When you adopt a tram, your donation helps us upgrade the tram tracks to keep our heritage trams running. The adoption process is simple - choose the tram you would like to adopt and add it to your cart. When you checkout you will be prompted to login or create a my.motat.nz account.  This enables MOTAT to ensure you receive the benefits that go with your adoption. Only one tram can be adopted per transaction.

Adoptions start at $25 for Bronze level support, with additional tiers available at Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering unique benefits see details here. Every donation directly contributes to the tramway upgrade and helps keep our trams running.

Yes! An unlimited number of people can adopt the same tram. Each adoption is unique, and every donor receives their own adoption certificate, or you can personalise the adoption certificate as a gift for that special tram fan in your life.

Yes, Adopt a Tram is an opportunity for an individual or a group of tram fans to adopt their favourite tram or a number of trams. For example a family, group of friends, school, classroom, business, or employees can pool together to adopt a tram as a group. The certificate will be issued in the name of the group. For donations over $500 for a group adoption and the benefits that apply, feel free to contact us at partnerships@motat.org.nz.

Yes, feel free to return and adopt as many trams as you like but a separate adoption transaction, including checkout and payment is required for each tram adoption. If your combined donations reach a higher supporter level, you'll also enjoy the benefits that come with that level of support.

Every adoption comes with:

• A personalised adoption certificate, featuring a photo of your adopted tram.

• Recognition on our digital supporters' wall on the website.

• A charitable donation tax receipt.
  

Adoption tiers are available at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each offering additional unique benefits see details here.

Yes! When adopting a tram, you can choose to have the adoption certificate issued in the name of a friend or family member, making it a special gift for any occasion.

Your adoption is symbolic and is a form of donation to help MOTAT cover the costs of upgrading the tramway to keep it open and ensure the heritage trams can remain operational. The heritage trams are artefacts that cannot be removed from the Museum.

By adopting a tram, you’re not just helping to keep a piece of history alive – you’re becoming part of that history. Along with your personalised adoption certificate and recognition on our website, you’ll receive exclusive benefits depending on your level of support. These may include invitations to special events, behind-the-scenes tours, and unique tram memorabilia. But the real reward is knowing that your generosity is helping to preserve our city’s heritage, keeping the trams running for future generations to experience and enjoy. Your support ensures that these iconic trams remain a living, moving connection to our past.

The adoption of a tram is for 12 months from the date of the adoption. An opportunity will be given to renew your adoption for a further period before the expiry of the adoption term.

You will receive a tax receipt for the total donation amount, minus the value of any tiered benefits received (where applicable). This makes your donation eligible for tax deductions.

Yes, you can choose to make your donation anonymous and still receive a tax receipt. However, anonymous donors will not be listed on the digital supporters' wall.

Your generous donation will go directly towards upgrading the tram tracks and ensuring our trams can continue to operate safely for years to come.

Once a tram has been adopted, we're unable to offer refunds or exchanges. However, we greatly appreciate your support!