New Zealand Highland and National Dancing Championships

This weekend Palmerston North played host to the country's best highland dancers as the city hosted this years New Zealand Highland and National Dancing Championships. 

The contest, which was held from 15 to 18 July, featured 133 highland dancers from 13 regions, ranging from ages 5 to 28, and was held in the Regent on Broadway. 

Events included the Highland Fling, Sword Dance, Seann Triubhas,​ and Irish Jigs.

It is estimated that 75% of the contestants hailed from the South Island. 

You can read more about the event from the following article by the Manawatu Standard. A summary of the key results can be found below.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/82225917/the-best-of-highland-dance-recognised-in-palmerston-north

Winners and runner-ups of the championships:

NZ Championship 18 years and over

Winner: Sarah Gluyas (Ashburton)

Runner-up: Chantelle Shatford (Christchurch)

NZ Championships Under 16

Winner: Imogen Grayson (Auckland)

Runner-up: Brooke Smith (Timaru) 

Under 14

Winner: Charlotte Sloper (Ashburton)

Runner-up: Zoe Blackmore (Blenheim)

Under 12

Winner: Zoe Francis (Blenheim)

Runner-up: Gracie McKay-Simpson (Blenheim)

Under 10

Winner: Bailey Smith (Timaru)

Runner-up: Sophie Davis (Gore)

Under 8

Winner: Poppy Parkinson (Blenheim)

Runner-up: Ruby Tanner (Christchurch)

Under 6

Winner: Tamati Graham (Ashburton)

Runner-up: Clara Tanner (Christchurch)