The WOOFYT - Wooden One Octave of Organ Pipes for Young Technologists
The WOOFTY is an ideal introduction to how a pipe organ works, and as a fun activity for children and adults alike.
Children especially enjoy pumping air into the bellows, and playing simple tunes by pressing small wooden stoppers for each pipe which are set out in a ring connected by plastic tubes. There are three of these instuments in New Zealand intended as an educational resource and having fun with music.
In September 2015 at Pitt St Methodist church in Auckland the WOOFYT was used to illustrate Romans 12:4, each person contributing their own talents to the whole, as some people pumped air, another regulated the air pressure, and children stationed at each pipe contributed their different notes to the tune. As the players pumping became tired, other members of the congregation took over without being asked - illustrating again working together as a community and supporting each other
At Napier Cathedral over 100 young people played a Woofyt at a special 'Pulling out the Stops' weekend. The WOOFTY was also a key part of the "Auckland Organ Discovery Day" held in Auckland Town Hall in June 2011
The Woofyt is packed into two boxes which can be transported in the back of a station wagon. Full instruction for assemble and music books are provided. For information please contact:
Walter Nicholls - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Eric Winstone Memorial Organ Trust has the following purposes:
- to further and assist the playing of the organ
- to provide instruction for playing the organ
- to make grants for the instruction, tuition or furtherance of the abilities of any person:
- for the playing of the organ
- in the composition of music for the organ
- for any other purpose of assisting and advancing the playing of the organ
- to make grants, donations or make funds available to organisations for assistance in:
- the purchase of an organ
- the restoration of an historic organ.
The Trust is registered as a Charitable Trust with the Department of Internal Affairs (CC49632) and is incorporated as a Board under the Charitable Trusts Act 1957.
Background history of the Trust and the Winstone Family
The Trust was established by the Auckland Organists' Association in 1994 with funds donated by members of the Winstone family. The Winstone family has had a distinguished record of philanthropy in relation to the Methodist Church and its organs, and service to the Methodist Church in Auckland.
George Winstone (1875-1958) and his younger brother Frank (1879-1952) led the expansion of two Auckland businesses which had been established by two uncles respectively in 1864 and 1882. George’s son, Eric (1905-1990), was Chairman of Winstone Ltd (prior to its purchase, firstly by Brierley Investments Ltd in 1984, then by Fletcher Challenge Ltd in 1988. Today Winstone Aggregates continues as a division of Fletcher Building Ltd and operates from 26 locations in New Zealand. Frank M Winstone (Merchants) Ltd, a grain and seed merchant which diversified into cardboard products and farm machinery, was taken over by Equiticorp in 1985.
Applications for grants from the Trust
To apply for funding from the Trust, download an application form from this website or contact the Secretary at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or PO Box 302 844, Auckland 0751. The form contains guidelines about the funding criteria of the Trust which are consistent with the above purposes of the Trust, and a request for information to assist the Trustees in their funding allocation decision.
Download: Application for support with Organ Tuition (PDF)
Deadlines for funding requests to be submitted are: 1 February, 1 June, and 1 October in each year. Applicants can expect communication back from the Trust within six weeks of the above dates.
The Auckland Organ Association provides a service for locating an organist who may be able to help with a particular need.
This includes filling in in an emergency for a church musician who is sick or on holiday; playing for special occasions such as weddings and funerals.
If you need an organist: We would like to hear from Church organisations or people that are in need of an organist to undertake an assignment.
If you are an organist: We would like to hear from organists who may be able to help with such a need.
Our aim is to bring the two of you together. The AOA is not part of any financial or contractual arrangements.
To Find an Organist
Please contact the "Find an Organist" liason officer by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Include your name and contact phone number, and details of what service you need, including the name of the church or venue you need them for!
For urgent matters phone Barrie Collett at (09) 476 1132.
To Be an Organist
Please drop an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. advising what you would be available to do, skills you have to offer, any qualifications you think relevant, and of course, contact details! Note that a list of organists will not be published, but your contact details may be given in response to enquiries.
We aim to be as helpful as possible in providing this service.