ILT City of Invercargill Highland Pipe Band is based in Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand, and traces its history to 1896, making it widely described as the oldest civilian pipe band in the Southern Hemisphere. The band recently celebrated 125 years of pipe banding and continues to preserve and promote piping and drumming traditions in Southland.

Today, the organisation is one of New Zealand’s major pipe band setups, with five bands ranging from Juvenile to Grade 1. Its structure supports players at different ages and stages, from learners through to top-grade competition.

The Grade 1 band has been led by Ali Mackenzie, who also influences the wider organisation’s musical structure across grades. The Royal New Zealand Pipe Bands’ Association profile notes his international experience, including playing with Inveraray & District and previous involvement with ScottishPower.

Invercargill has also remained central to New Zealand pipe band competition, hosting the 2025 New Zealand Pipe Band Championships at Queen’s Park Cricket Grounds, with more than 1,500 pipers and drummers expected.