Announcing our 2024 Chieftan, Richard Lang

The prestigious role of Chieftain has deep roots in Scottish history, where each “clan” was led by a formidable leader. During the highland games, the Chieftain sought out the strongest and swiftest individuals, who would stand by his side in future battles. At the Hororata Highland Games, the Chieftain holds an esteemed and honorary position, embodying the spirit of this tradition.

Our 2024 Chieftain – Richard Lang

Richard Lang is a founding Trustee of the Hororata Community Trust and served as Chair from 2013 to 2022. As a Partner at Duncan Cotterill law firm, he is known for his expertise in property, trust law and asset planning. He brought these skills to the table, enabling the Trust to build a solid foundation from which it can support its community. Richard played a crucial role in allowing the community to regain ownership of the historic Hororata Hall, now under the custodianship of the Hororata Community Trust. He is committed to preserving the hall’s legacy as a gathering space for future generations.

“When the Trust began working on the Hororata Hall project, I researched its history. Sir John Hall, a prominent landowner and politician in the late 1800s, established a trust for the purchase of the hall site on Hororātā Road in 1890 to create a space for the residents of the Hororātā district to gather, learn, and enjoy themselves. The funds for the hall were raised through subscriptions and entertaining events. I then discovered that our law firm Duncan Cotterill had represented Sir John Hall, so it’s an honour to continue the legacy of supporting the Hororata community, just as former partners of our firm did at the turn of the last century“ said Richard.

Additionally, Richard’s ties to Hororata run deep as his wife, Georgie, grew up in the village, and they regularly visit with their three children.