Just like that, we have almost reached the middle of the year. It’s been busy year – like almost all are! – and we’ve had a lot happening at the Association level. My thanks go to the Board (Stuart McHale, Peter Duncan), our Executive Officer Allister Macgregor, and our Group Leaders Scott Mitchell, George McEwan, Mark Wilson, Geoff Hallberg, and Brent Ballantyne. I’m still performing the dual role of Promotions Leader as well as President – so if you know of anyone who is keen to take on a role, let me know!
I thought I would take the time here to outline some of the work you will have seen, but also the work you may not have. All done by a hard-working group of volunteers
- Ran a successful Summer School with maximum value and enjoyment, as well as no injuries, deaths, or sickness;
- Launched our new Youth Band programme, got a suite of world-class tutors in and selected the new lucky up-and-comers to be a part of it all (watch for their first Spotify album later this year);
- Got through the audit process largely unscathed (mentally I mean!);
- Held a well-attended and (largely) uncontroversial AGM where both Iain Blakeley and Allister Macgregor were made life members of the Association;
- Helped deliver one of the biggest National Championships in recent memory, in terrible weather, with again no injuries, deaths or sickness;
- Delivered a Live Stream package which has now attracted over 50,000+ views and is the envy of the world (including the UK);
- Begun the process of re-engaging with the Centres and building resources and opportunities for Centres to deliver for bands;
- Started development of our new digital assets, including our new band management system and contest management system (I am very, VERY excited about this);
- Identified some of the opportunities for efficiencies in the back office and successfully transitioned from Penny to Al;
- Held the biggest World Solo Drumming Qualifier outside of the United Kingdom, with entries across all juvenile grades and an increase in the Adult numbers;
- (Almost) Finalised the new National Constitution and centre constitutions to meet the new requirements under the Incorporated Societies Act;
- Begun preparations for the 2026 Summer School with Callum Beaumont and Steven McWhirter headlining what is going to be a mammoth school;
- Started getting New Plymouth ready for 2026, including interest already from international pipe bands;
- Engagement with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo coming to Auckland and Brisbane in 2026, including opportunities for New Zealand bands to promote and be a part of the whole experience;
- Drafting plans for our 2028 Centenary Celebrations – more on this soon.
As we head into the ‘quieter’ months of the year, there is still much to do. The financial strategy is ongoing and is a big piece of work that requires a holistic look at both the current and future state of the Association, its present needs and needs going forward. Remits will be coming in thick and fast from bands and centres around the country and I would encourage you to engage with the process. Ultimately, these changes determine the competition rules for you all, and too often I hear bands only engaging with them at the last minute and being surprised at what is being proposed. We will do everything we can to communicate with you timelines, online Teams sessions and opportunities for change, but bands need to take some ownership of the process and engage with it early on.
I won’t get to publicly wish good luck the two bands heading to the World Pipe Band Championships in August – Manawatu Scottish, and Canterbury Caledonian Society Grade 3. You will do us proud flying the Kiwi flag high on Glasgow Green, and I can’t wait to watch your performances in deep dark winter.
On a slightly lighter note, congratulations to Geoff Hallberg and Courtney Williamson for the arrival of their new son Harvey Leslie Hallberg. Geoff and Courtney have both contributed a lot to the Association (and continue to do so), and I am looking forward to seeing Harvey take the reigns of the City of Dunedin Pipe Band in 2045 like his Dad.
Liam Kernaghan
President, Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association
