Primary industries have played a major role in the development of New Zealand since the early days of human settlement. New Zealand's contribution to the Great Exhibition highlighted some early examples of this technology and the country has continued to build on this ever since in agriculture, forestry and mining. Despite the country's isolated position, export of these commodities continues to contribute significantly to New Zealand's gross domestic product.
MOTAT's collection of Primary Industry technology highlights the machinery, knowledge and innovation that took New Zealand to the forefront of the world's primary markets. The collection includes early manual or horse operated examples of tools and machinery, along with more recent mechanically driven objects.
Items from this collection are on display in several areas around the museum, particularly in The Depot where you can see objects that relate to some of New Zealand's most valuable industries.
