Full Steam Ahead For Motat's Youngest Volunteer

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MEDIA RELEASE

21 June 2011

Full Steam Ahead For Motat's Youngest Volunteer

Christopher Dirks, 8 years old from Auckland, stepped into the shoes of a MOTAT volunteer on Sunday to experience firsthand what it is like to be part of the dedicated team that brings New Zealand's transport history to life.

Christopher was chosen from many enthusiastic young MOTAT fans to be MOTAT's 'volunteer for the day' at its 'Third Sunday of the Month' event. The competition was run to celebrate the beginning of New Zealand's volunteer awareness week, which runs from 19 - 25 June.

Christopher, dressed in overalls, a MOTAT cap and personalised name tag, looked the part as he shovelled coal into the Pumphouse boiler.

After a tour of MOTAT's rail and tram section it was time for a hard earned cuppa with MOTAT's volunteers in the lunchroom.

"I had so much fun at MOTAT; my favourite things were riding on the steam tram and meeting all the volunteers," said Christopher.

"It was cool seeing what the volunteers do behind the scenes, I learned heaps of things that I can share with mum and dad and my class at school."

Jeremy Hubbard, MOTAT Museum Director, said it was great to give Christopher a taste for what happens at MOTAT and hoped to see him volunteering at the Museum in a few years time.

"It was terrific to see Christopher's passion for MOTAT; he is the next generation that will carry on the history of this great place," said Mr Hubbard.

MOTAT is opening its gates to the public free of charge throughout June in celebration of its tireless volunteers who keep New Zealand transport and technology history alive.

MOTAT is always after new volunteers to join the team, whether it be lending technical expertise in sections such as trams, aviation or rail, or relaying the stories of NZ history to MOTAT's visitors through hosting and tour guiding.

Those interested can visit www.motat.org.nz, phone 09 815 5815 or email hr@motat.org.nz.
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