North Island's best pipe bands gather in Rotorua (+ video)

The City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band competed in the North Island Pipe Band Championships on Saturday. Photo / Stephen Parker

The Rotorua Village Green was alive with the sound of music as 11 pipe bands fought for the honour of being hailed the best in the central North Island.

The Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands Association Central North Island Contest was held on Saturday.

The bands marched to the beat of their own drums, all the way through the Government Gardens to the Village Green where they settled in for the competition.

The competition is in its third year in Rotorua.

The City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band drum major Paul Fuller said the bands were judged on various points of performance.

"For the Street March, we are judged on appearance - our uniform, and our marching, drill and music.

"In the circle contest we are judged for our set, a march, and a reel, and then a medley of our own choosing," he said.

"We came fourth overall. We were competing against five bands from Auckland, two from Tauranga, one from Te Puke, and one from Hamilton. There were a couple of other bands registered but they pulled out on the day."

Mr Fuller said the bands were very pleased with their efforts and would now be focusing on improving their skills to prepare for the national competitions being held in Nelson in two weeks.

"It's very exciting. We will be competing against approximately 28 other bands this time," he said.