Showquest is New Zealand’s largest performing arts competition involving student-led choreography, lighting, wearable arts, and live performances such as singing.

The competitions are recognised nationwide as an amazing opportunity to find your niche in the arts no matter your skills or interest!  

Showquest 2025 was Dunstan's fifth time competing. This year our theme was Gold beneath the grief, following the emotional journeys of families during the Central Otago Gold Rush, exploring how they experienced the five stages of grief - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Our performance helps us connect with the past and think about how people deal with loss and hope in difficult times.

All our dancers, from year 9 to 13 performed their hearts out, coming away with two awards, a Recognition in Dance and the Teacher Spirit Award. Lexi Hickmott, our awesome tech girl helped make the performance come to life using her creative use of effective lighting. The wonderful Mrs Barnes, Mr Meissel and Julie Ruffell helped make Showquest possible through their support. Also a huge thank you to the Winter family who put in so much time, hard work and dedication to make our performance the best it could be.

We are very proud of everyone and hope to inspire even more students to get involved next year! Whether you're backstage tech, dance, makeup, acting or music, there’s a place for everyone!

Choreographers,

Maddie Meissel and Heidi Winter