Hundreds of people have flocked to the National Pipe Band Championships in Auckland this weekend.
More than 50 groups are competing in the championships this year, with bands travelling from across the country – and even across the ditch – to take part in the event.
Each band is judged by some of the best pipers and drummers in the world.
Northern Ireland judge Gordon Parkes said the competition here "would be as good as anywhere in the world".
"There are world-class performances happening out there."
For some, the competition is a special occasion.
This weekend is Eddie Eeles' final time performing after being a drum major for 60 years.
"I've got mixed feelings, actually, with it being my last parade," Eeles said. "It's been a long time in bands."
But as Eeles taps out, more and more young people are getting involved in the pipe band world.
One young lad told 1News his mum and dad are both pipers.
"It's the uniqueness. It's the camaraderie between our group; getting a really cool team together," he said.
Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands' Association president Iain Blakely said it's "the glue that holds us all together".
"It also is a chance to test ourselves against our peers."
Blakely said there is a "renaissance" for pipe bands.
"We're getting more and more young people coming into pipe bands around the country."
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