Northland’s Waipu Highland Games to be held on New Year’s Eve for second year running

Thousands attended last year's Waipu Highland Games, despite poor weather. Photo / Brodie Stone

Preparations are going well for this year’s Waipu Highland Games, held on New Year’s Eve for just the second time in the event’s 153-year history.

Waipu Caledonian Society decided last year to break with the tradition of holding the games on New Year’s Day.

The change was driven by vendors, who struggled to get workers on the statutory holiday, and the lack of volunteers willing to help out after late-night celebrations, said society secretary Kelly Sandford.

Last year’s event was unfortunately impacted by bad weather, reminiscent of Scotland.

“The weather was really terrible last year so it was hard to know exactly how successful the change of day was. Considering the weather, we still had a good number of people turn up,” Sandford said.

“Hopefully the weather is better this year and we get a better gauge on the turnout.”

The change of date has certainly helped boost volunteer numbers, with a good number of people willing to help out both with the games and for the ceilidh – a traditional Scottish dance – that evening, Sandford said.

Competitor inquiries for the heavyweight division have also been high this year, particularly for first-time competitors, although the actual number competing won’t be known until the day, she said.

The 153rd Waipu Highland Games will be officially opened by Northland MP Grant McCallum at midday on Wednesday at Caledonian Park.

The main formalities include the mass band, mass highland fling and singing of The Flower of Scotland.

The games will also include all the traditional favourites: solo piping, highland dancing, drumming, heavyweight competitions and children’s running races.

With $4500 in prizemoney on offer, including $2000 for first place, Sandford is hoping the Tug o’ War will be popular.

The crowd-pleaser pits teams of eight against one another in an intense, one-minute pulling match.

“First prize is $2000 and with eight in a team, that’s a good amount each. It’s a really exciting event,” Sandford said.

Registration is held on the day from 10am and the first battle starts at 1.30pm.

Entry for the Waipu Highland Games is $20, with tickets also available online from Trybooking, while the evening ceilidh is $25, with tickets also sold online at Trybooking.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.