Help us maintain the Heritage Pumphouse and Beam Engine
Ongoing funding is needed so we comply with Heritage regulations to ensure the historical integrity of this iconic building is maintained.
Auckland
Built in 1877, MOTAT’s Pumphouse is home to some of the most iconic steam systems that revolutionised public water pumping techniques around the world. At the time, the pumphouse and its’ beam engine were essential in supplying Auckland and its growing population of residents with clean water from Western Springs.
Today, its legacy lives on at MOTAT thanks to the passionate people who continue to preserve and upkeep these monumental machines every day. As such, the pumphouse and its steam systems are still fully operational to this day!
The Pumphouse has been registered by Heritage New Zealand as a Category 1 historic place, in acknowledgement of its historical significance to the built heritage of Auckland.
However, to keep these incredibly important pieces of history alive, we need your help. As a Category 1 Heritage-listed site, there are an array of standards that we need to maintain to meet heritage requirements which equates to around $50,000 per annum.
If you love what we do and want to contribute to protecting and preserving a slice of history, please support MOTAT today.
About us
MOTAT is New Zealand’s largest museum of its kind. Located in Auckland’s Western Springs.
Celebrating NZ’s past, present, and future, MOTAT endeavours to educate and inspire the innovators of tomorrow through creative and innovative initiatives.
Use of funds
We need approximately $50 000 per annuum to ensure we maintained the building to the highest heritage standards.
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Latest update
McLaren Steam Traction Engine 13 November 2020
The McLaren Steam Traction Engine is one of the many extraordinary steam engines that inhabits the Pumphouse vicinity. This much-loved engine is more than 100 years old and fast became a pillar in the agriculture industry due to its great ability to provide high levels of power for a range of machinery. You may have seen this remarkable engine at the entrance of our Pumphouse, but soon, the McLaren will chug on over to our Aviation site for a little TLC and restoration in the hopes that the engine will run again soon!
Our steam team have also been busy with the recent annual boiler survey and inspection. These checks are the equivalent of a car’s WOF and allow us to use our boilers to power the various steam machines on-site at MOTAT. For another year, our team have passed these checks with flying colours which means you can continue to see them in action on your next visit to MOTAT.
Latest donations
Thank you Daniel for your support of the Heritage Pumphouse and Beam Engine. It is a very special part of our collection.
Thank you so much for your support of the Pumphouse.
Thank you so much for your support of MOTAT and the Pumphouse.
Hi Val, Thank you for your donation and support of MOTAT and the Pumphouse
Thank you so much for your donation Lucy.
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