Strength and beauty saw Tauranga Girls' College take first place at the 2016 Tauranga Stage Challenge at Baycourt Theatre on Thursday night.

They were crowned winners with their performance ‘Sacred Journey – I am strength, I am beauty' which follows the process of kauae – the traditional Māori tā moko which adorns women's chins.

Tauranga Girls' College won the open division of the 2016 Tauranga Stage Challenge at Baycourt Theatre on Thursday night. Photo: QuikPix

'It represents strength, beauty, fertility and the empowerment of a woman. We want to show the detailed process and the respect and beauty of this special art form - the tā moko,” the college says.

Event Manager Hazel Reid says Tauranga Girls' College put on a brilliant performance which addressed a good theme and was really enjoyable to watch. Performance judge Lisa Gifford also echoed those sentiments.

'It was fantastic to see Tauranga Girls' College as strong, young women bringing our history to life. It had a powerful opening and overall a strong committed performance,” says Lisa

In a close second place was Papamoa College with ‘Dia De Los Muertos – The Day of The Dead', while coming in third was Katikati College's ‘The Perfect Fit?'

Hazel says Tauranga put on a fantastic first night at Baycourt Theatre on Thursday, with all the schools showcasing their creativity and innovation.

'You can see all the hard work and determination that goes into their performances. The show reflects how Stage Challenge is a great pathway for youth to creativity express themselves and their values.”

Tonight night sees schools participating in the J Rock competition take to the stage down at Baycourt's Addison Theatre from 7pm.

Tauranga Girls' College's performance ‘Sacred Journey – I am strength, I am beauty' which follows the process of kauae – the traditional Māori tā moko which adorns women's chins. Photo: QuikPix

2016 STAGE CHALLENGE AWARDS LIST:

2016 Stage Challenge 1st Place Open Division
Tauranga Girls' College

2016 Stage Challenge 2nd Place Open Division
Papamoa College

2016 Stage Challenge 3rd Place Open Division
Katikati College

Student Horizons Award of Excellence for Performance Skill
Otumoetai College, Tauranga Girls' College, Papamoa College

Tearaway Magazine Award of Excellence for Choreography
Otumoetai College, Bethlehem College, Tauranga Girls' College

First Sovereign Trust Award of Excellence for Stage Use
Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Papamoa College, Katikati College, Te Aroha College

Ministry of Education Award of Excellence for Concept
Tauranga Girls' College, Papamoa College, Katikati College

Ministry of Youth Development Award of Excellence for Drama
Tauranga Girls' College

The Edge Award of Excellence for Soundtrack
Bethlehem College, Tauranga Girls' College

Award of Excellence for Set, Design and Function
Tauranga Girls' College, Papamoa College, Katikati College

BayTrust Award of Excellence for Costuming Character
Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Tauranga Girls' College, Papamoa College

Canon Award of Excellence for Visual Enhancement
Mount Manganui Intermediate, Tauranga Girls' College, Papamoa College, Katikati College, Te Aroha College

Ministry of Education Award of Excellence for Student Achievement
Bethlehem College

5 + A Day Award of Excellence for Health, Life Skills and Creative Thinking
Katikati College

Four Winds Foundation Award of Excellence for School Community
Tauranga Girls' College

The Lion Foundation Award of Excellence for Environmental or Social Awareness
Otumoetai College

Ministry of Youth Development Student Leadership Award
Te Aroha College

5 + A Day Award of Excellence for School Initiative
Papamoa College

Award of Excellence for Stage Crew
Papamoa College

Award of Excellence for Lighting Design
Otumoetai College

Spirit of Stage Challenge Award
Otumoetai College