Although the Band was officially formed in 1936, there are records of the Band parading in Whangarei in the early 1900's. The first official Pipe Major, appointed in 1911, was Alex McGregor, and it proved to be the start of many former army pipe majors from the famous Scottish Highland Regiments. He was followed in 1919 by John Cameron and in 1925 by MacGregor MacKay. Pipe Band 1928.
MacGregor MacKay was an outstanding piper and administrator, and started a new era in the history of the Band. He also created one of the first schools of piping in New Zealand. By 1938 the Band had a new crest and a new uniform.
During the Second World War many of the older members were away on active service. Drum Major Ian McInnes and Pipe Corporal Tom McKenzie were killed in action.
The younger school members were kept together by Pipe Major Melville Young. In 1948 many "older" members retired and the Junior Band came into existence under Pipe Major Hughie Smith. Under Drum Major Jim McLeish, the Band attended the Auckland Provincial Contest in 1949, and the National Content in Timaru in 1950.
During the early 1950's a twenty year association with the Army began when the Band became the "Band of the 1st Battalion Northland Regiment". During this period the Band was assisted with travel, reeds, uniform maintenance, practice facilities, and time in camp prior to contests.
The Band has appeared regularly from Kaitaia to Waiouru at military functions involving the Northland Regiment. A marvelous experience was enjoyed by all, and a proud tradition for the future men and women of Northland.
Through the efforts and forethought of a strong committee, attempts were made to bring a top class piper from Scotland. In 1951, the World Pibroch Champion, Angus MacAuley, arrived and took over from Hughie Smith as Pipe Major. His first contest was Wanganui in 1957 and thereafter Angus had the Band competing regularly. In Rotorua in 1963, under Ross McKinnon, the Band won the B Grade Championship and received A Grade status for the first time.
During the 1970's the band was relegated due to lack of numbers. With fewer numbers being required for a B Grade band, it started competing again.
On Angus' retirement, Lewis Turrell became Pipe Major, and has been followed by Glen Hamilton, Hughie Smith, Ken McLennan and the current incumbent, Bain McGregor.
All of the Pipe Majors have built the Band and taken it to National Contests. It took until 1985 to regain its A Grade status, this time at Christchurch under Ken McLennan. The Band competed at Nelson in 1987, but during the following ten years, again due to lack of numbers, it was relegated to C Grade.
The Band competed in Rotorua in 1998 and tasted success by winning the C Grade Championship and was promoted to B Grade.
The Band currently competes in the B Grade.
Past officers of the Band
For a full list of the past officers of band since 1936, please click here.
Tartan
The tartan used by the Whangarei Pipe Band is the Cameron of Erracht tartan. It is a combination of the Cameron and MacDonell of Keppoch tartans and was designed by the mother of the founder of the 79th Cameron Highlanders in 1793. For a more detailed look at the tartan, please click here.
