East Coast Museum of Technology holds an extensive collection showcasing the history, nostalgic and innovative stories that New Zealand and the East Coast has to offer. We invite you to explore the collection and the fascinating stories of the people and places that are all connected!
HAVE YOU GOT A QUERY REGARDING THE EAST COAST MUSEUM OF TECHNOLOGY COLLECTION?
For information about specific collection items, please email us
DO YOU HAVE AN ITEM THAT MIGHT FIT THE EAST COAST MUSEUM OF TECHNOLOGIES CURRENT COLLECTION?
If you’re interested in donating an item to East Coast Museum of Technology, please email us. East Coast Museum of Technology collection has a focus on New Zealand innovation and New Zealand-made technology.
Please note the following:
- We have a current acquisition process and offers can take up to six months to assess.
- can only accept donations for which the donor has legal title.
- can only accept donations of items which are complete and in fair condition.
- loans collection objects to museums and heritage institutions only.
Fire Appliances and emergency vehicles
Our selection of fire appliances contains most of the vehicles that were purchased by the former Gisborne Fire Board up until 1976 when the New Zealand Fire Commission took over running all fire services, and includes several appliances that served on the East Coast during the same period. Our collection is considered one of the best examples of “locally owned or operated” vehicles in the country.
Military
Our military collection contains examples of vehicles that were used during the Second World War as well as a restored Bren Carrier and other military items including a rare Guy Ant, few of which remain in the country today.
Rail
Our Rail collection contains many examples of both Gisborne and New Zealand railway heritage, memorabilia and takes you back to the golden age of rail. To name a few items, we have the Matawhero Railway Station, (Which currently houses our Model Rail Section and Private Railway Collection.) and behind the station you can see the last remnants of the Gisborne to Moutohora branch line.
Agricultural
Our agricultural collection includes seven tractors which were purchased from one farm – when each tractor had done its dash it was replaced with a newer one, but the old ones were retained on the property. A large collection of various farm implements can also be found on site.
Domestic Bliss
Our recently revamped display area in our main building shows the evolution of New Zealand households over the last century.
IT Central
Our IT room contains a vast collection of IT history.
And lots, lots more
We also have examples of early home technology, horse-drawn vehicles and paraphernalia, stationary engines and much more. Be prepared to spend an hour or two taking in our eclectic collection of yesteryear.
With a varied collection of items that will suit a range of interests and family pricing it is a great place to spend a day or a few hours.