With 57 entries, the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships in Invercargill will be the largest pipe band event outside of Europe, writes Liam Kernaghan, RNZPBA President.
‘The ‘New Zealand Nationals’ is a must-do for many pipe band aficionados and we are delighted to play host yet again to one of the biggest competitions on the planet.
Bands from across New Zealand and Australia will compete over two days on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th March 2025.
With strong entries across all six grades – including six in Grade One, 17 in Grade 4B and 12 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 out on the park.
Terry Lee and Paul Turner are headlining a top-tier adjudication panel. Brian Switalla, myself and Stuart Easton join Terry on the piping panel. Chris Stevens joins Paul to complete the ensemble panel, and Scott Mitchell joins Ross Levy in rounding off the drumming panel.
The 12 bands in the Juvenile grade, make it the biggest juvenile contest in the world.
The next generation of players in 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.
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.
More info on the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships is available here.
Reigning New Zealand Pipe Band champions are:
G1- Canterbury Caledonian Society
G2 – Celtic (Nelson) PB
G3 – City of Melbourne
G4A – Hamilton Caledonian
G4B – South Canterbury Highland
Juv. – St Andrew’s College
