Showquest is a nationwide performing arts competition and a platform for youth voices. Students design, produce, and perform an original performance centred around an issue chosen by and important to them. This theme must be reflected through the six elements of Art, Music, Dance, Drama, Culture, and Technology.

More than just a performance, Showquest is an opportunity for ākonga to develop their confidence and leadership skills, work collaboratively, build resilience, enhance their wellbeing, and express their creativity. This is an ambitious, creative, and educational project for students, which requires them to develop their best communication, listening, and negotiation skills. Leaders learnt how to delegate tasks and trust others with their vision and ideas.

The journey was challenging but richly rewarding. Our students rose to the occasion, and we were incredibly proud of their final performance, even before the results were announced.

As first-time participants, we absolutely loved the experience. The students developed a theme around Artificial Intelligence, considering whether it was a good or bad thing, whether it was ‘taking over’ or just a tool. The outcome was a rich storytelling piece. Here is the theme description:

"AI and I" is an exaggerated take on what happens when students start using AI to think critically and creatively on their behalf. The teacher says to a frustrated student that her original ideas don’t meet the standards. Reluctantly, the student turns to AI. In her efforts to conform, the student forms a toxic codependent relationship with AI and becomes isolated. This results in a tug of war for creative control with AI. After a period of dependence, she struggles to relight her creative fire.

Participating alongside other local schools, the generosity of spirit and aroha on the day embodied the very best of what events like Showquest offer in addition to the performance at hand — connection, celebration, and community.

Iona College students were the proud recipients of the following Showquest awards:

2025 Regional Public Speaking Award x 2 for presentation of theme and discussion post-performance - Poppy McIntosh and Stella Rust

2025 Regional Recognition in Music

2025 Regional Excellence in Dance  

2025 Regional Student Leadership Award for Musical Composition and Arrangement - Holly Savage 

2025 Regional Recognition in Technology for Video Wall

2025 Senior Regional Winner

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Article added: Wednesday, 28 May 2025