Wi' a Hundred Pipers

Every year pipe bands from around the country gather to perform at the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships. This edition took place in Christchurch over three days in March 1985, with bands from around the country testing their abilities. Supreme champs Wellington showcase their musicality, the local Scottish Society display expert staff flourishing, and all the bands perform together in the massed finale. The special was directed and produced by Brent Hansen, who would go on to become the Creative President and Editor-in-Chief of MTV International.

Hansen's "luck" involved a three-and-a-half-hour show reel, including footage of the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships "to show I was well rounded" he posted off to the MTV offices in New York in 1987.

– Warren Gamble on footage used by Brent Hansen to win a job at MTV, NZ Herald, 28 February 2013

Key Cast & Crew

Brent Hansen

Director, Producer

Don Megget

Vision Controller

Pat Coomber

Vision Controller

Fred Gear

Vision Controller

Diane Burgess

Videotape Operator

Chris Wall

Videotape Operator