Introduction

Marching as a competitive and recreational sport for girls and women originated in NZ; then spread overseas to the UK, Australia and other countries through promotional visits. Images of our marching girls over the decades have become part of Kiwiana - our popular culture unique to New Zealand. 

The following gives an overview of key milestones since the late nineteenth century, when military-style marching displays led to drill and marching teams forming in NZ schools during the 1920s. Marching gained in popularity during the 1930s with businesses and factories for inter-house competition at sports meetings. This led to the forming of the New Zealand Marching and Recreation Association in August 1945, which was later re-named the New Zealand Marching Association (NZMA) in 1948, and Marching New Zealand (MNZ) in 1998. As well as competitive and recreational marching, the teams have also participated in street parades and at civic welcomes for royal visitors and dignitaries. In 1991, women aged fifty years plus formed their own team for leisure marching in Tauranga, which gave rise to other 'Leisure Marching' teams of "mature women" being developed independently from Marching New Zealand. 

We will also look at the styles of uniform and team names which have varied over the years! Three of the ten teams competing at the Bay of Plenty Marching Championship in 1950, for example, were: Robin Hood (Rotorua) whose uniform colours were red, green and white; Rainster (Tauranga) who wore gold and white; and the Farmers Troupedors (Ōpōtiki) who wore cherry and lemon.     

                >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Step back in time:

Late 19th - early 20th century:  Marching displays 

1920s: Drills & marching at schools

During the 1920s, drills and marching were held at primary and secondary schools as part of their physical exercises. The students also took part in special events such as gala days and town processions. Marching competitions became a novelty, as seen from the following newspaper report where pupils at Hawera Main School were involved in a marching competition in 1929. 

CHILDREN AT DRILL - MAIN SCHOOL MARCHING COMPETITION. 

A novelty greatly enjoyed by the pupils was the marching competition held at the Hawera Main School this morning.  The children were grouped according to sizes and ages, and the juniors were allowed a small handicap to offset the advantages of the older children. Sergeant-Major Stevens, of the Permanent Defence Staff, judged the marching, and at the conclusion commented very favourably upon the standard attained. Thee competition, in which all the boys and girls of the standards competed, was won by Miss Burgess’ squad, with Miss Grindrod’s second and the others close. 

Source:  Papers Past: "Children at Drill:, Hawera Star (Vol. XLIX, 18 Nov 1929, p. 11)

1930s: Inter-house competitions by businesses

Marching teams began to be formed by offices, businesses and factories for inter-house competition at sports meetings.  

Early 1940s: recreational & Physical activity 

During World War II, marching was encouraged as a recreational activity by physical welfare officers in the Department of Internal Affairs, to boost morale and improve physical fitness. Local marching associations began to be formed in the North and the South Islands.

1945: New Zealand Marching ANd Recreation            Association (NZMA) formed

The New Zealand girls' marching championships took place in Wanganui in Feb 1945 at which a crowd of 8000 attended. At a meeting held afterwards, it was decided to form the New Zealand Girls' Marching and Recreation Association, with headquarters at Wellington, and to hold the next national competition in Timaru. (Source: Evening Post: "Girls marching", (Vol CXXXIX, Issue 48, 26 Feb 1945, p.7). 

On 15 August 1945, the New Zealand Marching and Recreation Association was inaugurated at a meeting in Wellington attended by representatives of seven local associations. The aim was to promote inter-house marching and recreation for girls throughout New Zealand. Assistance was given by the Department of Internal Affairs officers to help establish the Association and hold the first national competition at Timaru. It was part of the Department's policy to promote recreation in New Zealand by providing assistance until the Association was able to carry out its activities independently.  

Find out more:

• Department of Internal Affairs: Annual report for the year ended 31 March 1946,  AJHR, 1946 Session I, H-22, p.7) 
• NZHistory:  Marching New Zealand, 1945 –

CENTRES ADMINISTERED ASSOCIATIONS WITHIN REGIONS

Four levels of administration were introduced: national association, regional centres, local associations and clubs.  Each regional centre administered the marching associations within its geographical region.  For example, in 1949 the Bay of Plenty Marching Centre consisted of three associations - Tauranga, Rotorua, and Te Puke. Each association coordinated the activities of its local club teams, including holding two championship meetings in a season. An association was entitled to have two delegates on its regional Centre's executive committee. The number of marching teams and regional administrative 'centres' grew throughout the North and South Islands.

Source: Papers Past: Te Puke Times, "Marching Association formed", (Vol XXVIII, Issue 13, 18 Feb 1949, p.2)  

1946: Association's first National championship held

The first national competition held by the Association was in 1946 at Timaru at which only seniors (aged above 16 years) could compete. By the late 1950s, national championships also included juniors (aged 12–15) and by the late 1960s ‘midget’ teams (aged 8–11). 

1948: Renamed 'New Zealand Marching Association'

At its annual meeting held on 13 August 1948, the decision was made to change the Association's name to 'New Zealand Marching Association'. The following officers were elected: Patron, the Governor-General, Sir Bernard Freyberg; Vice-patrons, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. W. E. Parry; President, Lieut.-Colonel G. P. O'Leary; Vice-presidents, the presidents of affiliated associations; Secretary, Mr. K. W. Kilpatrick; Treasurer, Mr. N. Sclien. Mr. G. Austad was elected the first life member. 

Source:  'Premier praises N. Z. Marching Association', Gisborne Herald, 16 Aug 1948, p. 8. (PapersPast) 

Competitions held regionally & nationally

The following article about teams marching in Tauranga in 1949 received coverage in the Bay of Plenty Times: 

MARCHING DISPLAY IN TAURANGA: FIRST ANNUAL EVENT OF ASSOCIATION

SUCCESS OF ROTORUA TEAM

The first large-scale marching display held in the Tauranga district by the Tauranga Marching Association proved highly successful. The event was staged on the Domain on Saturday, four teams, Robin Hood (Rotorua), Pipe Band, Rainster and Mount Maunganui participating. Owing to unavoidable circumstances the full number of teams entered were not able to compete. The grand parade marched from Wharepai corner shortly after 1 p.m., the girls looking very neat in their respective costumes. The Tauranga Highland Pipe Band was in attendance. Trophies were presented by the Mayoress, Mrs L. R. Wilkinson, and Lady Wavertree. Mr T. F. Conner deputised for the Mayor. 

Results of events were: 

• Street march. Robin Hood (Rotorua) (80 points) 1, Pipe Band (79) 2
• Open Challenge Cup, Robin Hood (307 h) 1. Rainster (290 i) 2
• Open novice, Pipe Band (315) 1, Rainster (305) 2
• Best leader. Miss M. McGimley, Robin Hood (47) 1. Miss Z. Alexander, Rainster (43). 2
• Best dressed, Robin Hood (92) 1, Pipe Band (91) 2 

Source: Papers Past: The Bay of Plenty Times (Feb 1949), "Marching display in Tauranga" (Vol, LXXVII, Issue: 14904, p.2)  

1950s: Marching grows in popularity

By 1951, there were over 300 teams competing in twenty affiliated centres. The marching teams comprised three age groups: Midgets (aged 8–11), Junior teams (aged 12–15) and Seniors. The teams competed in centre championships, followed by the North Island and South Island championships, and the national championships. However, the Seniors could only compete at the national championship until 1957 when the Junior teams were included, followed by the Midgets in 1968. As well as competitions, the marching teams also participated in street parades and at civic welcomes for royal visitors and dignitaries. 

NZ marching teams visit UK & Australia

During 1952, the Dunedin marching team Blair Atholl visited the UK to promote marching. The following year, the Grenadiers Guards of Whangarei who had become the Champion NZ Team (placed 1st in all 7 sections in 1953) visited Australia and marched at the Australian Championships in NSW. This led to the first Australian team, the Parramatta Grenadiers of NSW, visiting NZ in 1961.

Find out more about the Blair Athol marching team's UK trip to promote marching: Youtube video (1:05min): British Pathé:  New Zealand introduces women marching team (1952) 

Teams continue to compete in NZ and attend civic welcomes

1956:  More than 300 teams & 19 centres in NZ

An article in the Upper Hutt Leader (26 Jan 1956) reported on the number of marching teams and the administration of the New Zealand Marching Association:

"One team from each of the 19 centres- - 12 from the North Island and seven from the South Island will fake part in the New Zealand championships of the New Zealand Marching Association to be held on March 10 at Lancaster Park, Christchurch. The South Island championships will be held in Dunodin on February in, thc same date as the North island championships will be held a! Hamilton. 

There are more than 300 teams marching in the Dominion. All members are young women or girls, but the association is administered almost, entirely by men, said Mr K. V. Kilpatrick, Dominion Secretary of the Association. Many instructors were former servicemen. Marching teams originated in New Zealand. The marching helped girls to develop a good carriage, and appealed lo girls who were not anxious to take part, in vigorous sports. Participation in marching created a team spirit amongst the girls. A marching association formed in Australia on lines similar to the New Zealand organisation, had its headquarters in .Newcastle, New South Wales."

1957: Junior teams (aged 12–15) included in national competitions

1958: Civic welcome for Queen Mother & tour to Fiji

1959: First female President of NZ Marching Association

1960s: Performances in NZ & overseas continue

1968:  Midget grade (8-11 years) included in NZ Championships

1970s: Marching in NZ & overseas 

Marching continued to be popular as a sporting activity. During 1974-1975, the number of teams had increased to 368. In 1977, competition widened to include Australia, with the first Inter-Dominion Championship being held in Wellington. The following year, Wellington's Lochiel team was invited to attend their first Edinburgh Military Tattoo and have since had return visits. (Source: NZ History: Marching New Zealand 1945 - )

1980s: Changes to marching introduced

During the 1980s, membership of the New Zealand Marching Association began to decline and by 1991–92 there were 186 teams. The Association introduced changes, including reducing the number of administrative levels from four to three (national association, local association and club) in 1986. An annual grant was also obtained from the Hillary Commission for the salary of an executive director. Marching continued to be an amateur sport, administered by volunteers.   

1990s: Kiwisport, Leisure marching & NZMA/MNZ TEAMS

Marching recognised as a Kiwi Sport

Marching became officially recognised as a Kiwi Sport by the Hillary Commission in 1990.  Kiwisport was launched in Dunedin to promote sport for primary, intermediate and secondary school students, with funding from Sport NZ and the Ministry of Education.

Find out more: Sport New Zealand: Kiwisport: https://sportnz.org.nz/resources/kiwisport/

Leisure Marching teams formed, 1991 -

In 1991, six friends aged fifty years plus formed a marching team in Tauranga "purely for exercise, fun and friendship", which they named “The Marching Grans”. After the team appeared on TVOne's Holmes Show. "this started the Leisure Marching throughout New Zealand". Nowadays, there are over 100 teams with over 1000 marchers who are "mature ladies"- teams can comprise any number of people. Various non-competitive events hosted by local teams are held throughout the country which include: "a march past parade, individual team routines, [and] winding up with a serpentine or maze march with all teams on the floor".   "There is no National Body. Hosting of the major events – North Island, South Island and the Nationals are decided by delegates from each team."

Source: Leisure marching: http://www.leisuremarching.org.nz/ 

New Zealand Marching Association activities

By 1992, "the NZMA comprised 21 local associations, 31 clubs, 2328 marchers, and 1222 coaches, judges, chaperones and other administrators". (Source: NZ History: Marching New Zealand, 1945 -  ) 

International competition:

Teams continue to perform against other countries.  See Marching New Zealand:

• 1993, 1997 & 1998: Lochiel of Wellington return to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 

• 1993-1997, the Interdominion Competition, renamed International Challenge, was held between NZ & Australia in Adelaide

• 1994: Temuka Militaires Junior Team of Timaru attended Chingay Festival in Singapore

• 1995 & 1997: Shevarn of Auckland represented NZ at the Kurumayam-Kogen Southern Crossing Festival in Nagano, Japan

Masters Grade introduced in 1994

Changes introduced to attract more women as marchers, included forming the Masters Grade (minimum age of 30 yrs) in 1994. Teams could perform either Technical Drill or Display or both.

New Zealand Marching Association renamed Marching New Zealand (MNZ), 1998

The New Zealand Marching Association was also renamed Marching New Zealand Inc (MNZ) in 1998. It continued to promote competitive and recreational marching as a popular sport for women and girls. The following Regional Championships were introduced:

• Northern Plate (Auckland/Waikato/Bay of Plenty)

• Central North Island Shield (CNIS) (Hawke's Bay/Taranaki/Wanganui/R/Manawatu).

• Cook Strait Challenge (Wellington/Nelson/Marlborough). (When the Cook Strait Regional Championship was deleted in 2001, Wellington joined CNIS and Nelson Marlborough Mainland Challenge.)

• Mainland Challenge (Canterbury/Otago/Southland)

Since 2000: Wane in number of MNZ teams 

The number of teams participating in marching began to wane from a peak of 368 teams in 1974, to 74 teams registered in February 2016 with Marching New Zealand. From 2012, the Regional Championships had been replaced by North and South Island Championships. By 2018, the number of associations had decreased with ten association committees administering events. (Sources:  RNZ: March from the past, 24 Feb 2016) and NZ History: Marching New Zealand 1945 -  )

Marching Grades:

In the 2000s, the Open Free Choice Grade was introduced for non-competitive teams to perform their own choice of routine to their own choice of music. By 2018 teams no longer marched to brass & pipe bands, instead marching at 120 beats in the set plan phase. At the Annual Meeting of Marching NZ held in June 2023, the 'Under 16 Grade' & 'Under 12 Grade' were officially renamed 'Under 18 Grade' and 'Under 13 Grade'.

Currently, there are six marching grades which provide for competitive and recreational teams:   

• Introductory Grade (aged 5-10 years):  4-10 marchers who could march at local Association competitions and events only.

• Under 13 Grade (aged 7-12 years): Can perform either a Technical Drill (7-10 marchers) or own choice of Display routine (7-14 marchers) or both at local Association competitions and events, Island Championships and NZ Championships.  

• Under 18 Grade (aged 12-17 years): Can perform either a Technical Drill (7-10 marchers) or own choice of Display routine (7-14 marchers) or both at local Association competitions and events, Island Championships and NZ Championships.  

• Senior Grade (minimum age of 17 years): Can perform either a Technical Drill (7-10 marchers) or own choice of Display routine (7-14 marchers) or both at local Association competitions and events, Island Championships, NZ Championships, Masters Games and International Challenge competitions between NZ & Australia.

• Masters Grade (minimum age of 30 years & no maximum age): Can perform either a Technical Drill (7-10 marchers) or own choice of Display routine (7-14 marchers) or both at local Association competitions and events, Island Championships, NZ Championships, Masters Games and International Challenge competitions between NZ & Australia.

• Open Free Choice Grade (minimum age of 4 years & no maximum age): Non-competitive social marching for fun and fitness and the entire family. Comprising either a free choice routine or to a set format of technical drill routine which is not judged. A team consists of any number of marchers who could be interchanged at any stage. The Team can march at local competitions and events only.

Source:  Marching New Zealand - Marching Grades: https://www.marching.co.nz/participation/marching-grades/

Local & International performances:

A summary of national and international marching events is listed by Marching New Zealand for 2000s and 2010s 

The NZ Marching Championships have continued to be held in New Zealand, except on the following three occasions: 2011 event scheduled to be hosted in Christchurch was cancelled due to the Canterbury Earthquake; and the 2020 event to be hosted in Auckland and the 2022 event in Hamilton were cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Marching teams have continued to perform against other countries:

• 2000: Lochiel perform at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo held at Westpac Trust Stadium in Wellington

• 2000: Pioneers of Canterbury attend Brisbane Festival

• 2000: International Tattoo in Brisbane Australia

• 2004: Central Guards (Marlborough), Brook Chevaliers (Canterbury), Broadway (Wanganui-R), Waitau and Whitiora (both Waikato) participated in the Masters International Challenge in Sydney, Australia

• 2005: Broadway (Wanganui-R) and Waitau (Waikato) participated in the Masters International Challenge held in Brisbane, Australia .

• 2008: Lochiel of Wellington return for their 5th performance at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo

• 2012: Pioneers of Canterbury from Canterbury attend the Canadian International Military Tattoo in Hamilton, Ontario

• 2013: Lochiel of Wellington return to Scotland for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

• 2016: Lochiel of Wellington performed at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo staged in Melbourne and Wellington.

• 2019: Lochiel of Wellington return to Scotland for their eighth performance at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo since first appearing in 1978. (See announcement: The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo (23 July 2019) 

Marching team names & uniforms over the decades

Over the decades, the names of marching teams and the colours worn varied.

In 1950, for example, ten teams competed at the Bay of Plenty Marching Championships, held at Tauranga. The team names and uniform colours were: 

 ◙  Robin Hood (Rotorua): red, green and white

 ◙  Mt Maunganui: green and gold

 ◙  Farmers Troupedors (Opotiki): cherry and lemon

 ◙  Rochdale: blue and white

 ◙  Ascot (Rotorua): green and white

 ◙  Highland Pipe Band Team (Tauranga): Gordon tartan and white

 ◙  Rainster (Tauranga): gold and white

 ◙  Green Arrows (Putaruru): gold and white

 ◙  Ascot (Te Awamutu): green and white

 ◙  Whakatane United (Whakatane): maroon and cream. 

The Street March was won by Robin Hood, Rotorua, the Tauranga Pipe Band came second, with Whakatane and Rotorua Ascots were equal for third. The Bay of Plenty Championship was won by Robin Hood, Tauranga Pipe Band second and Ascot, Rotorua third. Miss D. Hodge of Ascot was the best leader while Green Arrows, Putaruru, won the best costume class.

Source: Papers Past: Te Awamutu Courier, "Ascots do well", (Vol 80, Issue 7152, 16 Jan 1950, p. 4)

Medals, Badges & Trophies

At the National Championships held during the 1960s, the following trophies were awarded: Parry Cup (New Zealand champions); Bock Shield (display march); Hanan Shield (aggregate points trophy); Lustre Shield (best team leader); Stanton Medal (best team marker); and Richard Hudnut Trophy and Kiwi Rose Bowl (for winner and runner up in the costume competition).  (Source: Te Ara: Marching teams: 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand)

Find out more:

• Charlotte Macdonald, 'Marching teams and cheerleaders', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/marching-teams-and-cheerleaders  

• Marching New Zealand, URL: https://www.marching.co.nz/about-us/about-marching-new-zealand/

• New Zealand Leisure Marching:http://www.leisuremarching.org.nz/

• NZ History: Marching New Zealand, 1945 –   URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/women-together/marching-new-zealand

This DigitalNZ story was updated in April 2025