About the composer
From Oamaru in New Zealand’s South Island, Marion was originally taught the pipes by her father and had further instruction from many notable teachers. She is a trailblazer for NZ women pipers, with many successes in piobaireachd. In her home country she has won the CNP Gold Medal and two Clasps, several NZ championships and much besides. In Scotland she won the Oban Silver Medal, and the Braemar Gold Medal twice in consecutive years. Marion has made a stellar contribution to New Zealand piping, including as a school band tutor for over 25 years, an administrator and judge.
Waipawa is the town in rural Hawkes Bay where the McKay brothers grew up.
Marion says, “For the tune itself I wanted something joyful, bold and persistent! Piobaireachd has brought a lot of joy (and the odd bit of heartache) to so many Kiwi pipers. We wouldn’t be in the position we are today without the bold and persistent approach of Ian and Neville to establish CNP, get the 'good oil’ on the tunes, pass on the knowledge, and make piobaireachd a mainstream event for solo pipers.”
The tune is played by the composer.
