Step back in time and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of communication at the Whakawhiti pārongo – telecoms gallery. This interactive space invites visitors of all ages to experience first-hand how people once connected across distances. Try your hand at sending messages in Morse code, take a seat at the vintage switchboard and play the role of an operator, or pick up and dial a rotary telephone—an experience unfamiliar to many younger visitors but sure to spark nostalgia for others. Be sure to step inside the bright orange 1970s Auckland phone box and make a free call—just like it was done decades ago.

Every Tuesday, the gallery truly comes alive thanks to MOTAT’s dedicated team of volunteers. These passionate experts are on hand to share fascinating insights, anecdotes, and technical details that bring the objects and stories in the exhibition to life. Whether you’re curious about the evolution of the telephone, want to learn how manual exchanges worked, or simply want to chat with someone who remembers using these tools in everyday life, the volunteers provide a warm and enriching experience.

Enjoyed by children, parents, and grandparents alike, the Whakawhiti pārongo – telecoms gallery offers a meaningful look at how communication has evolved—from the earliest forms of electric messaging to the digital age we live in today. It’s a journey through time that shows not only how far we've come technologically, but also how the need to connect with one another remains as strong as ever.