Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu student band win Gisborne Rockshop Bandquest

Clan of Mooks performing at Gisborne Rockshop Bandquest 2025. Photo / Tamsin Wilson

Young musicians from the band Clan of Mooks won the Gisborne region’s Rockshop Bandquest competition over the weekend.

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu students in the band competed with intermediate and primary students from 11 other bands at the War Memorial Theatre on Saturday.

Band members Orrin McCavana (bass), Jesse Vendt (drums) and Connal McCavana (guitar) took home a prize of $300 credit with NZ Rockshop for their school’s music department.

The entire band were left buzzing by their result in a competition they said they didn’t expect to win.

“We had a great time performing. When I was halfway through our performance, I just thought, ‘Let’s go!’” lead guitarist for the band, Connal McCavana, said.

Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu music teacher Jason Coogan was happy with the result.

“This was our first year entering Rockshop Bandquest as a school, so we’re pretty rapt,” Coogan said.

Over 300 bands from various regions are participating nationally this year. With 23 live events held in 16 different regions, it is the biggest year yet for the programme.

The programme, presented by The Wright Family Foundation, is run by Rockquest Promotions, which also runs Smokefreerockquest, Smokefree Tangata Beats and Showquest.

Co-founder and co-director Glenn Common said the benefits of participating went far beyond the event day.

“Rockshop Bandquest is an awesome and invaluable opportunity for these rangatahi,” Common said.

“Working together to plan and perform, they are learning through the experience – developing their communication, leadership and goal-setting skills in a fun, inclusive and supportive environment.”

Each of the regional winners is invited to submit a video of themselves performing for the national online final.

A panel of judges will view the submissions and select the national winners. The results will be announced on October 10.

Gisborne results

First place: Clan of Mooks from Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu.

Second place: Mint from Gisborne Intermediate.

Third place: KKN from Tolaga Bay Area School.

Original Song Wright-er Award: KKN from Tolaga Bay Area School for Taringa Whakarongo

Star Vocalist Award (jointly Awarded): Zac Robinson (Beast Mode) from Gisborne Intermediate

Star Vocalist Award: Tasmin Ryan (Mint) from Gisborne Intermediate.

Specialist Instrument Award: Ison (Nasty Rhythms) from Tolaga Bay Area School.

Rockstar Styles Award: Ocean Dreamers from Wainui Beach School.

Killer Guitarist Award: Connall McCavana (Clan of Mooks) from Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu

Rock-solid Bassist Award: Ngakau Morris (Some Hope, No Bill) from Ilminster Intermediate.

Rocking Drummer Award: Jiziah Aumua (Māori Mist) from Tolaga Bay Area School.

Outstanding Keyboardist Award: Ayumu Nozue (Flammable Armidillos) from Ilminster Intermediate.