Photos:  Becky Nevada

Wellington East Girls’ College was among the many intermediate and high schools competing in the recent Showquest 2026 event        .

Hundreds of students took part in the Wellington stage of the nationwide event at the St James Theatre 24-25 June.

To take part, each school must develop an original performance that weaves together six elements: Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Culture and Technology - exploring a theme chosen by the students themselves. Performances are entirely student-led: choreographed, designed, produced and performed by students.

Wellington East received an excellence award for music and recognition for drama.

The Senior overall winners were Sacred Heart Girls' College (1st Place); Scots College (2nd Place) and St Mary's College (3rd Place).

The Junior award winners were Maidstone Intermediate (1st Place), Fraser Crescent School (2nd Place), and Fergusson Intermediate (3rd Place).

Also featuring on the stage was the TOI wearable art showcase, presented in partnership with World of WearableArt (WOW).

TOI invited students to push the boundaries of creativity, transforming imaginative concepts into striking wearable works of art that captivated audiences with a blend of fashion, storytelling and performance.