Scottish clans in Dunedin are joining together to lift the profile of Dunedin's Scottish heritage during Scottish Week.
Scottish Week runs from November 26-December 4.
Clan Gunn high commissioner Todd Wall, the organiser of the combined meeting, said Dunedin's reputation as the country's "Scottish city'' was fading.
Membership of the clans was declining as older members retired or people found other things to do.
Without a serious effort, the city was in danger of losing its title of New Zealand's Scottish capital, he said.
The combined group had met previously under the Clan Gunn umbrella four or five times a year, Mr Wall said.
However, he was keen to extend the activities in an effort to attract new members and funding to lift the profile of the "Edinburgh of the South''.
"As we are currently in our infancy, we only have three events we will be taking part in - Scottish Week, Kirkin' O' the Tartan, at Knox Church, and Brighton Gala Day on January 29 next year, Mr Wall said.
"It is important to keep the clans alive because Dunedin is a Scottish city, founded mainly by Scots people. Having a healthy clan system will bring the city's 'Scottishness' to life again.''
Mr Wall called on businesses and the Dunedin City Council to support the movement to get people interested in joining the clans and take pride in their tartan.
Clans active in the city were Clans Gunn, McLeod, Mackenzie, Donald and McNichol. There would be clan information and recruiting stalls representing those clans in the Octagon on Sunday, November 27, he said.
Many young people were of Scottish descent and had the "blood of Scotland'' in their veins.
"Joining your clan can help us bring Scottish life back to Dunedin again.''
As the clans grew stronger, they could organise more events, Mr Wall said.
His goals included marching along George St, Dunedin, in full Highland dress with clan banners and flags flying, preceded by pipes and drums playing.
"This is always a great attraction for people and one that could stir the latent blood in young people.''
