Why MOTAT Needs Your Help to Upgrade the Western Springs Tramway
Our heritage trams are integral to MOTAT’s museum experience. As working artefacts, they provide visitors with a unique opportunity to experience this significant part of New Zealand’s transport history. The trams also provide a free public transport link around Western Springs.
Over the past 60 years, MOTAT has lovingly restored and preserved these trams, but the tracks they run on are, in some places nearly 100 years old and critical sections near Great North Road, Motions Road, Auckland Zoo and Western Springs College need replacement.
We successfully purchased critical components like the specialised tram switches from the Czech Republic and rail sections from Melbourne, but this was just the beginning of our project to upgrade the Western Springs Tramway and in October 2024 we launched our Adopt a Tram fundraising campaign.
Hundreds of supporters have already made a difference - ensuring the Tramway upgrade has been able to start. We broke ground on 10 February to start on the S-bend and the Motions Road crossing. This first part of our essential works will be completed by 11 April in time for our busiest time during the school holidays.
For more information about the tramway works under way click here.
Your donations are still urgently needed to help:
Cover the costs of safely removing the old, deteriorating track
Fund the professional installation of all new components
Support ongoing maintenance to keep the tramway system running safely
Ensure proper infrastructure development around the track
Your support will ensure this historic tramway continues to operate safely and reliably for generations to come.
As MOTAT is a registered charity (CC30945), we depend on community support to complete important projects like this. By adopting a tram, you're not just helping with today's installation - you're investing in the future of this historic tramway.
So please jump on board by adopting a tram today!
