Te Urewera win award at Smokefree Pacifica Beats

Te Urewera didn't leave empty handed despite missing out on a placing at the Smokefree Pacifica Beats national final in Auckland last night.

The band from Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Huiarau in Ruatahuna took home the Native Reo Award and $500 cash.

The reggae-soul band comprises Puhikura Teka on vocals, Rangiwhaitiri Edwards on bass, Kirihou Teka on vocals, Rangiataahua Tawhara-Mita on keyboard, and Manaaki Ahuriri on drums.

Te Urewera is Puhikura Teka, (left), Rangiwhaitiri Edwards, Kirihou Teka, Rangiataahua Tawhara-Mita, and Manaaki Ahuriri. Photo/Supplied

Puhikura said "our song was based on our land - where we live in Te Urewera - and was to encourage our youth from our hometown to be who they are and to know where they're from."

Six piece soul outfit Jubilee from Auckland's Aorere College took first place during last night's final at the Dorothy Winstone Centre at Auckland Girls Grammar.

Entrants in Smokefree Pacifica Beats competed throughout winter in 37 heats and finals from Invercargill to Whangarei held in conjunction with Smokefreerockquest.

The Smokefreerockquest national final is tonight in Auckland.

The full list of awards made at the national final was:

1st placed band: Jubilee, Aorere College, Auckland

2nd placed band: Blessed, Manuwera High School, Auckland

1st placed solo/duo: Rose Campbell, Wairoa College

MAINZ Best Musicianship Award, tuition fees valued at over $4000: Soakai Malamala (synth, brass, keys), Jubilee, Aorere College

Smokefree Mana Wahine Award, $1000 cash: Samantha Booth (vocals), Mellow, Gisborne Girls' High School

Best Vocals Award, $1000 cash: Lisha Anitelea, Evile Laloata, Sholita Umutaua, Proud Brown, Heata Community Campus & Mairehau High School

NZ Music Commission Best Song Award, $500 cash: Fuzhun, Shirley Boys' High School, Christchurch

Native Reo Award, $500 cash: Te Urewera, TKKM o Huiarau, Ruatahuna