A brief history of the Band

On the 20th June 1945, Constable Fred McKenzie chaired a meeting which formally created the "Auckland Police Highland Pipe Band". It took 3 years of hard work to find tutors; train members and acquire uniforms but on Sunday 29th August 1948 - led by Drum Major Bob Walton the Band formed up for their inaugural parade at East St, marching down Symonds St to the Central Police Station through crowds which disrupted traffic for 30 minutes.

Initially the band was comprised of serving police officers only, however, over the years, honorary members from outside were accepted in. Today, civilians make up the majority of the membership.

The band first competed in the Auckland provincial contest 1948, in the street march only and was placed 2nd. In 1949 they entered all events winning the McMillan cup for the quickstep, coming 2nd in the street march and 3rd in drumming. Today the Band continues to compete at national competitions at Grade 3 level.

Overseas tours are an integral part of the band's non competing season and they have travelled widely, to Alaska, Japan, Vancouver, Indonesia, Hawaii, Washington, China (including playing their pipes on the Great Wall), Scotland (to take part in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (2007,2009 and 2015), Switzerland for the Basel Tattoo, and to neighbouring Australia on several occasions. In addition to the overseas engagements, the band assists the NZ Police with pay parades, ceremonies, funerals and weddings and participates in many Christmas parades; Cultural festivities and community events. The band has a close liaison with the Royal New Zealand Airforce - Auckland (Brass) - assisting it with retreat ceremonies; flag lowering and other military occasions where the two bands can combine.