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Taking the stage by storm u by Andy Bryenton
Dargaville High School students have achieved one of the highest honours in the performing arts, winning the national Showquest finals and taking their place as the most highly-acclaimed team in New Zealand for 2026.
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“I think the judges appreciated that we were telling a real story, from the heart. It had all the elements, dance, choreography, drama, lighting, music and costume, but it also had that very Kiwi sense of humour running through a serious, personal story,” says Jae Carey, who led a large student team through local victory to the national finals. Their Lives, Our Stories tells the tale of a grandfather passing on family history to a new generation. It brings his stories of war, protest, love and loss to life through
music, acting and choreographed dance, all detailed with custom costumes, props and lighting. “We had to be resourceful. We made our own props, and didn’t have a huge budget to throw at this. The strength we had was empathy, energy and a story that’s very relevant. Young people want to get to know their grandparents and their stories, preserving family history,” says Jae. Dargaville High School took the title in a close race with Darfield and Whanganui
secondary schools, and both Jae and her students agree that the calibre of competition was world class. That’s all the more reason why celebration, when the news came through, was explosive and emotional. There are already fresh ideas being worked on for 2027, though for now the national champions are still coming to terms with their memorable victory, and reflecting on what makes Kaipara an epicentre for theatrical talent. ¢
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