About CNP

Piobaireachd (pronounced “peabroch”) is the most ancient form of Scottish bagpipe music - the oldest compositions date back to the 14th Century. It is usually described as the classical form of bagpipe music, and is seen as being the most challenging musically and technically, and the most rewarding.

Comunn na Piobaireachd (NZ) Inc., also known as the Piobaireachd Society of New Zealand, was formed to foster and encourage the study and playing of Piobaireachd in New Zealand. It has the distinction of being the first overseas body to be affiliated with the Piobaireachd Society of Scotland, which was formed in 1903, and enjoys Royal patronage.

These are the current office holders:

Patron: TBC

President: Iain Hines

Vice Presidents: Iain Blakeley and Brendon Eade

Hon Secretary: Marion Horsburgh

Treasurer: Stella Dobbs

Music Committee: George Mason (Convenor), Greg Wilson (Secretary), Brian Switalla, Richard Hawke, Brendon Eade

General Committee: All of the above (except the Patron), Andrew Edwards and Tom Glover

Honorary Auditor: Ross Hanning

History of CNP

Comunn Na Piobaireachd was founded in 1957.  The founders were proud that CNP was the first organisation granted affiliation by the Piobaireachd Society in Scotland.  Here is a 1958 letter outlining our formation, and the establishment of the Gold Medal competition.

Letter announcing Gold Medal (1958)

The contribution of brothers Neville and Sir Ian McKay to the development of piobaireachd in Aotearoa cannot be overstated.  Here is their story,  kindly written by John Hanning in 2020: Ian and Neville McKay contribution to piob in NZ.

Sir Ian (left) and Neville McKay