The Highland Piping Society of Canterbury is an Incorporated Society and registered charity.
Membership typically comprises pipers and supporters of highland piping, but we welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests. An online membership application form is available here for anyone interested in joining.
Our committee is made up of dedicated and capable organisers from within the local piping community. We are always interested to hear from potential sponsors, enthusiasts, and people with opportunities. 2022 - Office Bearers President Richard Hawke Vice President Nick Eagle Secretary Renee Brook Treasurer Tom Glover Competition Secretary Fraser Lawson
If you would like to learn to play the bagpipes, we have a number of highly respected teachers that we can put you in touch with.
The society was established in 1960 to promote the study of bagpipe music and encourage uptake of the instrument. This largely revolved around holding social gatherings and music recitals.
Today, we are mainly focused on providing a series of high quality solo piping contests for our membership.
If you would like to learn more about our history, we recommend you consider "The Highland Piping Society of Canterbury: Jubilee History 1960-2010", by Alex Thomson and Gordon Ogilvie.
Our Purpose
To educate the general public as to the preservation, maintenance and playing of the Great Highland Bagpipe.
To preserve the heritage and traditions of the Great Highland Bagpipe.
To encourage the study of pipe music in Canterbury and elsewhere.
To hold workshops, seminars and tutorials for members to promote the playing of the Great Highland Bagpipe.
To conduct competitions in piping and to provide trophies and prizes for piping competitions conducted by the Society.
To hold public recitals for the general public and members of the Society.
To be an affiliated member of the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand Incorporated, to assist in furthering the objects of the Society.
To purchase, print and publicise music and books on piping.
To purchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire or otherwise acquire, hold, mortgage and dispose of any real and personal property and any rights or privileges which may appear necessary or expedient for the purpose of attaining the objects of the Society or any of them or promoting the interests of the Society or its members. To do all such other acts and things as may be incidental or conducive to the attainment of any of the above objects.