Te Puawānanga
Science and Technology Centre
More science. More discovery. More fun.
There's a whole lot more coming to MOTAT as we bring you our new science and technology centre, Te Puawānanga.
The spaces within this exciting new 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.
With the new centre comes a new kai room, you are welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch, or just take a break.
The spaces
There are three unique spaces within Te Puawānanga Science and Technology Centre.
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.
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.
Our valued supporters
MOTAT would like to thank our generous partners and donors for their support in bringing
Te Puawānanga to life.
While Under Development
Please excuse any disruption while the building is under development – we promise it will be worth the wait!
Building 5 is unavailable to the public until the new science and technology centre opens in May. Work has started on creating the new galleries. Please see the map and FAQs below.
Everything else at MOTAT Great North Road and the Aviation Hall, Motions Road remain fully operational.
Activities that would ordinarily take place in Building 5, including Education, have moved to other spaces around the Museum.
Tram rides continue to operate daily as usual, and Little Flick EV rides too.
All Live Days, holiday experiences and other events will continue across both MOTAT locations throughout the year, with more activity taking place at MOTAT Motions Road (Aviation Hall) than in the past.
Thank you to all our visitors for your patience and understanding as we complete this exciting new space for you.
Map
This map shows the area currently under development at MOTAT Great North Road.
FAQ's
Te Puawānanga will open this May. You can stay in the loop with the centre's progress and our opening plans by signing up to our What's On monthly email here
At MOTAT Great North Road, everything is open (including the Pumphouse, Get Smart, Accelerate, Machine Makers, Telecommunications, MOTOTS, Main Street Playground, Little Flick EV rides and The Village). Just Building 5 and the Print Shop are closed.
Yes, the MOTAT trams will continue to operate as normal for the duration of the project.
Yes, our full programme of activities is running, including events, holiday experiences and monthly LIVE Days. These will run across both MOTAT locations.
While our new science and technology experience is being developed, Education programmes and teaching will take place at MOTAT Aviation Hall, Motions Road with a dedicated Education tram running between our two sites, so students still get to visit MOTAT Great North Road. See here for more information.
Wheelchairs and other mobility aids can still be taken to all places normally available at MOTAT. Please be aware that our wheelchair access bathrooms are limited at MOTAT Great North Road during the construction period with just the bathroom facilities at Building 1 and 2 available. We apologise for this and please ask our friendly team if you have questions and for directions.
