With dedication, commitment and hard work, the Tauranga City Pipe Band has claimed the title of the annual Palmerston North Square Day competition for the first time.

The one-day competition sees about 20 pipe bands come together to perform in the heart of Palmerston North at The Square.

The Tauranga City Pipe Band are winners of the annual Palmerston North Square Day. Photo: supplied.

The Tauranga City Pipe Band, consisting of about 25 members aged 11 – 60 plus, competes in the competition every year but it is the first time the band has come out winners.

Pipe corporal Andy Lowes says the band competed against five other bands in their grade – which is grade four – to take the title.

Andy has played in pipe bands since he was 12 years old and now, at age 32, he knows what makes a good pipe band.

'We are judged on how well we play together, clarity and timing and how well we play together as a band.

'It's all about commitment, dedication and hard work.”

The band will be competing in the national pipe band competition on March 7-8, 2013 when the best pipe bands from across the country compete along The Strand.

Anyone interested in playing in the Tauranga City Pipe Band can contact Andy at [email protected]