Future events
Look out for the Clan Matheson New Zealand tent
You can catch up with Matheson kinsfolk at all these events over the coming summer. Enjoy the Highland games or the pipe band championships, find out more about what Clan Matheson does in New Zealand, and perhaps meet some long-lost or never-met cousins.
Northland
The 152nd Waipu Highland Games will be held on New Year’s Eve — Wednesday 31 December 2025 — rather than the traditional New Year’s Day. You can buy a ticket on the day, but advance purchase will get you in the gate faster.
Manawatu-Whanganui
Turakina Highland Games, Saturday 31 January 2026. Going strong since 1864, this is New Zealand’s oldest festival of sports, music and dance.
Waikato
The Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo will be held on Saturday 14 February 2026. The tattoo is the grand evening spectacle of music, marching and mass displays.
Taranaki
This year the New Zealand national pipe band championships will be at Inglewood on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 March 2026.
International Clan Matheson gathering
After a really successful international Clan Matheson gathering in 2024, plans are being made for another gathering in Scotland in July 2030. You’ll be able to meet the Chief of Clan Matheson, Sir Alexander Matheson, and other Mathesons from all around the world.
Past events
The summer of 2024/2025 was a busy one for us. Read about some of these events in our newsletter:
Visit of the Chief of Clan Matheson, Sir Alexander Matheson. Issue 178, March 2025.
Turakina Highland Games. Issue 178, March 2025.
Waipu Highland Games. Issue 178, March 2025.
Clan avenue at Invercargill. Issue 178, March 2025.
Hororata Highland Games, November 2024. Issue 177, December 2024.
Clan Matheson international gathering, Scotland, July 2024. Issue 176, September 2024.
