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Hands-on learning at MOTAT

10 September, 2025
News and events

Students from our Managing for Sustainability course recently visited the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) to experience real-world examples of sustainable and alternative transport.

Senior Lecturer Philip Cass said his two classes have been studying alternative and sustainable options for transport, and MOTAT has a range of relevant displays. Highlights included the new Hautū Aunoa/Autopilot exhibition, which features drone technology and the Wisk Generation 5 electric air vehicle. Students also took turns using virtual reality headsets to experience flying across Auckland.

The group explored MOTAT’s motor vehicle display to learn about the development of local vehicle design and construction in New Zealand, before riding the tram to MOTAT 2. Philip noted that trams have continued to prove more effective than buses at moving people in many cities and, being electrically powered, represent a more sustainable option.

The class has previously visited MOTAT to study pioneering steam technology.