Auckland’s innovation ecosystem welcomes a new centre for next gen science and tech innovators  

21 April 2023

New Zealand’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is launching an ambitious new Science and Technology Centre with a vision to co-develop Aotearoa’s most culturally diverse, accessible, and enriching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) experiences for children and their whānau. The vision for the Centre is to inspire a sense of curiosity in the younger generation, empowering them to think creatively in order to innovate for a more regenerative future. The University of Auckland’s Maker Space Coordinator Hayden Moore is a consultant on the project, offering his advice and insights to help inform their plans. He has already brought inspiration to the Centre experience development through his personal project of an LED periodic table. There are now plans for Hayden to help with a giant interactive version in the new Centre, which is currently in the preliminary developed design phase.  

Hayden leads a team of students at the University of Auckland who run Unleash Space and Te Ahi Hangarau Technology Hub on behalf of the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. The makerspaces include a range of exciting technologies such as 3D printers, a laser cutter and Virtual Reality Headsets. He also runs technology workshops for students and staff and designs educational materials for curricular courses at the University. 

“I love what MOTAT is planning with their SciTech Centre! As a maker, one of my main objectives with my many personal projects is to inspire others and that’s exactly what MOTAT is doing. As I see the plans for the Centre progress, I’m getting more excited. It’s going to be a hub for schools, students, parents, and anyone interested in science and technology. It’s a place I wish I had access to when I was younger, and it’s terrific that Auckland’s innovation ecosystem has come together to support this initiative.” 

Hayden recently spoke at a VIP event announcing the Centre, joining a panel of scientists and innovators including the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Dame Juliet Gerrard, NanoGirl founder Dr Michelle Dickinson and Plant & Food Science Group Co-Leader Dr Nick Waipara, with the panel chaired by CEO of the New Zealand Story David Downs. They discussed MOTAT’s aspirations and why it’s important to get kids into STEAM. 

Esther Tobin, MOTAT’s Senior Exhibition Developer for the new Centre says, “The Science and Technology Centre is a significant project that will support and activate MOTAT’s reputation as the science and technology playground of Aotearoa. We pride ourselves on providing hands-on, minds-on discovery for everyone, and young people will be able to grow up with the Centre as they interact with the various science and technology spaces. There’s evermore need for places like MOTAT to provide experiences and inspiring spaces that ignite imaginations. It’s been terrific connecting with Hayden at Unleash Space and his knowledge and enthusiasm for activating young people’s potential.”