Staff
John Hargraves MNZM
Managing Director
(Conceptual Design, Consultancy, Valuations)
In 2010 John was named as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to organ restoration.
"Born in Auckland 11 November 1942. Educated Mt Albert Primary, Te Kauwhata College, Auckland Grammar and University of Auckland, where I studied music with Peter Godfrey, Ronald Tremaine and Thomas Rive. I became fascinated with the pipe organ as a child, listening to my grandfather’s, and my father’s recordings of Albert Schweitzer playing Bach.
I learned piano for several years from age 12 and pipe organ with Trevor Sparling (St David’s Pres. and ex Auckland City Organist) from age 16. Through high school I learned the art of clock repairing and supported myself as a postman throughout my University years.
In 1965 I began a pipe organ-building apprenticeship with John Lee (ex Rushworth & Draper) in Feilding and in 1968 joined the fledgling South Island Organ Co in Timaru. Two years later I became a director alongside John Gray and Garth Cattle and now in the Company’s 50th year share that role with my wife Val.
I was organist-choirmaster of Chalmers Presbyterian Timaru for 44 years and latterly play also at St Marys Anglican. We have 5 children and 14 grandchildren (including 3 organ-builders). My outside interests have focussed on singing, conducting and acting."
Valerie Hargraves
Director
(Operations, Strategic Planning, HR, Finance)
"Born in Pahiatua, at age 12 moved to Feilding with my parents and brothers. I learnt to work hard there supporting them in a seven day grocery business. At school I learnt cello which lead to being a foundation member of the Manawatu Youth Orchestra. I worked in Palmerston North first at Glaxo Laboratories as a lab technician and later gained clerical experience at the Chief Post Office.
I met John when I joined the church choir at Knox, Feilding and discovered that an organ had more to it than a pipe display and a keyboard. We married in 1968 and moved to Timaru where we've raised 2 sons and 3 daughters and been given 14 grandchildren.
I have been in the South Island Organ Co office since 1992 and a Director from 2007. In this role I have enjoyed meeting people from throughout New Zealand and abroad and building relationships with them.
During my years in Timaru I've been involved in Community Arts Council and arranged many classical concerts. I am an Elder of Timaru Presbyterian Church.
In my free time which I don't have much I enjoy being in the garden, meeting up with family and friends, walking on the beach, communing with nature. And I am looking forward to picking up my cello again in my retirement."
Moritz Fassbender
Project Manager, Senior Pipe Organ Builder, Designer
"I joined South Island Organ Co in 2010. Before I worked for Orgelbau Klais in Germany where I completed my apprenticeship. I first came in contact with pipe organs through my farther who is an organist and a music teacher. I have chosen to be an organ builder because I like the diversity of the job. I also like creating something that people can enjoy for many years to come. My family is my passion and I love spending time with them. I also enjoy sailing and running in my free time."
Michael Young
Factory Manager, Senior Pipe Organ Builder, Tuning Technician, Staff Training Supervisor
"I joined South Island Organ Co in April 2017. I served a 15 year apprenticeship in UK under the guidance of Peter Wood, before taking over and running the business for a further 18.5 years under my own name. A love of music and woodwork at school led me into instrument making. The satisfaction of restoring an organ to its original glory is huge. Every one is different and you never stop learning. The biggest passion of my life is my family. I like music, sailing and the outdoors."
Gerald A Green
Senior Organ Builder, Tuner, Site
" I did my apprenticeship with WM Hill, Norman and Beard organ building company in UK and worked for them for 7 years. A week after my wife and I got married we packed our bags and went to New Zealand on an adventure that has lasted us a lifetime and still going strong. I joined South Island Organ Co on 21 April 1973. I am an organ builder because it is what I enjoy. I am passionate about my family. I also love travelling and playing golf."
Christopher Templeton
Senior Pipe Organ Builder & Voicer, Tuning Technician, Company Archivist, Recycling Coordinator
"I joined South Island Organ Company on 13 January 1992. I am an organ builder because I like challenge and history. I enjoy repairing a set of old damaged pipes and making them sound as the original builder intended, or taking a new set of pipes and turning them into a well blending rank of pipes. Also delving down the overgrown and forgotten paths of history is my passion this is why I appreciate the opportunity to be the company's archives keeper. Books and book collecting, paronomasia are my other favourite pastimes."
Neil Hooper
Pipe Organ Builder, Tuning Technician Trainee
"I started my organ building career in UK at JW Walker & Sons Ltd. I completed my training with Bishop & Sons, but worked at Principal Pipe Organs, North of England the longest. In the beginning the pipe organ fascinated. The particular knowledge and experience which builds up can be useful on a daily basis. I joined South Island Organ Co in September 2009. My favourite pastimes are music, walks, reading and I enjoy looking after my cat."
Julian Shaw
Pipe Organ Builder Trainee, General Labourer
"I joined South Island Organ Co in 2014 because it was a job opportunity for me. Having spent some time at the factory and on site in the company of dedicated professionals, I have come to appreciate that organ building is an interesting craft which requires lots of various skills. I have learnt a lot and still learning. My favourite pastimes are cycling and reading."
Bryan Jones
Electronics Engineer, Tuning Technician
” I was born and educated in Taumarunui. My parents and grandparents were active in church music, so I grew up with plenty of organ and choral music exposure. Interests in engineering and electronics lead me into a career with New Zealand Railways, initially training as a telephone technician, and then moving into the field of industrial control electronics. This provided me with very good training in machine control systems and calibration. I joined the South Island Organ Company as a service technician, gaining training and experience with organ control systems and general maintenance and repair. Since then I have been involved in several major organ installations, and my work has expanded to include tuning rounds which cover the lower half of the North Island, as well as being available for work elsewhere as required by the Company.
I am married to Nancy and live at Waitarere Beach, Levin. We continue the church music tradition with Nancy being the deputy organist for the local Uniting Church, and me singing in the choir."
