Waiapu Cathedral in Napier is a hum of activity as willing hands – including Bishop David Rice – unpack and install the newly rebuilt and expanded organ.

The organ arrived from Timaru in parts this week after a year of cleaning and refurbishment by the South Island Organ Company.

It has a new console in the “European” style, and should be up and playing in six weeks.

The cathedral has been fundraising for the past three years, and is only $80,000 short of the $745,000 total.

The re-dedication service will take place on Thursday, April 4, at 7.30pm, followed by a series of recitals.

The first is on Friday, April 5, by Olivier Latry, titular organist at Notre Dame, Paris. 

On Saturday, April 6, there will be an Illustrated lecture – The Colours of the Organ – by Gary Bowler and Vincent James, telling the history of the organs at the cathedral and what was involved in the latest rebuild. 

And then the following Tuesday, April 9, the recitalist will be Malcolm Archer, former organist and director of music at St Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Tickets for the recitals will be available from TicketDirect next month.

Dean Helen Jacobi says: “We are thrilled to have attracted two of the world’s leading organists to play for the opening recitals. It's a testament to the quality of the rebuilt and expanded organ that these artists have agreed to come and play.”