Story: Scots

Waipū township (1st of 6)

Waipū township

Waipū is one of the places in New Zealand where Scottish traditions are still upheld. The township was founded in the 1850s by Scots who came from Nova Scotia under the leadership of Norman McLeod. The annual Highland games held at Waipū are one of the oldest celebrations of Scottish identity in New Zealand. In the early years of the 20th century, visitors who arrived at Waipū by steamer were piped from the wharf to the games by members of the local pipe band.

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Waipū Heritage Centre

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How to cite this page:

John Wilson, 'Scots - 1853–1870: a surge of Scots', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/213/waipu-township (accessed 30 March 2024)

Story by John Wilson, published 8 Feb 2005, updated 25 Mar 2015