Outstanding Results for Pipe Band at National Championships

St Andrew’s College Pipe Band students delivered an exceptional series of performances at the 2026 National Pipe Band Championships, held in Inglewood, Taranaki over Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March.

The College was crowned New Zealand Champion in the Juvenile (Under 18) event, receiving first place from all four judges. This unanimous result is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the dedication and musical excellence of our young musicians.

Competing against adult bands, the St Andrew’s College A Band achieved an impressive overall Second place in Grade 2, finishing behind Emmanuel College Highlanders at the University of Queensland. This result positions St Andrew’s College as the top-ranked Grade 2 pipe band in New Zealand and the fourth best pipe band nationally, behind only the three Grade 1 bands competing.

Strong performances continued across the grades, with the College’s B Band earning Second place in Grade 4A, another predominantly adult division.

In total, 45 ākonga, including three 2025 leavers, travelled with the Pipe Band, supported by 11 dedicated staff and tutors. The teamwork and professionalism demonstrated throughout the competition weekend were outstanding.

St Andrew’s College is immensely proud of all students, staff and supporters involved in these exceptional achievements, which reflect the strength of the College’s Pipe Band programme and its longstanding tradition of excellence.