After months of preparation, five Northland schools will be competing tonight for the title of regional Showquest champions.
Northland is the first region to stage the annual performing arts event, with local teens capturing the spirit of Showquest with their self selected themes such as grief, and a modern-day adaptation of the Māori legend of Tamatane.
Showquest is staged nationwide by Rockquest Promotions, the team behind the successful original music competitions Smokefreerockquest and Smokefree Tangata Beats, and this year expects record entries in 10 regional centres.
Event director Matt Ealand said the team was looking forward to the second year of the programme.
"Last year we saw some incredible teamwork, with students working together to develop performances about themes that were important to them," said Ealand.