27 May 2008

Media Release

Free fun for Manukau residents

Residents of Manukau can get ready for a month of free fun and interactive experiences at MOTAT - the Museum of Transport and Technology.

MOTAT is offering all Manukau families a Free Day visit to the Museum in June with vouchers appearing in local papers throughout the month, flyers available at local libraries and CABs, or on presentation of their rates bill or proof of address.

This will be a great experience for Manukau families, says Mayor Len Brown. "It's an opportunity to spend good family time together, while learning new facts about science, technology and fashion. There is something for everyone."

MOTAT Operations Manager Derek Grieve says MOTAT wanted to reintroduce the Museum to the residents of Manukau, who contribute to its funding through their rates.

"We thought it was about time that we show the residents of Manukau just what we have on offer these days," says Mr. Grieve.

Due to the large population of Manukau, residents are being encouraged to use their Free Day during weeks as specified to particular suburbs:

o Monday 2 to Sunday 8 June: Clevedon, Howick and Pakuranga residents

o Monday 9 to Sunday 15 June: Manurewa residents

o Monday 16 to Sunday 22 June: Botany and Otara residents

o Monday 23 to Sunday 29 June: Mangere and Papatoetoe residents

Manukau residents can also pick up vouchers for their Free Day on 4 June when a Mobile MOTAT vintage vehicle entourage will be visiting towns and public centres throughout the Manukau District.

MOTAT's latest attractions include Voyager 1 - a virtual reality simulator that takes you on a fantastic CGI journey to the centre of the earth, and the recently restored Pumphouse Beam Engine, the 131 year-old steam-powered station that pumped up to 7.5 million litres of water every day from Western Springs Lake to homes and businesses in the early years of Auckland's settlement.

Other current exhibitions include Stretching at the Seams, which provides insight into the changing styles of women's fashion of last century, and ASB Machines that Count: From Abacus to Internet which traces the history of the computer and the effects it has had on our lives.

Other family favourites that Manukau visitors will enjoy include:

* The Tactile Dome - the ever-popular 3D climbing maze that encourages you to find your way through its winding tunnels using all your senses - except your eyes!

* The Mirror Maze - take a walk through a giant optical illusion that transforms your visual appearance and challenges your perspectives!

* The Interactive Science area - learn about the basics of physics through a series of fun, hands-on activities.

* Tram rides - between MOTAT's two sites at Great North Road & Motions Road in Western Springs.

* Aviation Hanger - see some of the finest aircraft ever built, including the only Mark IV Solent flying boat in the world and a WW2 Avro Lancaster Bomber!

Dates

The free month for Manukau residents runs from the 2nd to the 29th of June 2008.

Location

MOTAT, Great North Road and Motions Road, Western Springs, Auckland.

Costs

Entry is free for all Manukau Residents. Access will be permitted by presenting one of the advertised vouchers for the Free Day that will appear in the Eastern Courier on Wednesdays 28 May and 11 June, and in the Manukau Courier on Thursdays 5 June and 19 June. Free admission is also allowed for Manukau residents on presentation of a flyer, or their rates bill or proof of address during the week specified for their suburb.

ENDS

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