Mount Aspiring College (MAC) performers took out some key awards at the regional final of Smokefreerockquest at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Saturday (June 19).

The event showcased top bands and solo/duos from across the region, including six bands and three solo/duo acts from MAC.

The People’s Choice award went to MAC duo Paige Gawn and Ella Miles (‘Paige and Ella’), the Musicianship Award went to Domenico Robinson (of MAC band ‘Feed the System’), and the Best Vocalist Award went to Max Byrne (of MAC band ‘Salty Vision’).

“MAC soloist 'Daisy Ann' [Daisy Orbell], band 'Better Than Nothing' [Henry McConnell, Clarke West, Otis Murphy, Archie Orbell], and duo 'Paige and Ella' have all been given the chance to enter the next stage of the competition with the hope of being selected for the national finals,” MAC music teacher Mat Doyle said.

Daisy told the Wanaka App she “loved watching the incredible talent from the local communities within the region”.

MAC band ‘Better Than Nothing’ will enter the next stage of the rockquest. PHOTO: Wanaka App

She said she was very grateful for the support from her music teacher Mat, and added it was “extra special” to use her handmade guitar on Saturday. The guitar was crafted by her godfather Matt Greg, whose band ‘Deep Kick’ placed second in the national rockquest in 1997.

‘Better Than Nothing’, which is inspired by Sticky Fingers, Royal Blood, and Imagine Dragons, has a line-up of both original songs and cover songs.

The band’s growing reputation has been getting them noticed, and the band told the Wanaka App last year their “very cool” music teacher Mat offers the most help in finding opportunities for them to perform.

‘Better Than Nothing’, ‘Daisy Ann’, and ‘Paige and Ella’ will join the region's Smokefree Tangata Beats winners in submitting footage for selection as finalists to play at the Smokefreerockquest national final in Auckland on September 18.