NZ Police Pipe Band impresses overseas

The New Zealand Police Pipe Band achieved a string of impressive results on its recent visit to Ireland...


The European Championships attracted entries from 139 pipe bands from around the world. The New Zealand Police Pipe Band was ninth overall in the top grade of the competition. Other competitions at Strangford prior to the Championships, and at Howth the day following, saw the band placed second and first respectively.

"Our tour to Ireland was one of the most successful overseas trips ever," says band manager, former Inspector Dale Stephens.

"Alongside the warmth of the welcome we received everywhere we went, the competition was very strong, and the performance of band members amongst some of world's best was outstanding."

"The ninth placing at the European Champs was an amazing achievement for the band with a number of players who had not competed at this level before."

The band also took part in official engagements, including performing a tribute to fallen officers at the Royal Ulster Constabulary Memorial Gardens, participating in a Police Service of Northern Ireland graduation ceremony, and attending two mayoral receptions.

After its recent success overseas and earlier this year at the New Zealand Championships the band is now busy planning for next year's competitions.

"We are inviting Grade One and Two side drummers, tenor drummers and pipers to contact us if they are interested in joining the band for the New Zealand competition season and the trip to Glasgow for the World Champs in August next year," says Andrew.

For more information about the New Zealand Police Pipe Band look in the 'About Us' section of the Police website.