Hawke's Bay Easter Highland Games live-streamed to global audience for the first time

The latest technology has put a Hawke's Bay Highland dancing and piping competition on the international stage.

Two competitions in the 68th annual Hawke's Bay Easter Highland Games, at Lindisfarne College in the weekend, were live-streamed for the first time.

The classical bagpipe Piobaireachd and the new Lindisfarne Dirk and Sgian Dubh Double March Strathspey were live-streamed to audiences in Australia, Canada, Scotland and New Zealand.

Games convener Rob Mortensen said using technology in this way was new for the competition and enabled those who could not attend, from all over the world, to get involved.

The Lindisfarne Dirk and Sgian Dubh Double March Strathspey modelled on the Glenfiddich Championship was the only competition of its kind in New Zealand and would become an annual part of the event, he said.

The two-day competition started off well despite some early morning fog, he said.

"We were wondering when this Scotch mist would rise and if we would have to hold the event inside.

"It's nice to have it outside, we have been inside for the last three years because of the weather.

"It's really nice to be out on the field."

The layout had also changed this year. The stages were put in a horseshoe shape rather than a straight line, which made for a cosier feel, he said.

More than 100 dancers and 70 pipers from all over the country including Christchurch, Auckland, Balclutha, Cromwell and Whitianga, made their way to Hawke's Bay for the competition.

"It's a lovely weekend for them and for us," Mr Mortensen said.