Marching itself was started in Canterbury as one of the earliest regional areas, and started with business teams back in the late 40s or early 50s.

Marching Canterbury used to be called Canterbury Marching Centre. Affiliated to the Centre were several Associations, Kaiapoi Assn, Rangiora Assn, Christchurch Assn, Midland Assn, and Metropolitan Assn.  Teams were affiliated to one of these Assn and each Assn ran a champ, with Canterbury Champs being run by Canterbury Centre. Then by decree from Marching NZ, the structure was changed, and firstly, each team was allowed two delegates to the Canterbury Association. Then latterly it became an elected Committee only, as the structure goes today.