01 May 2011 - MOTAT pays tribute to the engine room behind its success
Free entry for Everyone - Volunteer Awareness Month at MOTAT
Maintaining MOTAT as New Zealand's leading transport and technology museum is a huge undertaking - a task which would be impossible without a loyal team of nearly 300 volunteers.
As part of New Zealand Volunteer Awareness Week (Sunday 19 - Saturday 25 June), MOTAT is opening its gates to the public free of charge throughout June in celebration of its tireless volunteers who keep New Zealand transport and technology history alive.
Jeremy Hubbard, Museum Director at MOTAT, said that MOTAT's volunteers are very much the backbone of the Museum.
"All our volunteers have this amazing passion and enthusiasm for what they do, I definitely think that rubs off on our visitors and makes MOTAT the special place that it is."
"We wouldn't be where we are today without our dedicated team of volunteers, which is why we wanted to give visitors as much opportunity as possible to see these teams in action this month," said Mr Hubbard.
A highlight of the month will be MOTAT's ‘Third Sunday' event on Sunday 19 June, where volunteers will be showcasing their talents, educating visitors and helping to make MOTAT an enjoyable day out for the whole family.
See MOTAT's printers in action using the Museum's fully functional old printing presses or enjoy a special opportunity to ride in an authentic military vehicle from MOTAT's World War II collection.
MOTAT military volunteer Toby Hutton, 22-years-old from Browns Bay, will be on hand to show the visitors how it is done.
Toby is a Territorial Soldier for the New Zealand Army. Three years ago he was working on a New Zealand Army recruitment stand at MOTAT Military Weekend when he got chatting to the volunteers at MOTAT and was instantly attracted to the volunteer role himself.
Toby gets immense satisfaction from teaching New Zealand kids all about military history and how it has shaped the New Zealand we know today.
"New Zealand's national identity was formed through conflict on the world stage. It's vital for kids to get a glimpse of what it was like for our soldiers and help preserve New Zealand's military history by sharing the things they learn with their friends and family," said Toby
Every Tuesday night and third Sunday of the month you will find Toby helping out at MOTAT - managing the MOTAT vehicles, overseeing the radio systems and teaching kids about MOTAT's military collection and the stories behind each object.
MOTAT is always after new volunteers to join the team, whether it be lending technical expertise in sections such as trams, aviation or rail, or relaying the stories of NZ history to MOTAT's visitors through hosting and tour guiding.
Those interested can visit www.motat.org.nz, phone 09 815 5815 or email hr@motat.org.nz.
Dates:
01 - 30 June 2011
Location
MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs.
Costs
You can enjoy all MOTAT has to offer for free for the month of June. Applies to general MOTAT admission.
