Massey graduate, Riiki Reid performing in the Great Hall in 2025, as guest lead singer for Fly My Pretties.
RQP, which was established with the very first Smokefreerockquest in 1988, is now the largest provider of creative arts opportunities outside the classroom in Aotearoa New Zealand. It delivers 70 music and performing arts events involving over 600 schools and 15,000 secondary school students, each year.
Under the terms of the three-year partnership, Massey University will provide in-kind facilities and resources, such as mentors and judges, to assist RQP to deliver its programme of events. In 2026, Massey University’s Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts will host the Wellington region finals and the national finals for Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats in the Great Hall of the recently renovated former Dominion Museum building.
RQP General Manager Matt Ealand, says Massey University has created a world class venue for live music performances and it’s wonderful to bring the national final back to Wellington for the first time since 2005.
“This is an amazing opportunity for students to experience the outstanding facilities and learn from Massey’s amazing pool of teaching talent, from engineers through to accomplished musicians.”
Toi Rauwhārangi College of Creative Arts Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Maile, says bringing Smokefreerockquest back to Wellington is recognition of the city’s collaborative and supportive creative community.
“Performing at Smokefreerockquest can lead to a lifetime love of music and the creative arts. Many of our current students, alumni and more than half of our music staff were involved with Smokefreerockquest as teenagers.”
Accomplished Wellington singer songwriter, Riiki Reid is a graduate of Massey University’s Bachelor of Commercial Music and performed in the Smokefreerockquest final with her Onslow College band, Retrospect in 2015. Today, Riiki tours alongside some of New Zealand’s most successful international artists and has three EPs and 15 singles to her name.
Mr Ealand says while building her musical career over the past ten years, Riiki has worked at Smokefreerockquest as a judge, mentor and presenter.
“There are so many creatives, singers, musicians, producers and technicians like Riiki who love giving the next generation opportunities to perform. Our partnership with Massey University recognises the creative eco-system we are part of, and the importance of our longstanding collaboration.”
The regional and national finals for Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats are projected to attract approximately 2000 musicians, their families and supporters. Research by a group of academics, including Massey University lecturers in music and the screen arts, has shown that for every $1 spent on live performance, $3.20 is returned in value to the economy.
Professor Maile says music and the arts continue to play a crucial role in our society and economy.
“The creative arts fuel innovation in our economy and it is vital that we continue to train, nurture, support and promote our young musicians and creative artists.”
Wellington Mayor Andrew Little says he’s delighted Smokefreerockquest is coming back to the capital after being away for 21 years.
“Wellington has a rich and diverse music scene and some of our most successful bands, from the Black Seeds and Phoenix Foundation to King Kapisi, have gone on to great things after performing at Smokefreerockquest.
“The capital is ready to put on a great show for the return of Smokefreerockquest national final, and excited to host finalists from around New Zealand in their quest for musical glory,” he adds.
The Smokefreerockquest and Tangata Beats national finals are being held in the Great Hall, Massey University Wellington September 17,18 and 19. Entries for both contests are now open at https://www.rqp.co.nz and https://www.rqp.co.nz/tangata-beats
Award winning singer songwriter Kimbra took part in Smokefreerockquest the last time the final was held in Wellington, in 2005.
Jubilant members of the Electric Confectionaires after the band won Smokefreerockquest the last time the final was held in Wellington, in 2005.
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