Otago Centre

About Otago Centre:

Otago Centre has the honour of being the founding centre of the Piping and Dancing Association of New Zealand Inc. The first meeting of an independent Pipers and Dancers Association was held in Dunedin on 3 September 1908. At that meeting, the first rules and regulations governing Highland Dancing and Solo Piping in New Zealand were adopted.

More than a century later, Otago Centre continues to promote Highland Dancing and Solo Piping throughout the region. The Centre works alongside affiliated clubs and groups that organise competitions in Dunedin, North Otago and Queenstown. This includes a thriving North Otago group, which regularly holds competitions in Oamaru and is preparing to host the New Zealand Highland Dancing Championships there in 2028.

The highlight of the Centre’s calendar is the annual Otago Centre King’s Birthday competition. Held over King’s Birthday weekend in Dunedin, it features championships and other events in both Highland Dancing and Solo Piping and attracts competitors from throughout New Zealand.

Otago Centre welcomes new members and encourages anyone interested in supporting Highland Dancing or Solo Piping in the region to get involved.

2026–2027 Committee

Patron: Becky Rout
President: Shiobhan Smith
Vice Presidents: Lance Turnbull and Jackie McBride
Centre Secretary: Larissa Corpe
Centre Treasurer: Gouridevi Kandukuri
Piping Competition Secretary: Julie Marshall
Dancing Competition Secretary: Vacant
North Otago Representatives: Alicia Jones and Kim Mavor

Committee members: Annetta Cowie, Jaclyn Harris, Jessica Jones, Lynette Mitchell, Megan Ferguson, Michelle Mills, Nicole McKay, Jacqui Seque and Jane Wilson.

Important Links:

Teacher lists:

Photo: Queen's Birthday Championships 2015, Highland Reel.