The Hororata community had a desire to make a positive change following the damage of the Canterbury earthquakes.

The annual event has increased in popularity with 10,000 people coming to the 2016 edition.

In 2022, the event was held again, with 10,000 people attending the eleventh games and six hundred competitors taking part in traditional Scottish Sports.

These have included:[4] A study conducted by the University of Canterbury looked at the economic benefits of the Hororata Highland Games.

[3] Competitions include Highland Dancing, Piping and Drumming, Tug O’ War and Scottish heavy athletics (men's and women's).