Each year the Organ Historical Trust of Australia organises a conference lasting about a week in one of the states of Australia. Conferences have also been held on both islands of New Zealand. These conferences bring organists and those interested in the instrument together from all over Australia, as well as New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Asia and Europe. Often, an international authority on the history and restoration of historic organs attends as a key-note speaker. Past guests have included Uwe Pape (Germany), Barbara Owen (USA) and Stephen Bicknell (UK). Opportunities are provided for recitals on historic and instruments. Members often have time to play and inspect the instruments for themselves and papers on the preservation of organs and other relevant topics are presented and later published in OHTA News.
Upcoming conferences
- 2026 – New Zealand
- 2027 – Victoria
- 2028 – Western Australia
THE 2026 OHTA CONFERENCE
New Zealand – North Island
46th Annual Conference
Sunday 27 September – Friday 2 October 2026
Auckland – Rotorua – Napier – Wellington
Explore the living legacy of historic pipe organs across Te Ika-a-Māui, New Zealand’s North Island.
Download the conference brochure
About the Conference
Discover the rich heritage of New Zealand’s historic pipe organs on a journey through the North Island. From grand cathedrals to regional treasures, delegates will hear and play instruments of exceptional character while connecting with the musicians and stories that bring them to life.
Beginning with a cathedral service in Auckland, the conference travels south via Cambridge to Rotorua, including a visit to Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village and the culture of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people.
In Napier, hear the St John’s Anglican Cathedral organ, likely for the final time before major changes to the building. The journey continues through Woodville and Masterton, crossing the Remutaka Range before concluding in Wellington.
Delegates will be among the first to play the newly restored Wellington Town Hall organ, part of a major restoration of this historic venue.
Set against some of New Zealand’s most striking landscapes, this is a week of music, place, and connection.
Conference Itinerary
Sunday 27 September – Auckland
Holy Trinity Cathedral · St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral · St Benedict’s · St Thomas’ · St Luke’s
Monday 28 September – Auckland
St Alban’s · Ponsonby Baptist · Ponsonby Unitarian · Auckland Town Hall
Tuesday 29 September – Cambridge to Rotorua
St Peter’s School Chapel · St Andrew’s · St Luke’s
Wednesday 30 September – Rotorua to Napier
Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village · Trinity Methodist · St John’s Cathedral
Thursday 1 October – Hawke’s Bay to Wairarapa
St Mary’s · Woodville Reed Organ Museum · Crossway Masterton
Friday 2 October – Wellington
Wellington Town Hall · St Peter’s · St Mary of the Angels
Optional Events
Friday 2 October – Post-Conference Dinner
Relaxed dinner with fellow delegates at a local restaurant.
Saturday 3 October, 12 noon – National War Memorial Visit
Includes the historic 1850 Henry Erben organ.
Booking Information
Bookings close: Friday 21 August 2026
Early Bird deadline: 13 July 2026
(All prices in AUD)
Conference Packages
6 Days (Sun–Fri)
- Member: $1,200
- Non-member: $1,270
- Without coach: $980 / $1,050
5 Days (Mon–Fri)
- Member: $1,050
- Non-member: $1,120
- Without coach: $860 / $930
4 Days (Tue–Fri)
- Member: $1,000
- Non-member: $1,070
- Without coach: $820 / $890
Day Rates (Coach | No Coach)
- Sun: $190 | $180
- Mon: $100 | $80
- Tue: $120 | $60
- Wed: $170 | $110
- Thu: $150 | $70
- Fri: — | $80
Conference Dinner (Tue 29 Sept): $60
Registration
Online (preferred):
👉 https://www.trybooking.com/DKKGZ
Bank Transfer:
BSB: 013128
Account: 204705424
Swift: ANZBAU3M
(Include your surname and CONF26 as reference)
Accommodation
Rotorua & Napier
Included in packages (single rooms)
Twin-share option: $198pp less
Auckland
The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre
📞 +64 09 303 3789
✉️ [email protected]
Wellington
West Plaza Hotel
📞 +64 4 917 6544
✉️ [email protected]
Quote: CD58 Organ Historical Trust of Australia
Travel & Meals
- Participants arrange their own travel to Auckland and from Wellington
- Coach transport provided during the conference
- Selected meals included (see website)
- Please advise dietary requirements
Student Bursaries
Student bursaries are available.
See the OHTA website for details.
Further Information
Dominic Perissinotto
📞 +61 412 200 516
✉️ [email protected]