Meet five Kiwi greats at MOTAT
Success comes in many shapes and forms but if it’s inspiration you’re searching for this year then look no further that The Innovators, a stimulating showcase of some of New Zealand’s most prominent innovators now open at Auckland’s Museum of Transport
and Technology (MOTAT).
The Innovators is an exhibition which celebrates not only the achievements but the entire process of innovation, from
conceptualisation to creation and explores the learnings from setbacks overcome along the way. Here visitors will gain a
unique insight into the personal attributes and thought processes of ordinary Kiwis who have achieved extraordinary
feats.
Innovators sharing their stories and hard-won wisdom include Peter Beck from Rocket Lab, Rod Drury from Xero, Ian Taylor from Animation Research Limited, Frances Valintine from The Mind Lab by Unitec and Dr Keith Alexander from Springfree Trampoline. The exhibition explores the personalities and contributions of the well-known public figures, and equally importantly,
their lesser known colleagues who work behind the scenes. These teams will motivate young and old to be innovators in
their own lives, to tackle the problems they see around them and adopt a new way of looking at the world to achieve
their goals and make a difference to society.
MOTAT’s Interpretation Manager Rebecca Britt describes this exhibition as being aligned with the Museum’s focus on
contemporary Kiwi ingenuity and technology. “Our aim is to inspire a wave of new innovators by demonstrating to our
visitors that ingenuity is not reserved for the geniuses of this world. Not everyone can be another Steve Jobs but
through hard work and creativity, innovation is accessible to everyone,” says Ms Britt.
Art of Fact Director David Hebblethwaite who partnered with MOTAT on the concept development and design for The Innovators explains that researching the stories behind these successful entrepreneurs was a revelation. “It soon became evident
that the one characteristic they all have in common is an extraordinary resilience. Even with the finest technical
skills, without this tenacity they simply would never progress,” says Mr Hebblethwaite. He also notes that visitors may
be surprised to learn that in many instances innovators turn New Zealand’s geographical isolation to their own
advantage.
The exhibition features a broad range of things to do including digital interactives, a Virtual Reality simulator and of
course, an amazing Springfree Trampoline.
Not only does The Innovators appeal to local visitors of all ages but it showcases New Zealand’s ingenuity and technological achievements to
international tourists. It is open every day, 10am to 5pm, and entry to the exhibition is included in the Museum’s
general admission fees.
Come along this summer and explore the remarkable attributes that have enabled ground-breaking developments and discover
the steps taken to tackle real-world challenges with The Innovators.
ENDS
Location: MOTAT – 805 Great North Road, Western Springs, Auckland
Normal MOTAT admission fees apply:
$40 Family Pass (2 adults, 4 children)
$16 Adults
$8 Students/children 5-16 years
Free for MOTAT Mates, children under 5 and SuperGold Cardholders