Te Puawānanga
Science and Technology Centre
More science. More discovery. More fun.
Welcome to Te Puawānanga, your newest science and technology experience!
Recently awarded International Exhibition of the Year at the Museums + Heritage Awards in London, the spaces within this exciting centre are full of rich stories interwoven with concepts of science, art, technology and maths that surround us every day.
Te Puawānanga is all about interaction and discovery for all ages. From the towering Tāne Mahuta in Te Tumu - Play space for under 5s, to Beats in Time in Te Waha - the Innovation space, we welcome everyone to explore science and tech in a whole new way.
The spaces
There are three unique spaces within Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre. Come and explore.
Te Tumu
Play space for under 5sTe Tumu is the foundation for growth and is for our youngest visitors. Drawing on elements of nature, including our neighbouring Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs, this space is for climbing, crawling, and getting hands-on with nature-based activities … what can you find hiding in the cave?
Te Puku
Science spaceTe Puku is our belly, the central space for soaking up the science that surrounds you. Here you can explore science through interactive experiences about light, energy, matter and much more. Learn about the ideas, forces, and technologies that shape our everyday lives as well as stories of innovators and inventors from Aotearoa.
Created for whānau and children aged 5 – 12 years.
Te Waha
Innovation spaceA multi-purpose space for everything from after-school clubs, science demonstrations and collection displays. Take on self-led design challenges or watch and learn about some of the best tech currently in Aotearoa.
The Science Alive Te Manawa Magic Box is the star of the show, changing shape for the many different uses within the space.
Up in the mezzanine, you can find Rehua - Rest space. Here you can design your own large-scale pattern exploring mathematics and art or just take some time out and enjoy views across the centre.
Science Alive Te Manawa Magic Box
Visit our Science Alive Te Manawa Magic Box to discover collection items and design challenges, with items and activities changed regularly to showcase different themes.
This winter, Te Manawa Magic Box is a place to explore bridges and structures! Discover how these vital formations are designed and built, and what makes them strong enough to carry people, vehicles, and trains across rivers, valleys, and through hills. See objects from our collection that highlight transport and infrastructure, including tools, models, and historic photographs.
Take part in the construction Design Challenge where young engineers can put their skills to the test by building their very own bridge, complete with inspiring images of bridges from across the motu.
There will be a range of hands-on activities and demonstrations exploring engineering principles like tension, compression, and load distribution. Experiment with materials and shapes to test strength and stability, and discover the clever design solutions used in bridges and tunnels across the world.
Background
Te Puawānanga has been in development for several years and has taken over our main exhibition hall at MOTAT Great North Road (Building 5).
Our project team has spent two years researching, designing and developing the content, and has worked with experts across Aotearoa and beyond to create a space that offers hands-on learning for all ages, and is uniquely and distinctly of this place.
The centre name 'Te Puawānanga' is from the Māori kupu for the clematis flower, a climbing vine. Meaning ‘a place to blossom and learn’, this is our primary hope, that our visitors will thrive and flourish in this science and technology centre.
Award-winning exhibition space
Te Puawānanga has won a whole bunch of awards since its opening in May 2024:
2025 Museums + Heritage Awards
Winner of the International Exhibition of the Year award
Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Design Awards 2024
Gold Colour Award – Spatial
Gold Digital Award – Installation and Exhibition (Energy machine)
Silver Spatial Award – Exhibitions and Temporary Structures
Resene Total Colour Awards 2024/2025
Resene Total Colour Installation – Experiential – Product Award
Our valued supporters
MOTAT would like to thank our generous partners and donors for their support in bringing
Te Puawānanga to life.
