The largest pipe band event outside of Europe is happening in New Zealand at Invercargill on 7th and 8th March 2025. Bands from across New Zealand and Australia will compete at the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championship.
Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association President Liam Kernaghan said: “The ‘New Zealand Nationals’ is a must-do for many pipe band aficionados around the world, and we are delighted to play host yet again to one of the biggest competitions on the planet.
“With strong entries across all six grades – including 6 in Grade One, 17 in Grade 4B and twelve in the Juvenile grade – we are absolutely delighted to be putting on such a top-quality event. With top bands from Australia coming across, the quintessential trans-Tasman rivalry will be on full display.
“The pipe band community down-under is continuing to go from strength to strength, and we can’t wait to see the music play out on the park.”
Terry Lee and Paul Turner are headlining a top-tier adjudication panel. Brian Switalla, Liam Kernaghan and Stuart Easton join Terry Lee on the piping panel, Chris Stevens and Paul Turner complete the ensemble panel and Scott Mitchell joins Ross Levy in rounding off the drumming panel.
Twelve bands are entered in the Juvenile grade, making it the biggest juvenile contest in the world.
Liam Kernaghan continued: “The next generation of players in Aotearoa New Zealand are coming through in their droves, and to have such a large under-18 entry is testament to the work done by so many bands and teaching programmes right throughout the country. It’s encouraging to see new bands entering each year in this grade, and it is always a highlight of the weekend.
“The live stream is returning this year, with a few new surprises on offer for worldwide viewers. Taking our ‘Nationals’ to the world is an important part of us showcasing the talent, skill and opportunity on offer right here at home.
“Bands from around the world come to New Zealand and love the experience – we hope that more come and take in the opportunities available to them as the northern hemisphere leads into their summer season. With the centenary of the Association occurring in 2028, we’d welcome all those from around the planet coming to our shores to take in the very best New Zealand has to offer.”
The final draw for the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships is available here.
The reigning New Zealand Pipe Band champions are:
- Grade 1 – Canterbury Caledonian Society’s Pipe Band
- Grade 2 – Celtic (Nelson) Pipe Band
- Grade 3 – City of Melbourne Highland Pipe Band (Australia)
- Grade 4A – Hamilton Caledonian Society’s Pipe Band
- Grade 4B – South Canterbury Highland Pipe Band
- Juvenile – St Andrew’s College Pipe Band