- By Times’ Junior Journalist Manayah Peiris
A number of east Auckland schools have dominated the stage at the recent Bandquest competition.
What is Bandquest, you might ask? Well, the Rockshop Bandquest is an amazing chance for young performers in primary and intermediate schools to showcase their talents on stage, building their confidence and musical skill.
In a few words, it’s a great way to rock out and perform!
This year, a total of 14 bands from 12 different schools performed at the 2025 Manukau Regional Rockshop Bandquest.
The event was held at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna, with many of the east Auckland bands having to travel about an hour to get there!
East Auckland sent a total of five bands to Bandquest, from four different schools.
Somerville Intermediate sent two bands – 12 Volt Legends and S Nation.
The Rock Ninjaz from Point View School returned to compete, after coming in second place last year.
Mellons Bay School sent one band, PopMellon, and Farm Cove Intermediate was represented by the band Chaos.
Before the performance, the participants had to take part in a sound check, which gave them a chance to practise before the big evening.
Many band members were new to Bandquest, and there was no doubt there was a mixture of nerves and excitement in the air.
“I do get nervous,” said 12 Volt Legends member Ruby Williams, “but I never let it stop me from being the best I can be on stage.”
This was the case for every single band. They all performed exceptionally well, and all the hours they had put in before the day paid off.
The crowd’s support was highly valued, as they clapped and cheered for every band.
“You soon realise you’re really nervous when you’re backstage, anxious to get going.
“The support helps a lot and it felt really cool to be actually noticed for once,” said another 12 Volt Legends member, Declan Greenhalgh.
“Personally, I love performing onstage for people. It’s so fun sharing what I’ve worked hard for with a crowd of people,” commented Ruby.
The night concluded with an awards ceremony, with east Auckland bands scooping up multiple prizes.
The drummer from 12 Volt Legends received the Rocking Drummer award, and the guitarist from Chaos secured the Killer Guitarist award.
PopMellon came third overall, and they received high praise from the judges for their “incredible choreography”, “tight, solid performance”, and “brave solo moments”.
Although they only had five members, they filled the stage with engaging energy, and their placing was well deserved.
Second place went to 2K25, from Te Matauranga School, which is in Clendon Park.
First place went to one of the local bands – Rock Ninjaz from Point View School. They were ecstatic to earn a place in the online national final.
“Performing on stage felt awesome,” said keyboardist Chelsea Leong. “It felt amazing coming first,” she added.
The judges highlighted their “fantastic team work”, “high level of professionalism” and incredible tightness as a band.
“It felt like we finally did it! The lights and crowd made it so exciting, and we just gave it everything. It was the best feeling to play our songs that loud!” said Damon Cong, one of the band’s guitarists.
Bass guitar player, Maximus Bai, said: “I felt wild on stage and couldn’t stop.”
They certainly were energetic! Their Metallica set of For Whom the Bell Tolls and Enter Sandman was well received, with the judges highlighting their “100 per cent metal vibe”.
PopMellon and the Rock Ninjaz’ achievements should be especially praised, as they were up against mostly intermediate schools, many of which had competed in the past.
The Rock Ninjaz first entered Bandquest just last year, and to come first in the second year they’ve competed is remarkable.
This was the first year Mellons Bay School has ever competed, and to come third is also amazing, especially considering the fact they competed against kids up to three years older than them!
This win shows that whilst primary children are young, they are still capable of great things.
PopMellon and the Rock Ninjaz had a go, they weren’t intimidated by the bands they were up against, and they performed really well.
So if you’re a primary school musician/performer, this message is for you. Don’t let your age stop you – you can achieve anything you put your mind to!
- Manayah Peiris is in year 8 at Somerville Intermediate School
