This group of objects covers two of the Museum collections, Public Utilities and Steam & Engineering.
Public Utilities
The Public Utilities is one of MOTAT's smallest collections but it includes the first object ever entered into the MOTAT database, the historic and beautifully restored Pumphouse. Originally built to supply the growing settlement of Auckland with water, it pumped water from the springs up to reservoirs in Ponsonby and Karangahape Road. Eventually other water sources replaced the Pumphouse and in 1961, it was offered, along with some land to a group of heritage enthusiasts for the development of a museum that became MOTAT.
The Pumphouse and Beam engine operate every Thursday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm, and for special MOTAT events.
Steam & Engineering
Objects from the Steam & Engineering collection highlight the heyday of steam power and the importance of engineering. The collection contains a large number of different engines including those powered by steam, diesel and petrol. There are also several pumps, boilers and other engineering parts.
