CLANN CONNECT

 

Clans at the Waipu Highland Games

 

"The Clan had its foundation first and foremost in the deeply rooted Celtic principle of kindness, a mixture of kinship and long tradition, stronger than any written law."
Sir Fitzroy Maclean in “The Isles of the Sea”

 

In recent years the Waipu Caledonian Society has nominated a “Host Clan of the Games " which are drawn from the many Clans who participate at the annual celebrations.

 

The Clan who is elected is awarded the honour of preceding all other Clans as they are formally marched into the Caledonian Park at the beginning of the Games, they are given a special Clan Site and also feature prominently in the annual souvenir programme.  In 2007 a special celebration was to show case the Clans that were involved in the settlement of Waipu and the sister settlements; such as Whangarei Heads, Kauri and Whangarei itself, which was originally settled by Scots.

 

Norman McKenzie in his book “The Gael Fares Forth” said the Whangarei County was the most Scottish outside of Dunedin in the South Island or New Munster as it was known then.

 

List of the Host Clans to date:

2001	130th	Donald
2002	131st	Davidson
2003	132nd	MacKenzie
2004	133rd	MacMillan
2005	134th	Cameron
2006	135th	Wallace
2007	136th	Clans of Waipu [Clans that went to Waipu]
2008	137th	MacLeod
2009	138th	Donnachaidh / Robertson
2010	139th	Clan MacLean

 

Many famous Clans are associated with the original settlers who migrated from Scotland via Nova Scotia and local descendants enjoy visiting the Clan tents to renew friendships with family and visitors who come to the Games each year from all over New Zealand and from around the World. A highlight of every Highland Games is the massed parade of competing Pipers, Drummers, Dancers and Clans prior to the official opening.

 

Clans who regularly participate at the Annual Waipu Highland Games include the following:

Clan Cameron, Clan Campbell, Clan Davidson, Clan Donald Auckland & District, Clan Donnachaidh / Robertson, Clan Ferguson, Clan Gordon - House of Gordon, Clan Johnston(e), Clan Little, Clan MacLachlan, Clan MacLean, Clan MacLeod, Clan MacKenzie, Clan MacMillan, Clan Munro, Clan MacNeil, Clan McPhee, Clan MacRae, Clan Ross, Clan Stewart, Clan Wallace.

The majority of Clan Sites have extensive research material available and visitors can check out their genealogy, traditions, heritage and the many other fascinating aspects of Clan Associations. Most of the Clans represented at Waipu produce newsletters and keep their various members in touch with activities during the year.

 

Click on this link for the complete list of Clan Societies in New Zealand.

 

 

List of Clan Societies