Auckland’s MOTAT Museum to open science and technology centre and appoints new Museum Director

Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) is opening its new $7.4 million science and technology centre - Te Puawānanga  - on 25th May and has also announced the appointment of Craig Hickman-Goodall as the new Museum Director / Chief Executive, effective 1st July 2024.

MOTAT opened in 1964 and since then has been explored and enjoyed by millions of visitors. MOTAT is New Zealand's largest transport and technology museum with a focus on creating an interactive and educational experience for its visitors.

The science and technology centre project team worked with Auckland-based Māori sub-tribe (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) to determine a name for the centre itself and the three key spaces within it. Naming wānanga (meetings and discussion) were held and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei fully supports and endorses the chosen name.

Te Puawānanga speaks to the blossoming of knowledge. Pua, to blossom, and wānanga, to meet and discuss and learn. It is the name of the native climbing vine, also known as clematis, that grows high in the forest canopy and blooms abundantly in Spring.

Te Puawānanga is described as a centre with an ambition to “radically redefine the way our tamariki engage with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)”.

According to the museum, Te Puawānanga aims to “shake up” how youth learn about STEM, referencing a decline in science achievements and a “pattern of disengagement” in schools.

The project, which has taken four years to bring to life, has received contributions from several notable Kiwi creatives, industry experts and knowledge-holders, as well as endorsement from the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Professor Dame Juliet Gerrard.

Dame Gerrard shared “Te Puawānanga promises to energise our young people and motivate them to question the world around them.”

The appointment of Craig Hickman-Goodall as the new Museum Director / Chief Executive Museum effective 1st July 2024 follows his role as Chief Operating Officer at MOTAT since January 2022. As a member of the Museum’s executive leadership team, he has demonstrated that he has exceptional expertise and a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities that surround MOTAT and the economic environment that impacts the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) sector.

In announcing the new Museum Director / Chief Executive appointment, MOTAT Board Chair Helen Atkins advised “we are delighted to appoint Craig to this role. He is a well-known, passionate supporter and advocate for MOTAT and has an excellent skillset to lead MOTAT over the coming years. 

“MOTAT is at an exciting point in its development. We are facing both challenges and opportunities, now and into the near future, and the Board is in the process of considering MOTAT’s strategic position on these matters. We consider the experience that Craig brings, as our incoming Museum Director, to be vital in assisting MOTAT to best position itself for these challenges and opportunities.” 

Hickman-Goodall has held notable senior leadership positions in the arts, entertainment, and museum sectors in New Zealand, including as Deputy Director of Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Art Gallery, Chief Executive of St James Theatre and Opera House in Wellington, and Chief Executive of North Harbour Stadium. Other senior leadership positions have seen Hickman-Goodall leading the redevelopment and opening of Hawkes Bay Opera House and Hastings City Art Gallery. 

He has held Board Member roles with Te Tuhi Contemporary Art Gallery, Q Theatre and EVANZ.

On his appointment Hickman-Goodall shared “It is a great honour to be given this opportunity to lead MOTAT through the next five years, navigating the current economic challenges and working with the team to create a secure foundation for MOTAT’s growing role in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. I strongly believe in MOTAT's vision and purpose, and I am excited to be accepting this responsibility."

Outgoing Museum Director / Chief Executive, Michael Frawley, is stepping down from the role on 30th June 2024 after 11 years of leading the Museum. Between now and this date he will be working closely with Hickman-Goodall to ensure a smooth transition between Directors.

Image top. Credit: Auckland’s Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT); image above: Craig Hickman-Goodall. Credit: MOTAT