Chiefs speech at 151st Waipu Highland Games Opening
CEUD MILE FAILTE – One hundred thousand welcomes to our 151st Waipu Highland Games
Since this park was purchased by forward-thinking Scottish settlers in 1905, these gatherings have been held each year to celebrate the Scottish heritage and shear bravery and determination of the original settlers in establishing this community. Prior to that date, they were held on a local farm since 1871.
Whilst I am not a descendant of the original settlers, it is my honour to have been elected Chief for these Games and maybe now, might be able to consider myself a ‘local’ after 25 years involvement with the Games committee.
I would like to thank the hard-working committee who put this multifaceted event together. Considerable hard work goes on to ensure a great time is had by all competitors and spectators.
A special mention must be made of our hard -working Secretary, Kelly Sandford, who is the driving force behind the committee. This year we have added a large family entertainment area with all activities either free or low cost.
Our competitors are at the heart of the Games and we are fortunate to have such talented people competing in Piping, Dancing, Fiddling and of course the incredible feats of the Highland Heavyweight Field event. Thank you all for your input.
We are also fortunate to have world class judges for all events, and I would like to thank each of them for their work in making the competitions a success.
All of this is possible due to your attendance and our wonderful sponsors. We ask that you support them so they can continue to help us to run this event.
The event runs on volunteers and without them it just could not happen. Every person you see from ticket sellers at the gates, parking assistants, event stewards, security and cleaners are all volunteers.
I would like to welcome Clan Cameron as our Host Clan for these Games, as well as all the Clans attending today. Please visit them in the Clans Avenue and they will help you to find out if you have some hidden Scottish roots.
Thanks to each and every one of you for coming along today.
We wish you a Safe and Happy New Year.
Slaite
Ted Hart, Chief.
This banner designed by Wayne Laurence represents the history of the migration to Waipu by the original Nova Scotian / Scottish settlers.
Top left 1st quarter: Saltair, Thistle, and lion rampant, representing Scottish origins
2nd Quarter: maple leaf, Nova Scotian arrangement representing the time spent in these two countries.
3rd Quarter: Southern Cross configuration for New Zealand and Lymphad/ship representing their final destination.
Centre: A Waipu Caledonian Society Emblem.