On Friday 29 May 2026, Sancta Maria College’s annual Talent Quest event piqued the interest of over 140 student performers to express their talented abilities, under the theme of the “80s”. Our format changed this year, bringing together our houses in an epic battle to see who could present the best overall dance and band performances.
Thank you to every student involved: whether it be performing, behind-the-scenes, backstage, logistics, AV, etc., it was truly a team effort that made this year’s Talent Quest so special. Thank you to our teachers for providing their expert critiquing skills to judge this year’s winner.
Special mention to the MCs who hosted the night: Nathan and Eliyana, for their comedic entries and energetic vibe, and to our Performing Arts Prefects, Jake Price and Makee Enricoso, for their work organising this big event. Here are more student reflections from each of the houses:
Akaroa: Matthew Ye
Akaroa brought spectacular, classic, and vintage performances with both their dance and band acts, turning the clock back 40 years in an instant. We jammed timeless 80s rock tunes, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ by Guns N’ Roses and ‘Master of Puppets’ by Metallica. Thank you to our student leaders Kaizer, Josh, Jakob and Tristan, who led and coordinated our band enduringly behind the scenes.
In striking fashion, our dance act showcased a medley of ‘Beat It’ by Michael Jackson, ‘It’s Tricky’ by Run-D.M.C. and ‘Let’s Groove’ by Earth, Wind & Fire. Thank you to Zyrah and Olivia, our student leaders who worked tirelessly to choreograph all our actions to a tee.
Thank you to all Akaroa dancers, musicians, and other students who participated and helped with this year’s Talent Quest! We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s hard work and effort.
Unfortunately, we were unable to win this year, placed 3rd instead.
However, we made lasting memories and brought a show that all of us can be proud of – we will come back next year even stronger!
AKA AKA ROA ROA!!
Kororāreka: Jacob Fischer
You could see Kororāreka before you could hear us. Red bandannas, red shirts plus red jackets. The stage was red as far as the eye could see. Then our house prefect Nathan backflipped, and the school erupted. The crowd stayed loud for the rest of our set, which made everything that followed easier.
We performed three songs: ‘Rock with You’ by Michael Jackson, ‘Let’s Groove’ by Earth, Wind & Fire, and ‘Give It Up’ by KC and the Sunshine Band. Beside the dancers, our band held all our heads up high; trumpets, saxophone, clarinet, cello and drums, a bit more than the typical lineup you would expect to hear at a school Talent Quest.
Thank you to every Kororāreka dancer, musician, and backstage crew member who gave up their lunchtimes and afternoons for this. Special thanks to Nathan, who hosted the night as well as leading our house.
We placed fourth this year. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but the crowd support we had on the night was something worth showing up for, and we’ll take that into next year.
KORO KORO RA RA!
Hokianga: Audrey Basilio
Likewise, Hokianga also contained both a band and a dance act in the competition. Both dancers and musicians illuminated the stage with striking blue energy. Radiating the stage with an absolute thriller towards the audience. Our house has combined mixed 80s songs. For our band, we played songs such as:
– “Just the Two of Us” by Frank Sinatra
– “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel
– “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
Additionally, our dance act led by our Hokianga house prefect Kael Sunga has choreographed and mentored a large group of our selected dancers. Allowing them to perform with confidence and flexibility.
Both acts portrayed a strong and convincing 80s theme towards our judges, overall gaining a joint win with Waitematā!
Thank you to everyone’s participation and hard work – Hokianga’s mana will continue to shine blue!
#HokiangaBleedBlue!
Waitematā: Ruiqi Jiang
Electric energy pulsed through our veins as Waitematā’s dancers crouched down low backstage; our breaths heavy in our chest. With feet planted in the ground, our eyes glued to the radio as it traversed through a memory lane of music. Then, it hit the 80s.
A sea of green swept the stage – we “hit the groove” – dancing like mirrors of each other, just as we had practiced thousands of times before. The music became synonymous with our bodies, guiding each muscle to hit every beat. Suddenly, the music transitioned to “Mamma Mia,” and a line of dancers emerged in twirls. Nothing was visible except the blinding lights, which reflected our equally bright excitement.
Now, it’s not the 80’s without Michael Jackson. Thus, all dancers slipped on their sequined gloves like a “Smooth Criminal” and hit the stage. Each step and turn cut the air with sharp precision. The brilliant lights hit the sequined gloves in all the right angles, shooting green flares across the auditorium like a disco ball.
Finally, the blinds closed, and our leftover energy translated into smiles on our faces.
Thank you to our incredible leaders, dancers, and band members for their time and leading Waitemata to its win – a well-earned first place!
W for Waitematā!
