Manawatu Scottish were crowned Grade One Champions at the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships, held in Invercargill on the 7th and 8th of March. Canterbury Caledonian took the Medley prize, and Manawatu Scottish won the MSR prize. Manawatu were also crowned Grade One drumming champions.
Canterbury Caledonian were the runners up. The Simon Wright Shield, awarded to the Champion Grade One Band, was retired this year, and replaced with the Iain Blakeley Challenge Trophy in recognition of Iain’s significant contribution to the New Zealand pipe band community.
Congratulations to all other prize winners throughout the grades:
Grade Two: St Andrew’s College Pipe Band
Grade Three: Hamilton Caledonian Society’s Pipe Band
Grade Four A: Metro Scottish Pipe Band
Grade Four B: ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band
Juvenile: St Andrew’s College A Pipe Band