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40 results. Displaying results 1 - 40.
‘A Long Day in a Tin Can’
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Summary/Abstract
New Zealand Railways hostesses recall working the main trunk line in the 1970’s and 80's.
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The Human Story of an Adana Press
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Summary/Abstract
<p>Researching the MOTAT collection often uncovers the story behind the object. A small printing press currently on display in MOTAT’s Print Shop, has an interesting gem of a narrative connected to it via its donor. The press was used during the donor’s notable career, which happened in the context of events in national and world history.</p>
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Morris’s Marquetry Masterpiece — The Story of MOTAT’s Half-Tester Bed
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Summary/Abstract
One of the Registry team’s major projects for the year has been Collection Review. This is an ongoing process which assesses MOTAT’s Collection for its significance and relevance to the Mission and Strategy.
My research focus was on the Furniture and Fittings Department. A stand out object from my research was James Morris’ Half Tester Bed (1967.437). The bed was donated to MOTAT in 1967 by a descendant of Morris.
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In Stitches: A Selection of Sewing Machines
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Summary/Abstract
In use since the late 1700s, sewing machines have been a key component in both domestic and industrial technology. Contributing to the industrial revolution, providing uniforms for war, and altering domestic duties; sewing machines have evolved with social change throughout history. Often associated with the popular Singer name, sewing machines have become a symbol of women’s work, clothing production and factory jobs. It is interesting to note sewing machines were not manufactured in New Zealand but imported and sold under license by New Zealand retailers. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) Collection has a variety of sewing machines, which represent New Zealanders links with these, once essential, domestic appliance and reveal a unique side business for vehicle manufacturers.
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A Polarising Sauce: The Essence of Anchovies
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Summary/Abstract
In 2017, MOTAT received the donation of an unopened bottle of sauce carrying the title “Essence of Anchovies”. At first it may seem an unusual object for MOTAT's Collection, so let’s take a closer look at the unique history of this object.
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Lime e-scooters: Shared Micromobility Hits Auckland's Streets.
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Summary/Abstract
Lime played a pivotal role in the introduction of shared-use scooters to New Zealand in 2018.
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First Contact: Eugene Hirst and New Zealand’s Innovative History of Contact Lens Production
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Summary/Abstract
Located at number 9 High Street in Auckland is the flagship store of Mortimer Hirst, an eyewear company associated with a rich history of contact lens innovation in New Zealand. The company is result of a partnership set up between optometrist Douglas Mortimer (1918–2005) and dental technician Eugene Hirst (1911–1989) in 1949, joint directors of both Mortimer Hirst and Hirst Contact Lens Limited.
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Contemporary Collecting: The Pear-1 Ventilator Prototype
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Summary/Abstract
A look at one object, the Pear-1 ventilator prototype, acquired by MOTAT as part of quick response collecting during New Zealand's 2020 Level 4 lockdown - why this object?
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Going Viral: Polio and the Iron Lung
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Summary/Abstract
New Zealand has a long history of epidemics and pandemics - from the influenza epidemic that was reported by Māori in Foveaux Strait in 1817-20, to today’s COVID-19 pandemic. Protocols such as social distancing and the closure of schools and public venues has previously been seen in New Zealand’s history, affecting Kiwis throughout the early 20th Century due to a reoccurring epidemic - the Polio (poliomyelitis) virus.
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Time Flies When Having Fun
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Summary/Abstract
During an exploration of timepieces within MOTAT’s Collection, we rediscovered several unique and kooky clocks. Here’s what author Emily Hames found…
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New Zealand’s first diesel engine
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Summary/Abstract
New Zealand’s first diesel engines were used at Dunedin’s Musselburgh Pumping Station from 1905. Only one of the two remains, and it is in MOTAT’s collection.
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A New Topdressing Aircraft
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Summary/Abstract
The Walsh Memorial Library hold eight logbooks of Banks Peninsula-born pilot Harold Lord Piper (1899–1965). Log books are an invaluable record for any pilot — tracing the different aircraft types flown, distances and conditions they flew in.
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Choysa Tea Trolley Bus
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Summary/Abstract
During the 1960s and 1970s, Auckland had New Zealand’s largest trolley bus system, with 133 vehicles operating over 14 routes. The trolley bus, for the uninitiated, was the next step in the evolution of electric trams, a virtually trackless tram. This is a tall tale but true, of Auckland’s “Teetotal” Trolley bus...Trolleybus #115.
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Preserving Time
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Summary/Abstract
During the unprecedented times of the COVID-19 pandemic, a trend that re-emerged was the appreciation of a more slow-paced life. This resulted from having more time at home due to people’s movements being restricted to their neighbourhoods. People had more time to spend in the garden and exercise through, walks, running, biking and/or scooter rides within their bubbles. With the lack of takeaway options, home cooked meals and baking became more common;, this also included the act of preserving food.
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The Trekka: A utility vehicle for the New Zealand market
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Summary/Abstract
The Trekka is the only vehicle designed, built, and mass-produced in New Zealand using an imported Škoda Chassis from Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic and Slovakia). The idea was to locally produce an affordable vehicle in response to the highly regulated import policies pursued by New Zealand Governments since the early 1950s, which made new cars scarce and expensive.
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Telecom Phone Cards
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Summary/Abstract
A donation of Telecom phone cards from the late 1990s has filled a gap in our Telecommunications collection.
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Looking after Auckland Harbour Bridge
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Summary/Abstract
Painting the bridge was a constant job...
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Redressing the Balance – A Brief History of Letter Balances and the Penny Post
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Summary/Abstract
During my recent research of MOTAT’s Weights and Measures Collection, the letter balances, or postal scales, stood out – when did they first become popular and how are they relevant to New Zealand’s history?
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Harold Piper — What’s in an Aviator’s Logs?
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Summary/Abstract
The Walsh Memorial Library hold eight logbooks of Banks Peninsula-born pilot Harold Lord Piper (1899–1965). Log books are an invaluable record for any pilot — tracing the different aircraft types flown, distances and conditions they flew in.
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