2011 New Zealand and South Pacific Pipe Band Championships

Media release

2011 New Zealand and South Pacific Pipe Band Championships
Timaru 4 and 5 March 2011.

The Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands Association has cancelled the 2011 New Zealand and South Pacific Pipe Band Championships due to be held in Timaru on 4 and 5 March.

In announcing the decision president of the Association, Iain Blakeley, said "We are learning more and more about the impacts of the tragic events in Christchurch as every day passes and there can no doubt they are far reaching and will be long lasting.

New Zealand pipe bands positively contribute to their communities and in the normal course of events our national contests bring entertainment, festivities, great joy and significant commerce to the areas where they occur.

However, it has become increasingly clear on this occasion that to go ahead with this contest in Timaru next weekend could detrimentally impact others outside of the pipe band community. That's not what we are about."

The Association is concerned that because the number of people leaving Christchurch for some respite continues to be high there is too high a risk having over 1200 pipe bands' men and women arrive in Timaru and surrounding areas next weekend could divert resources away from people who are more in need.

Iain Blakeley said if the contest had gone ahead there would have been little, if any, accommodation available in Timaru and Ashburton for Christchurch residents hoping to get away for the weekend for some respite not to mention the strain on general infrastructure and traffic volumes. "New Zealand pipe bands would not want to see any Christchurch residents disadvantaged as a consequence of a pipe band contest".

"Our pipe bands spend months preparing for the national champs and, while they are disappointed at not being able to gather together with their fellow band friends this year, their concerns are focussed on the people of Christchurch" said Blakeley. "Next weekend instead of being at their champs pipe bands around the country have planned to get out in their communities playing their music, entertaining the public and raising money for the earthquake relief fund."

ENDS

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