Smokefree Pacifica Beats 2015 recognises and reflects the unique cultural identity of Aotearoa and the South Pacific.
This year, there were close to 100 entries in the event with some required to have some Māori or Pacific Island elements in their music or performances.
The top six Smokefree Pacifica Beats national finalist bands are:
Taniwha - Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Hoani Waititi, Auckland
Reciprocate - Alfriston College, Auckland
Blue Rhythm - Porirua College, Wellington
Alien Weaponry - Bream Bay College, Whangarei
Jah Mon Fever - Aotea College, Wellington
5XL - Gisborne Girls & Boys High School, Gisborne
The top two solo/duos are:
Kapiolani - Western Heights High School, Rotorua
1andhalf men - Campion College, Gisborne
Feleti Strickson-Pua from Nesian Mystic and Mai FM announcer K'lee were the judges. She says the national final was going to be a surprising night.
"I was very impressed with the cultural elements and the standard of songwriting from regions such as Gisborne and Rotorua, Some of the subject matter of their songs was really deep and very touching. For example there is one singer-songwriter with lyrics about a friend who died in a water accident - being in touch with their emotions and able to translate them into their singing and their music at this age is really impressive," she says.
The top six Smokefree Pacifica Beats finalists and the two best solo/duos are invited to Auckland for a weekend of music, mentoring, kaupapa maori and tikanga at the Waipapa Marae (band camp), this year held at the Waipapa marae of the University of Auckland.
The winner's prize pack will include musical gear valued at $3,000, a $10,000 song and video package and performance spots at some of the 2015/2016 Auckland Summer Festivals.