152nd Waipu Highland Games - 5000 attendees unfazed by Scottish weather

The 152nd Waipu Highland Games drew crowds — and clans — from all over. Pictured are Clan McLeod during the clan march. Photo / Brodie Stone

What do tartan, bagpipes and haggis have in common? If you guessed Scotland, you’re right, and all three were out in force at the 152nd Waipu Highland Games.

Around 5000 patrons came from far and wide to attend the event on Tuesday at Caledonian Park, hosted by Clan MacKenzie.

The stirring sound of bagpipes was a prominent feature at Tuesday's 152nd Highland Games. Photo / Brodie Stone

A street march of pipe bands kicked off the event in the morning, before the action started with some of New Zealand’s best heavyweight competitors muscling it out with the caber toss and more.

Family events such as the children’s races and free bouncy castles ensured entertainment for everyone, while other competitions such as Highland dancing wowed the crowds.

Rain came and went during the day in typical Scottish fashion but it didn’t deter those wanting to experience the traditional event.

Rob Fenton planned his entire holiday from the United Kingdom around the games after attending last year.

He said the event was a major drawcard for him.

“It’s just a bit strange to see Scotland not in Scotland.”

He had visited the local museum and said it was clear there was rich Scottish history rooted in Waipu.

What struck him was the tight-knit Scottish community here, he said.

Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocurullo led the official opening on Tuesday afternoon dressed in his ancestral tartan.

The Massed Band was a popular spectacle for the thousands attending Waipu's biggest event of the year. Photo / Brodie Stone

Cocurullo said a personal highlight was seeing the novices trying out the various games.

His opening was followed by a march of the Mass Band before a stirring rendition of The Flower of Scotland by singer Emer Lea.

Throughout the day patrons wandered the field clutching at their trusty Irn Bru - the Scottish version of Coca-Cola — and others tried the haggis or for a less acquired taste, Tablet — the original fudge.

Sheila and Simon Davidson with their Scottish pies, Irn Bru and haggis. Photo / Brodie Stone

Twelve-year-old Thomas Bottomley had travelled from Auckland to compete in the C-Grade Piping.

He said it was his second time attending and he hoped to achieve some placings.

Tutor Michael Tent described Thomas as an “incredibly determined wee fella” and said the competition was a way to get some good experience and feedback.

Thomas Bottomley, 12, from Auckland, tuning up his bagpipes. Photo / Brodie Stone

Waipu Caledonian Society committee member Lorna Murray said the decision to change the date to December 31 — rather than the traditional New Year’s Day — appeared to have paid off.

More heavyweight competitors and vendors were on-site and the crowds were pumping.

Surfinjock owner Neil had attire ready for those wanting to represent their clan in Kiwi waters. Photo / Brodie Stone

The games act as the Caledonian Society’s main chance to raise money for the upkeep of the grounds and continue to foster Scottish culture in Waipu, she said.

A Scot herself, Murray said the culture was strongly reflected in Waipu and it felt like a true Nova Scotian town.

Brodie Stone is an education and general news reporter at the Advocate. Brodie has spent most of her life in Whangārei and is passionate about delving into issues that matter to Northlanders and beyond.