The first two band contests of 2011 were held on the weekend, with Manawatu and Canterbury Caledonian prevailing at Turakina and Ashburton respectively.Manawatu faced the NZ Police Pipe Band in sunny, dry conditions at the annual Turakina Highland Games, and won the aggregate. NZ Police won the drumming.

At Ashburton, conditions were less warm than usual, with clouds and some rain felt at points of time. Canterbury won both the aggregate and the drumming.

Attention now turns to the various centre contest being held over the next 4 weekends, as bands make their final preparations towards the National Pipe Band Championships in Timaru on the 4th and 5th of March