Woodford House's interpretive dance about the seven stages of grief has won Hawke's Bay's Showquest at Toitoi: Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre.
Woodford House team student captain Isabel Westwood said the win was down to teamwork.
"We have bonded a lot because it's been four months of rehearsal."
The 17-year-old said they had full rehearsals every Sunday and everyone involved came together to put out a winning performance.
"We felt really connected," she said.
Hawke's Bay was the seventh region to hold an event for Aotearoa's biggest performing arts competition.
Rockquest Promotions general manager Matt Ealand said the regional Showquest competition this year had again opened their eyes as to how talented rangatahi are in New Zealand.
"We are extremely grateful to be back with live events this year and, yet again, we are amazed by the high quality of performances," he said.
"The leadership and teamwork required in building a performance of this level are immense and these school teams have done an incredible job."
Teams were judged overall on their production, performance, movement and theme.
William Colenso College came second with Napier Girls' High School third.
'I think about Mum and Dad a lot. It is such a shame they're not alive to see this.'