Thistles: Scottish Genealogy Special Interest Group

Whangaparaoa, Auckland , New Zealand

Calling all Scots: the HBC Genealogy Branch of NZ Society of Genealogists introduces: Thistles. This Scottish, special interest, genealogy group will meet at Whangaparaoa Library, 9 Main St, Whangaparaoa to listen to speakers and discuss Scottish history topics. Come along and give it laldy! Info: Garry Phillips 021-902-715 or [email protected].

Wellington Gaelic Club Ceilidh

Wellington - New Zealand Wellington , New Zealand

A ceilidh is held in the City of Wellington Pipe Band Hall, corner Stoke and Hanson Street Newtown, from 8.00pm - 12.00am. We are a very family-oriented organisation and we encourage participation by all ages and encourage the opportunity for you to wear some tartan. Info: http://wellington-gaelic-club-communn-gaidhealach-wellington.weebly.com

Pipes of Christmas Concert

Virtual event

Bringing together musicians, soloists, and performers for a stirring celebration of the Christmas season and the Celtic spirit. International concert highlights-watch from anywhere in the world. Info: www.pipesofchristmas.com

Happy Christmas

The Scottish Banner wishes all our readers, advertisers, followers and friends a very Merry Christmas!

RSCDS NZ Branch Wellington Summer School 2024/25

Wellington - New Zealand Wellington , New Zealand

Join RSCDS NZ at Scots College, Strathmore, Wellington for a packed programme of Scottish country dance classes, socials and formals. Info: www.nzsummerschool2024.nz

Waipu Highland Games

Waipu - New Zealand Waipu, New Zealand

New date for 2024. With pipe bands, solos, Highland dance, athletics, Clans and more at Caledonian Park. Info: www.waipuhighlandgames.co.nz

Happy Hogmanay

Nationwide

The Scottish Banner wishes all our readers, advertisers and friends a very Happy Hogmanay and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2025!

Wellington Region Hogmanay

Wellingon , New Zealand

Scottish country dance event as part of NZ Branch Summer School being held at Scots College, Strathmore Park. Info: www.wellingtonscd.org.nz/event/wellington-hogmanay

NZ Gàidhealtachd

Maungaturoto , New Zealand

The Gàidhealtachd summer school is dedicated to the exploration of Celtic culture and traditions, the 2025 theme is 'Vikings and their influence on Celtic culture', at Maungaturoto Country Club, 84 Bickerstaffe Rd.  Info: www.nzgaidhealtachd.org

Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association Summer School

Wellington - New Zealand Wellington , New Zealand

Scots College in Wellington will play host to RNZPBA's annual gathering of pipers and drummers from across New Zealand, Australia and the world. Info: www.rnzpba.com

Thistle & The Shamrock

Nationwide - New Zealand Nationwide, New Zealand

Experience the best of Irish and Scottish music with Thistle & The Shamrock. A lively and heartwarming concert with talented fiddler, accordionist, and singers who bring to life rich musical traditions and cultural heritage. Info: www.operatunity.co.nz/thistle-and-the-shamrock

Happy Burns Night

Celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scottish poet Robert Burns. The tradition of the Burns Night Supper was first held in 1801 by the poet’s friends, five years after his death.

160th Turakina Highland Games

Turakina - New Zealand Turakina , New Zealand

A Scottish festival for all the family. All the events you’d expect; Highland & National Dancing, pipe bands, solo drumming and solo piping. This year featuring the New Zealand Open Solo Piping competitions at Turakina Domain, Cameron Rd. Info: www.turakinahighlandgames.co.nz

Arrowtown Burns Supper & Ceilidh

Arrowtown , New Zealand

A night of entertainment, drinks, dinner and dancing and Scottish tradition at Arrowtown Anthenaeum Hall, 33 Buckingham St. Info: www.facebook.com/burnssupperandceilidhdance

Robbie Burns Night

Wellington - New Zealand Wellington , New Zealand

Join the celebrations at the Thistle Inn, Wellington’s only Scottish pub, for a lively celebration of Robbie Burns. Immerse yourself in a Scottish experience with a specially crafted Scottish-themed set menu, the Dunwofflin Ceilidh Band, poetry and more at 3 Mulgrave St, Thorndon. Info: www.thistleinn.co.nz

Burns Night 2025 – Edinburgh and Dunedin 50th anniversary

Dunedin - New Zealand Dunedin , New Zealand

Kick your heels up to mark the 50th anniversary of Dunedin and Edinburgh’s sister city relationship while also celebrating the birthday of esteemed poet Robert Burns at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, 31 Queens Garden. An evening of traditional Scottish food and a dram,  Scottish sword dancing, poetry readings and Burns songs. Info: www.toituosm.com/whats-on/events/burns-night-2025

Pipes in the Park 2025

Nelson - New Zealand Nelson, New Zealand

The City of Nelson Highland Pipe Band brings you Pipes in the Park again for another year at Fairfield House Meadow. The Celtic music and dance extravaganza includes the full Pipe Band, as well as soloists, dancers and more, with a Celtic flavour. Info: www.facebook.com/cityofnelsonband

Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo

Paeroa - New Zealand Paeroa, New Zealand

Heavyweight Field events, Highland dancing, massed pipe bands, Clan village, pipe band contest and evening tattoo performace at at the Paeroa Domain. Info: www.paeroahighlandgames.co.nz

Ashburton Festival of Pipe Band Music

Ashburton - New Zealand Ashburton, New Zealand

Come along to the Royal Lawn (opposite the playground, Ashburton Domain) to hear pipe bands play an assortment of Scottish music; marches, strathspeys, reels, and medley selections. The local pipe band will be playing, along with bands that may visit from North Canterbury through to South Canterbury. Info: Peter MacLean: [email protected].

DramFest

Christchurch - New Zealand Christchurch, New Zealand

Exhibitors representing distilleries, producers and independent bottlers from Scotland, Japan, Ireland and around the whisky world. Info: www.dramfest.co.nz

Pipes in the Park

Wellington - New Zealand Wellington , New Zealand

A celebration of Scotland in the heart of Wellington, featuring pipe bands, entertainment and more. Info: www.facebook.com/pipesintheparkWGTN

Bruce Fummey-Scotland Made the World New Zealand Tour

Laughs galore and quirky observations as Bruce Fummey explains how Scotland Made the World. This show will deliver more jokes than you’d get from the YouTube videos, and some might even make you blush, but you’ll still leave having learned about Scotland’s role in the world while you laughed. Shows in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and ... Read more

2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships

Invercargill , New Zealand

The event is great spectacle for the Southland community to come and enjoy the call of the pipes, the beat of the drums and the swirl of the tartans. Last time around 7,000 people either participated or attended the event.The event will be livestreamed and watched by a global audience. At the Cricket Grounds, Queens ... Read more

Talisk Live

Auckland - New Zealand Auckland , New Zealand

Scotland’s Talisk are one of the best live acts in the UK and on the festival circuit right now, producing raucous crowd energy and stadium-sized sound with a mere concertina, fiddle and guitar. at the Spiegeltent, Aotea Square. Info: www.aaf.co.nz/whats-on/talisk

Clan Mackenzie Society NZ Gathering & AGM

Palmerston North - New Zealand Palmerston North , New Zealand

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the clan's formation in New Zealand. Info: www.clanmackenzienz.org

Mackenzie Highland A & P Show

Fairlie , New Zealand

The Mackenzie A&P Highland Show is the largest one day show in New Zealand with pipe bands and agricultural events at the Fairlie A&P Showgrounds. Info: www.mackenzieshow.co.nz

2025 Piobaireachd Seminar

Hastings - New Zealand Hastings, New Zealand

Unlock the secrets of world-class piping with legends Patricia and Murray Henderson! Whether you're a beginner or an advanced piper, this world class piobaireachd seminar offers hands-on instruction, expert tips, and personalized feedback from two of the most respected names in piping at Lindisfarne College. Info: www.cnpnz.co.nz/2025-Piobaireach-Seminar

World Whisky Day

World Whisky Day invites everyone to try a dram and celebrate the water of life. Events are taking place all over the globe. Info: www.worldwhiskyday.com

Hororata Highland Games

Hororata - New Zealand Hororata, New Zealand

A Scottish Festival with a Kiwi twist! Pipe bands, Scottish dancers, stalls, Clans, heavy events and more at the Hororata Domain. A great family day out with lots of chances to take part and have a go in Scottish events. 45 minutes inland of Christchurch. Info: www.hororata.org.nz/highland-games

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