Helen McGregor Memorial trophy evening
A fantastic new year evening's entertainment at the Waipu Celtic Barn is promised for those interested in highland pipes or music in general.
Whangarei's Helen McGregor's dying wish back in 2003 was that a special piping competition be established to enable top class pipers to compete in a special event where they could be creative and innovative.
Each entrant plays his/her own piece for eight minutes. There are normally around eight competitors.
A top level piper will judge the event this year along with an audience vote.
Whangarei piper Bain McGregor met his wife Helen at Blair Atholl Castle in Scotland. Bain was the piper in residence for the 10th Duke of Atholl, Ian Murray and Helen was a tour guide at the castle.
She was not a piper, but played a French Horn and tenor horn in the Whangarei Brass Band and tenor drum in both the Vale of Atholl Pipe Band, Scotland and the Whangarei Pipe Band.
Even though she didn't play the pipes she had a strong love and passion for the instrument.
Starting at 7 pm on the December 31 , tickets are available at the door for $10.
Some Choice News!
DOC is rolling out a new tool to help figure out what to tackle first when it comes to protecting our threatened species and the things putting them at risk.
Why does this matter? As Nikki Macdonald from The Post points out, we’re a country with around 4,400 threatened species. With limited time and funding, conservation has always meant making tough calls about what gets attention first.
For the first time, DOC has put real numbers around what it would take to do everything needed to properly safeguard our unique natural environment. The new BioInvest tool shows the scale of the challenge: 310,177 actions across 28,007 sites.
Now that we can see the full picture, it brings the big question into focus: how much do we, as Kiwis, truly value protecting nature — and what are we prepared to invest to make it happen?
We hope this brings a smile!
⛰️ Is Bream Head the ultimate Northland spot?
According to The Press, the Bream Head Scenic Reserve at Whangārei Heads has it all: the best views, the best forest, and the best adventures.
Do you have a hidden gem that gives Bream Head a run for its money?
We’re on a mission to find Northland's best "Secret Spots" 🤫
We want to hear from you! What is your go-to spot when you want to show off the best of the North to friends or family? 📸
Drop your recommendations (and photos!) in the comments below! 👇
Get up to $30,000 back* with your new home
Sign up to an independent apartment or townhouse at a participating Ryman village by 31 March 2026 and receive a $30,000 credit on settlement or sign up to a serviced apartment and receive a $10,000 credit on settlement*.
Imagine a new smart TV, your next getaway or furniture for your new home. With more money staying in your pocket, it’s yours to spend!
Discover the lifestyle that awaits.
*Participating villages only, Terms and conditions apply.
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