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Catch up on all the latest news and updates from the Museum of Transport and Technology with our news and media releases here.

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MOTAT and Dodd-Walls in colourful collaboration

MOTAT and Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies announce ongoing sponsorship and collaboration in the Museum's much anticipated new science and technology centre.

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Pictured left to right: Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Director, Professor Frédérique Vanholsbeeck; Hanna Scott, Manager Public Programmes; Esther Tobin, Senior Exhibition Developer (science and technology cente) MOTAT; Julie Baker, Education Manager, MOTAT; and Jessa Barder, Science Engagement Manager, Tūhura Otago Museum.

MOTAT and Dodd-Walls in colourful collaboration

MOTAT and Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre for Photonic and Quantum Technologies announce ongoing sponsorship and collaboration in the Museum's much anticipated new science and technology centre.

MOTAT Julie Baker, Education Manager; Esther Tobin, Senior Exhibition Developer - science and technology centre; Tori McNoe, Science Alive Trustee

MOTAT and Science Alive join forces in a Magic partnership

Thanks to a significant new partnership between Science Alive and MOTAT, visitors will get to experience the magic of STEMM in action when the museum’s new science and technology centre opens in April 2024.

Steam Tram No.100 powered by trees

It’s out with the coal and in with the biofuel for steam tram no. 100, which will operate on a renewable energy source made from trees at MOTAT Live Day on August 20. Developed by Crown Research Institute, Scion, the biofuel will undergo its largest trial to date, which will see 250 kilograms of briquettes supplied to MOTAT to keep the little tram that could, running all day.

Art and innovation combine at MOTAT

In line with its vision to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow, MOTAT last year purchased one of FTN Motion’s first production round of electric urban commuter motorbikes as an example of classic Kiwi backyard tech ingenuity coming to fruition. The MOTAT example comes adorned with specially commissioned artwork.

Juliet gets a new lease on life at MOTAT

This July the MOTAT Collections and Workshops teams successfully completed a major logistical exercise, transporting a decommissioned Sikorsky S-76A helicopter from Whangārei airport to the MOTAT Blister Hangar.

Enduring story of love and adventure

Ivan and Beth Hodge had tears in their eyes when reuniting with their 1961 Volkswagen Deluxe Saloon (Beetle) this week, which has been on display at MOTAT since 2016.

MOTAT acquires a second Trekka for the collection

MOTAT has acquired an important and unique piece of Aotearoa New Zealand’s transport history for the Road Transport Collection this month.

Supercharging the future of science and technology in Aotearoa New Zealand

A panel of distinguished science and technology guests helped launch MOTAT's latest development project to create a STEM experience like no other in New Zealand and inspire our young learners to become the innovators of tomorrow.

Switch ups for sustainability the focus of new MOTAT exhibition

MOTAT’s newest exhibition Switch Up: Sustainable Solutions is on show until March 2023 and sees the museum partnering with community action groups and 15 of the most exciting sustainable commercial enterprises in Aotearoa.

Breaking stereotypes with wāhine in gaming exhibition

Code Breakers: Women in Games will inspire youth to explore gaming careers regardless of their gender identity.

Lights set to shine bright at MOTAT

MOTAT’s annual Christmas Lights event is back for its 10th anniversary from 7 - 24 December 2022.

STEM Fair to bring tamariki face to face with their exciting futures

MOTAT’s annual STEM Fair features over 50 exhibitors from STEM fields and is set to impress.

MOTAT partners with Rocket Lab Education

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is excited to announce a new partnership with Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading space specialists, Rocket Lab.

Samsung calls for next round of Kiwi kids to innovate for a better tomorrow

Samsung has again teamed up with the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) to encourage Kiwi kids to apply their skills in STEAM subjects and create solutions that can change the world for the better.

Mighty Small Mighty Bright Exhibition Tours Aotearoa

Lasers, rainbows, and magnetic nanoparticles! It’s just some of the extraordinary science that is at your fingertips in the Mighty Small Mighty Bright exhibition popping up in locations in the North and South Island.

Christmas Lights 2021

The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) has today announced the cancellation of its popular annual Christmas Lights event for 2021.

Rediscovered painting casts new light on NZ’s Hine-o-te-Rangi

A rare oil portrait of Kiwi aviator Jean Batten, recently rediscovered after almost three decades, was unveiled at Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).

MOTAT removes explosive picric acid from its collection

MOTAT was the latest museum in Aotearoa to remove picric acid (an explosive) from its collection last week.

Police helicopters find a new home at MOTAT

From the earthquakes to terror attacks, Police helicopter legacy will live on.

Samsung Seeks Young Minds To Solve Our Biggest Challenges

Dr Siouxsie Wiles to judge new STEAM competition inspiring Kiwi kids to change the world for good

New Zealand Sign Language Week at MOTAT

Supporting our community through creative and innovative ideas

Silver Linings: Aotearoa innovation during Covid

MOTAT opens new exhibition celebrating small business success stories in time of hardship.

A Lego®-lover's paradise: Getting ready for Bricks and Blocks!

Back for another year, MOTAT, in conjunction with Auckland Lego® User Group (AuckLUG), presents Bricks and Blocks; the ultimate Lego® fan display! Join us on the 5th and 6th of December 2020 as we showcase an array of intricate and astonishing Lego® displays, including cityscapes, vehicles, pirate ships and of course, trains!

Collecting in the time of COVID-19

MOTAT is looking for New Zealand inventions and innovations designed, made, or dreamt up during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you have something you think belongs in our COVID-19 collection please let us know here.

MOTAT to present Slice of Life – The World Famous Dunedin Study

Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) will be hosting the exhibition Slice of Life – The World Famous Dunedin Study at its Great North Rd site from Wednesday 1 July until Sunday 4 October 2020.