Waipu Highland Games

[BEEDEE]

I plan on attending the Waipu Highland Games on January 1, 2024. Given New Zealand's location in proximity to the International Date Line, I guess this is the first Highland games for 2024.

Are there any Kiwi members attending that would be interested in a meet up?

[OC Richard]

I'm in California and I would love to see your report on the Waipu Games, and photos if you could please share them.

It's very enjoyable to vicariously experience what Highland Games around the world are like.

[Ninehostages]

I plan on attending the Waipu Highland Games on January 1, 2024. Given New Zealand's location in proximity to the International Date Line, I guess this is the first Highland games for 2024.

Are there any Kiwi members attending that would be interested in a meet up?

Do you do a Hakka in kilts?

[OC Richard]

Do you do a Hakka in kilts?

I've seen it done!

Around a decade ago the New Zealand Police Pipe Band competed at our San Francisco bay area Highland Games and performed at the after-Games concert.

The venue was sold out and packed with attendees standing in every available spot, there being twice as many people as seats.

The band came marching in and formed up facing the audience, ranks of pipers in front and drummers in back.

Unexpectedly the pipers all laid their pipes on the floor, the drummers began playing a pounding rhythm, and the pipers performed the Haka.

The audience was dumbfounded, as few had any idea of what was happening. I had to explain it to the people around me, who were wondering what on earth was going on.

It was really cool! Though I admit the effect of kilted necktie-wearing slim guys doing the Haka left something to be desired when one is used to seeing it done by 17-stone rugby players.