and you don't hear a lot of young people getting into folk so that was a bit different."
Singer-songwriter Talia Dalton from Otumoetai College placed second solo/duo, accompanying herself on guitar.
The four acts win musical gear from associate sponsors NZ Rockshops, and the opportunity to gain selection for the national final at Auckland's Raye Freedman Centre on Septemeber 11.
Smokefree Rockquest Founder and director Glenn Common said there were more bands than ever reaching the high standard required from national finalists.
"This means that real dedication is required to achieve the 'stand out quality' that the judges will be looking for," he said.
"They have to capture 15 minutes of their original material on video in a process that demands creativity and musical ability, being able to work together as a group and having good organisational skills. What separates them out is perseverance - industry success seldom happens overnight."
The full list of awards made on Saturday night was:
Band 1st place: Joe's Van, Mount Maunganui College
Band 2nd place: Hogshorts! Otumoetai College
Solo/Duo 1st place: Ben Mollison from Bethlehem College
Solo/Duo 2nd place: Talia Dalton from Otumoetai College
Band 3rd place: The Phonics, Otumoetai College
APRA Lyric Award: Ben Mollison from Bethlehem College
Lowdown Best Song: Lily and Samara from Waihi College
Smokefree Award For Women's Musicianship: Sammie Dudley, Mt Maunganui College
People's Choice voted by text: The Lost Gods, Papamoa College
