Eight bands chosen for Pacifica Beats finals

The eight high school bands chosen to compete at the Smokefree Pacifica Beats finals next month have a distinct "Aotearoa-New Zealand style".

"The kids have got it," said Anahera Higgins, spokeswoman for the judges and producer of TV's Mai Time. "They realise you can fuse two languages, whether that is te reo and English, Samoan and English or other Polynesian languages."

The finals will be in Wellington on September 2, with a $2500 grand prize and the chance to record two songs to be distributed on the internet. The Smokefreerockquest will be held the next night.

The eight bands, selected from regional finals and from videos, are: Asch-Rose Steedman, Whangarei Girls High School; Drum Fusion, Weymouth Intermediate (Auckland); BELOMERJ, Papatoetoe High School; Az One, Forest View High School (Tokoroa); Rhythm & Soul, Gisborne Girls High School; Koast-Line, Wairoa College; 1st Nation, Whakatupuranga Rua Mano, Otaki College; Te Wharekura o Te Rito Tuapae, Aranui High School, Christchurch.