"We knew it was quite a tight competition, so we were really humbled when we found out we had won."
The other members of Charlie Whack are Tom Smith (vocals, guitar), Sam Nisbet (drums) and Matt Nisbet (guitar).
Horizon from Hastings Boys' High School were second with band members LJ Crichton, Jordan Fuimano, Victory Peni, John Sali, Latu Amani and Posala Hunt.
The two bands have won musical gear and now have to submit 15 minutes of their best material for selection as national finalists; along with Isabelle Lorch from Taradale High School and Ruby Tuesday (Ruby McKnight) from Napier Girls' High School who were first and second in the Hawke's Bay solo-duo section announced at the regional heats last month.
Smokefreerockquest founder and director Pete Rainey said the Hawke's Bay finalists would have to be well-organised and work hard to make the most of the opportunity Smokefreerockquest offered.
"They have to submit video footage of their original music that will be judged in August as we lead up to the national final," he said.
"This process not only demands musical ability and creativity, they also learn to work together as a group and to develop the organisation and promotional skills they'll need if they're going to make it on the Kiwi music scene."
The regional events for Smokefreerockquest run from May 12 until July 7, with the top regional bands and solo/duos submitting video footage for selection to play off at the Smokefreerockquest national final on September 2 in Auckland.
Musical successes from Smokefreerockquest over its 28-year history include Broods, Kimbra, Opshop, Evermore and Ladyhawke.