Over 100 people gathered in Waiapu Cathedral on September 5 to witness the signing of a $618.000 contract to rebuild and upgrade the organ.

The work will be undertaken by the South Island Organ Company.
 
The cathedral has already raised $467,000.
 
The work will begin next year, and the cathedral will be without the organ for about 9 months. Part of the work involves a new console at ground level; the current console loft will be used for expanded pipe work.
 
Earlier this year the NZ Lotteries Grants Boards gave $180,000 towards the heritage portion of the project.

Part of the organ is an 1884 Lewis model from Dunedin, and Lewis pipes that belong with the Napier pipes have been bought for installation alongside the current pipes.
 
Further grants have come from the Eastern and Central Community Trust, the Kingdom Foundation, Napier City Council and other Trusts. Up to $50,000 has been donated from private individuals.
 
Dean Helen Jacobi stressed at the signing that the project was for future musicians and music lovers of Napier, so the Cathedral Choristers sang two pieces and organ student Purcell Sali gave his first public performance.
 
“We are confident this project will give us one of NZ’s finest pipe organs and we are grateful for the ongoing support of so many in our community,” Dean Helen said.