City of Auckland Morris Dancers

City of Auckland Morris Dancers (CAMD), formed in 1978, was one of the first Morris Sides to be established in New Zealand. It is also one of the longest surviving Sides.

The Roundel worn on the baldric, is a replica of the original Coat of Arms of Auckland City. It was presented to the Side in August 1978 by the late Sir Dove - Meyer Robinson, then Mayor of Auckland City and Patron of CAMD. At that time we were granted its use "in perpetuity," one of only two groups in the City to be accorded this honour.

Because of our geographical position, CAMD is the first Morris Side in the world to "dance the sun up" on Mayday. The ritual was started in 1979 and has been performed each year since on the top of Mount Eden, the highest point in Auckland. In recent years Bedlam Morris from Wellington have joined us. The celebrations continue with dancing and visits to the occasional public alehouse. On 1st January 2000 New Zealand Morris will be the first in the world to welcome the new millennium.

With one of the most integrated cultures in the world, it makes for a very varied and diverse forms of both Parades and Festivals.

"Lark in the Park !" One of the many Free Festivals held in Auckland Domain. With an estimated crowd of 250,000 people - quarter of Auckland's population !

Haste To The Wedding - Brackley. For two members of CAMD who recently got married, ensuring both fertility and 'keeping it in the family.'

CAMD is a mixed Side dancing a variety of Cotswold traditions. However the costume is not traditional, opting for black breeches rather than the usual "whites," and the wearing of tatters during the colder winter.