Born in Warwickshire, England, in 1867, John Maughan Barnett was a musical prodigy. He trained at London’s prestigious Crystal Palace School, mastering the piano, composition, and the complexities of the pipe organ. But by 1890, his failing health led to a life-changing decision: to leave the damp English air and sail to the Antipodes.
After a brief stint in Tasmania, New Zealand became his true home. Landing in Napier in 1893, and moving to Wellington two years later, Maughan soon made his mark on New Zealand musical society, only as a musician but as a true natural leader.
John Maughan Barnett at the console of the organ in the Whiteley Memorial Church, New Plymouth. Wards, Allan Ross, active 1970-2018: Collection. Ref: 1/2-056671-F. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23205787
Taking over the direction of the Wellington Choral and Orchestral Societies, Maughan infused them with new energy. When the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (the future King George V and Queen Mary) came to lay the foundation stone for Wellington Town Hall in 1901, it was Maughan who composed and conducted the official grand Ode for the royal visit.
By 1908, he was officially appointed Wellington’s City Organist and in 1912, he was called north to become Auckland’s City Organist—a prestigious post he held for two decades until his retirement in 1932. Under his fingers, the majestic town hall organ truly came alive. Playing the complete organ works of J. S. Bach in recital, his repertoire also included little-known works and many of his own transcriptions. A gifted choirmaster, orchestral conductor, virtuoso pianist, and composer, John’s contributions to Auckland musical life was truly unsurpassed.
A performance of his composition
John lived in Christchurch in the two years prior to his death, serving as organist at Christchurch cathedral.
John was married to his first wife Harriett Frances Tugwell while living in Tunbridge Wells, England in 1889. They had three daughters and one son, Lewin Maughan Barnett, who was killed on 25 April 1915 at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli. Harriett passed away in 1925. John married Mary Jameson in 1935.
Lewin Maughan Barnett Cenotaph Record – https://www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/record/C752
John Maughan Barnett died on 31 July 1938 and rests at Purewa.
John Maughan Barnett
Aged 72
Block E Row 36 Plot 067A
