06 September 2009 - MOTAT Gems Shine in International Heritage Awards
6 September 2009
MOTAT Gems Shine in International Heritage Awards
The Museum of Transport and Technology's (MOTAT) historical Pumphouse, Beam Engine and Engineer's Cottage have had a stunning success, scooping a 2009 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award of Merit for the Culture Heritage Conservation programme.
The Waterworks buildings and Engineer's Cottage are the only New Zealand buildings to have received the Award of Merit, announced on 28 August at UNESCO Bangkok.
The awards recognise the achievement of individuals and organizations within the private sector, and the public-private initiatives, in successfully restoring structures of heritage value in their region.
MOTAT received the prestigious award for its part in meticulously restoring the Waterworks buildings and Engineer's Cottage, and therefore revitalising an important part of the city's past, and capturing the memory of the community.
Jeremy Hubbard, Museum Director at MOTAT, described MOTAT's success as a fantastic achievement in demonstrating the Museum's passion for preserving heritage for New Zealanders to enjoy.
"For MOTAT to be the only New Zealand building to be presented an Award of Merit from such well regarded awards is both an honour and a humbling experience. The 2009 UNESCO Awards include buildings from China, Thailand and Korea so for us to walk away with an award is great!" says Mr Hubbard.
The Pumphouse, built in 1877, houses the magnificent Beam Engine, deemed a feat of modern engineering at the time it was built.
The 132 year-old steam-powered engine pumped up to 2 million gallons of water every day from Western Springs Lake to homes and businesses in the early years of Auckland's settlement.
MOTAT, established in 1964, took over the care of the Pumphouse, which was restored in 2002, with the Beam Engine and Engineer's Cottage restorations being completed in 2008.
The Pumphouse operates every week day at MOTAT, and the Beam Engine can be seen in action every Thursday afternoon.
For more information, photos, media passes or interviews please contact:
AIMEE HARE | ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE | MANGO
E aimeeh@thisismango.co.nz
T (09) 374 5485
M 021 810 329
F (09) 306 0974
