Interview: MOTAT - where interactive fun sets the stage for learning and wellbeing
QWB Lab Senior Consultant Linda Gilbert interviewed Sally Manuivera, Director of Experience at MOTAT, about museums and education, a key value museums provide.
MOTAT is iconic in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is the country’s largest transport and technology museum and its two sites provide visitors with opportunities to explore and discover the achievements that have helped shape the country. MOTAT offers a fun and exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Linda Gilbert (LG): May 18 is International Museum Day, and the 2024 theme is education and research. Could we start with you sharing your thoughts on MOTAT’s point of difference relative to other museums, and how that provides visitors with a holistic educational experience?
Sally Manuireva (SM): MOTAT is driven by the idea that its visitor experience educates and inspires. Drawing on MOTAT collections and our place in Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs, we provide interactive science and technology exhibitions and experiences that are innovative and support teaching in the classroom. We work with all ages from pre-school through to secondary. Our Education Team works collaboratively and is increasingly co-designing programmes with teachers. We go out to schools, the schools come to us, and we provide comprehensive, fun online learning modules that support teaching back in the classroom. This holistic and collaborative educational experience engages curious young minds and, importantly, demonstrates how learning relates to the real world. But it is not just schools that we engage with – families love visiting MOTAT too because MOTAT is about ‘this place’ - Aotearoa New Zealand. People are interested in the stories that technology and innovation have to tell about the place they call home.
LG: Interesting. I understand congratulations are in store as you just opened a new science and technology centre, a large-scale innovative project that has been two years in development. Could you tell us a bit about this new space?
SM: Te Puawānanga, the new science and technology centre, will redefine the way children engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The new space was developed with Māori experts to blend mātauranga Māori and Western science, helping children and young people navigate a changing world. Te Puawānanga supports research that underscores the significant influence a child’s early career aspirations can have on their future profession. Science achievement in Aotearoa New Zealand is in decline so Te Puawānanga will address a growing need to remove education barriers and shake up the way curious young learners grasp these fundamental topics.
LG: Do you have a personal highlight in the new centre?
SM: A personal highlight of mine is the Richard Pearse Utility Plane, which takes centre stage in Te Puawānanga. Richard Pearse was an inventor and aviation innovator, so by including his story and invention (alongside many others), we aim to spark curiosity and inspire learning and ambition. It is even more special because Pearse also features in Te Kōtiu, an immersive experience in MOTAT’s Aviation Hall. Te Kōtiu (meaning to swoop) highlights key moments in aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand using stunning immersive digital projection. We were delighted to be awarded the ‘Best Use of Digital – International’ at the prestigious Museums + Heritage Awards last week.
LG: Thinking about how museums can promote and deliver wellbeing benefits for diverse communities, can you talk about how this plays out at MOTAT?
SM: Around 80% of MOTAT’s visitors are diverse families, many with children aged 5 years or under and often with extended family members. They tell us that they love the social experience of MOTAT, the time to connect in a safe, inspiring environment, where everyone is free to be themselves and to interact, play and be curious, regardless of age. This, I believe, is fundamental to positive wellbeing.
LG: Absolutely! Thank you, Sally, for sharing your insights. Clearly MOTAT influences and inspires young minds and old, fostering wellbeing for all. Not only are you delivering research and education for diverse communities - but going to MOTAT is a fun experience, and that makes learning memorable.
Interview: MOTAT - where interactive fun sets the stage for learning and wellbeing
QWB Lab Senior Consultant Linda Gilbert interviewed Sally Manuivera, Director of Experience at MOTAT, about museums and education, a key value museums provide.
MOTAT is iconic in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is the country’s largest transport and technology museum and its two sites provide visitors with opportunities to explore and discover the achievements that have helped shape the country. MOTAT offers a fun and exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Linda Gilbert (LG): May 18 is International Museum Day, and the 2024 theme is education and research. Could we start with you sharing your thoughts on MOTAT’s point of difference relative to other museums, and how that provides visitors with a holistic educational experience?
Sally Manuireva (SM): MOTAT is driven by the idea that its visitor experience educates and inspires. Drawing on MOTAT collections and our place in Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs, we provide interactive science and technology exhibitions and experiences that are innovative and support teaching in the classroom. We work with all ages from pre-school through to secondary. Our Education Team works collaboratively and is increasingly co-designing programmes with teachers. We go out to schools, the schools come to us, and we provide comprehensive, fun online learning modules that support teaching back in the classroom. This holistic and collaborative educational experience engages curious young minds and, importantly, demonstrates how learning relates to the real world. But it is not just schools that we engage with – families love visiting MOTAT too because MOTAT is about ‘this place’ - Aotearoa New Zealand. People are interested in the stories that technology and innovation have to tell about the place they call home.
LG: Interesting. I understand congratulations are in store as you just opened a new science and technology centre, a large-scale innovative project that has been two years in development. Could you tell us a bit about this new space?
SM: Te Puawānanga, the new science and technology centre, will redefine the way children engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The new space was developed with Māori experts to blend mātauranga Māori and Western science, helping children and young people navigate a changing world. Te Puawānanga supports research that underscores the significant influence a child’s early career aspirations can have on their future profession. Science achievement in Aotearoa New Zealand is in decline so Te Puawānanga will address a growing need to remove education barriers and shake up the way curious young learners grasp these fundamental topics.
LG: Do you have a personal highlight in the new centre?
SM: A personal highlight of mine is the Richard Pearse Utility Plane, which takes centre stage in Te Puawānanga. Richard Pearse was an inventor and aviation innovator, so by including his story and invention (alongside many others), we aim to spark curiosity and inspire learning and ambition. It is even more special because Pearse also features in Te Kōtiu, an immersive experience in MOTAT’s Aviation Hall. Te Kōtiu (meaning to swoop) highlights key moments in aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand using stunning immersive digital projection. We were delighted to be awarded the ‘Best Use of Digital – International’ at the prestigious Museums + Heritage Awards last week.
LG: Thinking about how museums can promote and deliver wellbeing benefits for diverse communities, can you talk about how this plays out at MOTAT?
SM: Around 80% of MOTAT’s visitors are diverse families, many with children aged 5 years or under and often with extended family members. They tell us that they love the social experience of MOTAT, the time to connect in a safe, inspiring environment, where everyone is free to be themselves and to interact, play and be curious, regardless of age. This, I believe, is fundamental to positive wellbeing.
LG: Absolutely! Thank you, Sally, for sharing your insights. Clearly MOTAT influences and inspires young minds and old, fostering wellbeing for all. Not only are you delivering research and education for diverse communities - but going to MOTAT is a fun experience, and that makes learning memorable.
Interview: MOTAT - where interactive fun sets the stage for learning and wellbeing
QWB Lab Senior Consultant Linda Gilbert interviewed Sally Manuivera, Director of Experience at MOTAT, about museums and education, a key value museums provide.
MOTAT is iconic in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is the country’s largest transport and technology museum and its two sites provide visitors with opportunities to explore and discover the achievements that have helped shape the country. MOTAT offers a fun and exciting learning experience for visitors of all ages.
Linda Gilbert (LG): May 18 is International Museum Day, and the 2024 theme is education and research. Could we start with you sharing your thoughts on MOTAT’s point of difference relative to other museums, and how that provides visitors with a holistic educational experience?
Sally Manuireva (SM): MOTAT is driven by the idea that its visitor experience educates and inspires. Drawing on MOTAT collections and our place in Te Wai Ōrea Western Springs, we provide interactive science and technology exhibitions and experiences that are innovative and support teaching in the classroom. We work with all ages from pre-school through to secondary. Our Education Team works collaboratively and is increasingly co-designing programmes with teachers. We go out to schools, the schools come to us, and we provide comprehensive, fun online learning modules that support teaching back in the classroom. This holistic and collaborative educational experience engages curious young minds and, importantly, demonstrates how learning relates to the real world. But it is not just schools that we engage with – families love visiting MOTAT too because MOTAT is about ‘this place’ - Aotearoa New Zealand. People are interested in the stories that technology and innovation have to tell about the place they call home.
LG: Interesting. I understand congratulations are in store as you just opened a new science and technology centre, a large-scale innovative project that has been two years in development. Could you tell us a bit about this new space?
SM: Te Puawānanga, the new science and technology centre, will redefine the way children engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The new space was developed with Māori experts to blend mātauranga Māori and Western science, helping children and young people navigate a changing world. Te Puawānanga supports research that underscores the significant influence a child’s early career aspirations can have on their future profession. Science achievement in Aotearoa New Zealand is in decline so Te Puawānanga will address a growing need to remove education barriers and shake up the way curious young learners grasp these fundamental topics.
LG: Do you have a personal highlight in the new centre?
SM: A personal highlight of mine is the Richard Pearse Utility Plane, which takes centre stage in Te Puawānanga. Richard Pearse was an inventor and aviation innovator, so by including his story and invention (alongside many others), we aim to spark curiosity and inspire learning and ambition. It is even more special because Pearse also features in Te Kōtiu, an immersive experience in MOTAT’s Aviation Hall. Te Kōtiu (meaning to swoop) highlights key moments in aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand using stunning immersive digital projection. We were delighted to be awarded the ‘Best Use of Digital – International’ at the prestigious Museums + Heritage Awards last week.
LG: Thinking about how museums can promote and deliver wellbeing benefits for diverse communities, can you talk about how this plays out at MOTAT?
SM: Around 80% of MOTAT’s visitors are diverse families, many with children aged 5 years or under and often with extended family members. They tell us that they love the social experience of MOTAT, the time to connect in a safe, inspiring environment, where everyone is free to be themselves and to interact, play and be curious, regardless of age. This, I believe, is fundamental to positive wellbeing.
LG: Absolutely! Thank you, Sally, for sharing your insights. Clearly MOTAT influences and inspires young minds and old, fostering wellbeing for all. Not only are you delivering research and education for diverse communities - but going to MOTAT is a fun experience, and that makes learning memorable.
