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.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20.3% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.3% Nah - not for me
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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
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