One of New Zealand’s finest and largest pipe organs is now ready for action in Napier’s Waiapu Anglican Cathedral.

Rebuilt and expanded with pipes gathered from organs across the country, the instrument  is ready to be rededicated by Waiapu’s Bishop David Rice in a special service on Thursday, April 4, at 7.30pm.

It will then display its full range and power in a series of recitals by internationally famous organists, beginning with the organist from Notre Dame in Paris, Oliver Latry on April 5th, and former organist of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, Malcolm Archer on April 9.

People outside Napier will hear the organ for the first time on Easter morning at 7am in  a pre-recorded  programme of organ and choral music on Radio New Zealand.

Twelve craftsmen from the South Island Organ Company have spent the last 12 months working on rebuilding the instrument, primarily in their Timaru factory and, at times, on high scaffolds inside the cathedral, to complete the rebuild in time for Easter.

It is now the largest  pipe organ in New Zealand after the Auckland Town Hall and the largest functioning cathedral organ.

Waiapu Cathedral’s organist and director of music, Gary Bowler, who is already playing the renewed organ for cathedral services, ahead of its official launching,  says the instrument is superb .

"The extra scope of the instrument with its additional thousand pipes has created a considerable instrument both locally and overseas.

"The new continental style console, a first for New Zealand and the restoring of many historic features all adds to the excitement of playing one of the country's top instruments."

Bishop John Bluck, who is the Acting Dean of the cathedral, expects the renewed organ to provide a major boost for the musical community across the region.

Recently returned to the Bay, Bishop John is impressed by the success of the fund-raising campaign to rebuild the organ.

“People have been extraordinarily generous," he says. "Most of the $780,000 needed has come from the wider community, and one more major gift of $80.000 would complete the job.”