New Zealand Pipe Bands Perform for Christchurch at Parliament

Around 45 pipe bands from New Zealand and Australia were geared up to compete at the 2011 NZ and South Pacific Championships in Timaru on 4 and 5 March when the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association cancelled the championships out of concerns they could adversely impact Christchurch residents needing temporary accommodation in the area.

Bands are instead looking to get involved in their communities and do something to support the people of Christchurch. They’re going to do what they do best, play pipes and drums. Pipe band music, which can be cheerfully uplifting or soulfully moving, has a unique place in peoples’ hearts when it comes to special occasions. The bands will help people reflect on the sadness of what has happened and celebrate the incredible stories of survival and resilience coming out of Christchurch.

Four Wellington bands from the Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association [City of Wellington, Red Hackle, Scots College, Paraparaumu and Districts] will perform outside Parliament on Friday at 12.30 with a special tribute performance of Amazing Grace and a lone piper playing a lament. They will be joined by current Grade 1 New Zealand Champions, the Auckland and District Pipe Band.

The RNZPBA welcomes the efforts being made by its member bands in Wellington and across New Zealand in places like New Plymouth, Napier, Nelson, Timaru and Invercargill to join New Zealanders supporting Christchurch at this time of great need.

Funds raised will be donated to the Canterbury earthquake appeal.

Further details about New Zealand pipe bands can be found at www.nzpipebands.org.nz

ENDS

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