MOTAT launches new exhibition

Auckland's Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) has revealed its latest exhibition, “Accelerate: Driving New Zealand.”

Accelerate, which opened on Friday, June 22, brings a new perspective to the MOTAT road transport collection while exploring the technologies, social impacts, and culture associated with cars. It revisits some of the museum’s most cherished vehicles, whilst introducing new cars and the stories of the people who love them.

“From some uniquely Kiwi stories to the search for sustainable alternatives, this exhibition breaks down complex technological processes and explores the innovative thinking and Kiwi-can-do attitude we’re renowned for,” says MOTAT.

“The exhibition collates an impressive collection of objects, audiovisuals, and interactives which collectively reflect the significance of vehicle technology historically, socially, and culturally, with emphasis on looking forward to the future and embracing change.”

Bruce McLaren’s Cooper Climax, Sir Edmund Hillary’s tractor and the Team New Zealand A1GP Black Beauty racing car are some of the legendary and iconic vehicles on show. 

Having spent months researching the stories featured in Accelerate, Exhibition Curator Elspeth Hocking is looking forward to seeing the exhibition come to life. 

“I’ve been privileged to meet some inspirational, adventurous and quirky Kiwis, who have innovated and used vehicle technology in all sorts of fascinating ways. Vehicles of all shapes and sizes really do drive New Zealand, and I can’t wait to see how stories of transport and technology continue to change and grow into the future,” says Hocking.

Accelerate: Driving New Zealand is a long-term exhibition with feature objects scheduled to be switched out over time.