First Female Chieftain for Hororata Highland Games
Coming into its 7th event the Hororata Highland Games is pleased to announce that the 2017 Chieftain will be Hon Amy
Adams, MP for Selwyn. “When selecting a Chieftain we look for people who have served our community and/or have Scottish
connections,” explain Hororata Community Trust Chair, Richard Lang. “Ms. Adams has always supported the work of the
Trust and has been to every Games. She has taken a vested interest in our community and we are thrilled that she
accepted our invitation to fill the role of Chieftain in 2017.”
In Scottish tradition, there is always a Chieftain who is the Master of Ceremonies and a key figure in the day’s
activities. Ms. Adams duties include brandishing of the Chieftain’s sword at the welcoming ceremony and the presentation
of trophies to the successful competition winners at the closing ceremony, following the Grand March past of all the
Pipe Bands.
“Having attended every Hororata Highland Games since the event began, I am delighted and honoured to have been asked to
perform the role of Chieftain this year,” said Ms Adams. “I am looking forward to the Games and am sure this year’s
event will be as fantastic as always.”
Ms. Adams will be the first female Chieftain of the Hororata Highland Games. Past Chieftains include Simon Dallow
(2011), Gerry Brownlee (2012), Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae (2013) and Sir Bob Parker (2014). 2015 saw the
events first international Chieftain, Alex Bruce, Director of Adelphi Distillery, Scotland and in 2016 bagpipe rock star
Kyle Warren travelled from Australia.
“The Hororata Highland Games is a vibrant mix of an international sporting event surround by a fun-filled festival. This
is a community event which has grown from strength to strength each year. It takes a huge volunteer effort to stage and
needs high-level support from people like Ms. Adams,” said Mr Lang.
The Hororata Highland Games is held on the 11th November at the Hororata Domain, gates opening at 9.00 am until 5.00 pm.
For more information and discounted early bird tickets visit
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