Whakatāne High School band Why The Face? is celebrating a standout result after placing third at the 2026 Bay of Plenty regional final of Smokefreerockquest.

The five-piece band finished behind winners Grizzlyfish from Ōtūmoetai College and runners-up Spud from Mount Maunganui College. Lead singer Phoebe Askew also claimed the Smokefree Best Vocals Award.

“We’re over the moon about the placing,” Phoebe said.

Held at Totara Street last Friday, the sold-out regional final attracted an electric crowd of about 400 people, with 12 bands competing for a place in the national finals.

“It’s always a good energy,” said bass player Matthew Clark of the event.

“Everyone’s very supportive of each other. Everyone's friendly,” said drummer Harper Sheedy.

Phoebe said winning the vocal award came as a surprise.

“I am stoked. The room was full of extremely talented singers and, when they announced my name, my heart skipped a beat. I honestly couldn't believe what was happening until the room was chanting, 'Phoebe! Phoebe!’”

She said the band quickly realised the calibre of the competition.

“As soon as the first band played, we knew how strong the competition was going to be. Placing third has been one of the biggest highlights of our year and of our time as a band.”

The experience had inspired them to keep working together and to aim high, she said.

The band also includes Noah Vullings (rhythm guitar and backing vocals) and Luke Sims (lead guitar).

Although only the top two bands automatically progress to the national finals, Why The Face? still has another opportunity.

“This is because we placed third last year,” said Noah. “The rules are at least 50 percent of your band has to place in the final previously.”

Since their whole band placed at last year’s final, they are eligible to submit for a second-chance selection, he said.

The band will record a live, unedited video of three original songs for consideration.

Describing their music as a blend of alternative rock, metal and pop punk, the band say their varied musical influences help create its distinctive sound.

“We all have different inspirations for our individual sound, and they come together to quite nicely to create a unique sound,” Luke said.

Luke draws inspiration from metal bands including Avenged Sevenfold, Eye of the Enemy and Scar Symmetry, while Noah credits his love of Paramore for the band’s pop-punk influences.

Harper enjoys blues, funk and reggae, including Fat Freddy’s Drop, while Matthew cites Pink Floyd as one of his favourite bands.

At the regional final, Why The Face? performed its original songs Hades and Dissonance. Phoebe writes the lyrics, with the band collaborating on the music.

Another Whakatāne High School band, Four Thirty-Seven, also reached the regional

“They didn't place, but their performance was really good,” said Noah.

Why The Face? are preparing to record eight to 10 original songs during a four-day studio session in the coming weeks, with plans to release them on major streaming platforms.

In the meantime, listeners can find the band's music on YouTube through Guy Askew’s channel and stream the live recording Within on Spotify.

The band also performs at Mata Brewery and are keen to play more live shows.

“Anyone who's interested can get in touch with us on Instagram at whytheface_official,” Noah said.