29 April 2011 - Over a Cuppa Tea
Visit the Village Gallery at MOTAT and learn about New Zealand's long and fascinating history of drinking tea at the new tea exhibition - ‘A teaspoon per cup and one for the pot'.
From a traditional Maori medicine to a garden party must, learn what influence a ‘cuppa' has had on the Kiwi way of life.
From its beginnings, tea has made a statement in New Zealand. The tea tree (or manuka) was initially used by early Māori for medicinal purposes, and in 1769, Captain James Cook saw its other potential and turned the manuka leaves into tea.
By 1850 it had become the hot drink of choice for the average New Zealander and was drunk all over the country in a wide variety of places and ways.
Kids will be interested in learning about how low cost budget brands of tea could contain dangerous additives such as sawdust and how in 1882 the Tea Examination Act solved this problem by stating that any tea sold must be pure.
Tea also played a role in the lives of New Zealanders stationed overseas. During both World Wars the spirits of the soldiers would be lifted by the sight of the YMCA or Salvation Army Canteen where a cup of tea and biscuits were offered to every man as a relaxing treat.
Come along to MOTAT and learn more about the common ‘cuppa' and its significance to New Zealand society.
Dates:
Open now
Location
MOTAT, Great North Road, Western Springs.
Costs
You can enjoy MOTAT's ‘Tea Exhibition' as part of your entry fee to MOTAT. You can also enjoy free tram rides, entry to the Tactile Dome and Voyager1 and many other fun MOTAT activities for one great price.
Entry Fee:
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) $35
Adults $14
Children (under 16) $8
Students $8
Senior Citizens $7
Children under 5 years are free
MOTAT Mates (annual pass) - $65 for a family (entitles you to unlimited visits to MOTAT)
