Many thanks to the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association for hosting and Scenic Hotel Group for sponsoring the competition on Saturday 5th April 2025. This was the fourth of the eight competitions which form part of the new RSPBA International Solo Drumming Circuit.
RSPBA Director Sharon Smith, oversaw the contest remotely via a live internet link.
Representatives from the RSPBA Music Board (Competition Format Group) commented: “It’s a real pleasure working alongside our Affiliate Associations, and it’s fantastic to witness the growth of drumming in the southern hemisphere. I’d also like to extend my thanks to the RNZPBA, for the dedication and collaboration to ensures that all contest protocols and management are in place to deliver a first-class experience for competitors. The Live streaming used at the Oceania Championship as part of the international drumming circuit is a powerful way to bring the global pipe band community together.”
RSPBA Adult Oceania Snare Drumming Championship
In first place, and The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association, Oceania Champion for 2025 is Douglas Bisland, Auckland & District Pipe Band
- 2nd place – Steven Sheddon, Hawthorn Pipe Band
- 3rd place – Richard Black, Hawthorn Pipe Band
- 4th place – Davy Clark, People’s Ford Boghall & Bathgate
- 5th place – Becky Weir, Metro Scottish Pipe Band
- 6th place – Scott Birrell, Canterbury Caledonian Society PB
The top four competitors are now qualified to enter the RSPBA World Solo Drumming Championship-Semi Final in October 2025. Also, the top six places secure points towards the 2025 RSPBA Adult World Solo Snare Drumming Champion of Champion title.
RSPBA Juvenile Section 5 Oceania Snare Drumming Championship
- 1st place – Ethan Higgs, St. Andrew’s College
- 2nd place – Daniel Liu, St. Andew’s College
- 3rd place – Theo Lagias, St. Andrew’s College
- 4th place – Jack Shearer, St. Andrew’s College
Congratulations to all the competitors! The full summary of results and list of winners were kindly provided to competitors by the RNZPBA. To view the complete results, visit www.rnzpba.com, and be sure to check out their social media platforms for competition photos — including images featuring RSPBA adjudicators Paul Turner and Stuart Coils, who travelled from Scotland to adjudicate.
The next circuit competition is the RSPBA British Championship on the 11th August 2025. The Competition will be hosted by the RSPBA Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch.
