Manawatu cancels ’08 World’s plans

The 2008 World Pipe Band Championships will be without the reigning New Zealand Champions after the Manawatu Scottish has had to cancel its plans to make the long and expensive journey to Scotland following a funding cut by Palmerston North City Council.

“The funding was crucial in making this year’s trip affordable for all members,” said Manawatu Pipe-Major Stewart MacKenzie. “The council is slashing funding of arts and cultural activities across the board in part to offset rising debt servicing costs.”Manawatu had been looking forward to returning to the World’s after completing a successful season in New Zealand.

The band also had completed an endorsement agreement with the St. Kilda Group of Glasgow, the same organization that sponsors current World Champions Field Marshal Montgomery.

“We’re completely gutted,” MacKenzie continued. “It would be great to attend the World’s year on year, but without substantial funding in place it is simply a bridge too far for Manawatu.”MacKenzie said that a two-week trip to Scotland is budgeted at $120,000. He stressed that the band plans to get to the 2009 World’s, and has a several projects set for the southern hemisphere winter and spring, including a follow-up CD to the band’s well-reviewed recording, The Calling.