Pipe up and celebrate the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band!

The NZCT has granted the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band $4,000 to purchase sheepskin bagpipe bags and bag covers.

“The band has welcomed me within the last three years. Being part of the band has encouraged and allowed me to grow as a player and leader so that I am now tutoring new members. I have gained amazing new friends and confidence. Being part of the group has widened my social circle and enabling work life balance.” - Eilish, Bass and Tenor Drummer.

“I began my piping journey three years ago. A year later I joined the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band and made huge progress. I’m very grateful for the tutelage I’ve received, the confidence I’ve built, and the network of mates I now have around me. I have the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band to thank for this opportunity.” - Patrick, Piper.

Treasurer Debbie Benton adds -

We needed to purchase new sheepskin bags and bag covers for our pipers. These are an integral part of bagpipes and without them the pipers cannot play. The bags deteriorate over time and do not hold air, they can also become a health risk as the the moisture build up can encourage a type of mould within the bag. With the growing number of young people becoming involved it is important for us to ensure we have safe well maintained equipment for them. The covers for the bags prolong their life span and are also part of the team uniform. All items remain the property of the band and are only loaned to members while they are playing with the band.

The Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band aims to encourage people to take up bagpiping and Highland drumming. We providing tuition, encouragement and a path for them to progress through to the highest level of competition. Members learn the value of self-discipline and dedication while taking part in a team environment. The band has a family atmosphere, there is a culture of support and inclusion where age and gender are no barrier to success.

The band enjoys entertaining the Palmerston North community as we add colour and vibrancy to many civic parades. We always take the lead in Christmas Parades and Anzac Day services. We also take part in charity concerts and fundraising activities with other groups.

Pipe bands are undergoing a resurgence, especially with the number of young people becoming involved, but the costs associated with running the band are high. We fundraise to help offset costs and the support from NZCT helps keep costs to a level where pipe band membership is within the reach of a large cross section of the community. This generous grant from NZCT has allowed us to purchase equipment that will keep our instruments both sounding and looking good. We have also been able to purchase some new bags for our pipers, which will ensure that we have safe equipment for their use.

NZCT’s GM Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges says “We’re delighted to be able to help the band continue to offer opportunities for people – especially youth – to connect over music and give back to their community. We thank our hospitality partners across the region for their help in raising responsible gaming funds that made this grant possible.”

Our bands compete around the country and sometimes overseas. The Grade 1 band has recently returned from competing in Scotland at the World Pipe Band Championships. They finished 9th at “The Worlds” where there were 190 bands competing from fifteen different countries. This was the band’s best result on the world stage.

As we approach our centenary year in 2025, we plan to focus even more on our learner programs. Our pipers and drummers have enjoyed many successes in competition and now these players are taking on tutoring roles. We look forward to celebrating one hundred years of music, fun, and friendship.