Pickering had been involved in Dargaville Intermediate’s Showquest entries when she worked there and knew how much the performing arts event did for student confidence and wanted to get Tangowahine involved too.
“Being a small school, people may write us off, but I wanted to show that we could do this and do it well. The kids were buzzing about their win … understandably, as their performance was about bees,” Pickering said.
“It’s very exciting to win and at our first attempt too. It’s pretty amazing, but the whole school was involved, all 14 students performed and the whole school community get behind it. We didn’t have a budget, so made all the costumes, props and scenery ourselves.”
Bees are essential for global food security and ecosystem stability. They pollinate roughly one-third of the human diet and more than 80% of flowering plants, and the school had been learning about this.
Showquest said despite being one of the smallest and most rural schools in the competition, and this being their first time entering Showquest, Tangowahine School delivered a performance that left a lasting impression on both judges and the audience.
“Their performance used the symbolism of bees to explore connection, resilience and kaitiakitanga, reminding audiences that even the smallest actions can create powerful change. Their success highlighted the unique opportunity Showquest provides for young people from communities of all sizes to share their stories, creativity and culture on a professional stage.”
Dargaville Intermediate were runners-up in the category, with Onerahi School third.
Dargaville High School’s powerful anti-racism performance earned the school first place in the senior category at the Northland Showquest final
In the Showquest Senior Category, Dargaville High School took home first place with a powerful and memorable performance centred on a moving exploration of intergenerational connection, their performance followed a young man disconnected from his family history until he begins to uncover the memories, sacrifices and stories carried by his grandfather.
Bream Bay College were second, with Excellere College in third.
The evening also featured the TOI wearable art showcase, presented in collaboration with World of Wearable Art (WOW), highlighting the imagination and originality of young designers, in blending fashion, performance and storytelling.
Pompallier Catholic College took home the junior Star of the Night award for their stunning garment “Red between Worlds”, at the Northland Showquest final, impressing judges with their innovative use of materials.
Pompallier Catholic College took home the junior Star of the Night award for their garment “Red between Worlds”, impressing judges with their innovative use of materials.
For full results, go to www.rqp.co.nz.