Wanganuis Opera House will be rocking on May 23 when three bands from City College, 12 from Wanganui High School and two from Cullinane College compete in the regional final of 2014 Smokefreerockquest.
City College music tutor Andrew Wetherall says The Next Generation from the college are three passionate musicians and have as good a chance of winning as any.
Bowlen Tui on keyboard and vocals, Tauira Smith, bass, and Te Aranga Heitia-Ponga are The Next Generation who play a mix of reggae and rock.
At the 2013 regional Smokefreerockquest, Bowlen won the lyric-writer award.
Mr Wetherall says the Smokefreerockquest counts towards NCEA credits in composition and group performance.