This week we track down the former Wurlitzer Organ that was at Hutt Valley High School, 1944 to 1968, as it starts off its next chapter in a new Auckland venue – and all in time for its 100th birthday! I chat with Wurlitzer Trustee James Duncan and former Hutt High student Philip Worts. And a big thank you to Judith Gardiner of the HVHS Archives for additional material and photographs of the organ.
We hear more in the 1979 history from the late Annie Huggan on her memories of Petone as a Millworker and Petone Mayor. Thanks to Hutt City Libraries Heritage Centre for sharing this recording.
And there’s plenty of music from Wurlitzer Organ Opus #1475.
You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions. https://www.facebook.com/JohnMacDonaldNZ/
SECTIONS
History – 0’54” – Annie Huggan – Petone Memories recorded in 1979
Feature – 12’22” – James Duncan and Philip Worts on the Hutt Valley High School former Wurlitzer Organ
16 Oct 2026
Hutt Zone - 15th October
This week we talk JAZZ – first there’s a Jazz Brunch at the Upper Hutt Cossie Club with Barry Carter of the Carter Parker Quartet, as part of the Wellington Jazz Festival and then we meet this year’s Upper Hutt Grand Piano Trust Scholar Lana Ritchie – both perform this Sunday 18th October in Upper Hutt.
We hear more in the 1979 history on the late Annie Huggan on her memories of Petone as a Millworker and Petone Mayor. Thanks to Hutt City Libraries Heritage Centre for sharing this recording.
And there’s plenty of music from both our jazz musicians.
You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions. https://www.facebook.com/JohnMacDonaldNZ/
SECTIONS
History – 1’24” – Annie Huggan – Petone Memories recorded in 1979
Feature – 18’04” – Barry Carter – Carter Parker Quartet Jazz Brunch
Music – 32’03” – CP3 – Take on the World
Feature – 35” 56” – Lana Ritchie – Upper Hutt Grand Piano Trust Scholar 2026
9 Oct 2026
Hutt Zone - 8th October
This week we meet the Wellington Branch President of Riders Against Cancer, Wayne Chapman and hear about their Show n Shine event at Brewtown Upper Hutt on Sunday 11th of October. Get to see a great display of all types of motor bikes while fundraising for an important cause.
We hear more in the 1979 history on the late Annie Huggan on her memories of Petone as a Millworker and Petone Mayor. Thanks to Hutt City Libraries Heritage Centre for sharing this recording.
This week’s poem is from former Lower Hutt teacher James K Baxter “Rocket Show”.
And there’s music from Mi-Sex “Computer Games”, Ethan Ziggy Morrison “I am the Highway”, and the 2022 Taita Colle Poly Club.
You can always Facebook message John with local story, musician or poetry suggestions. https://w
SECTIONS
Poetry Reading – 1’20” – J K Baxter “Rocket Show”
History – 4’08” – Annie Huggan – Petone Memories recorded in 1979
Music – 19’11” – Mi-Sex – “Computer Games”
Feature – 23’26” – Wayne Chapman – Riders Against Cancer – Wellington Branch
Music – 46’35” – Ethan Ziggy Morrison– “I am the Highway”
Music – 50” 32” – Taita College Poly Club 2022
Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
43
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
30
Contact Hutt Zone
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Hutt Zone
Who hosts Hutt Zone?
John MacDonald host the show. Published by John MacDonald.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Hutt Zone take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
Host of Hutt Zone?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
