MAVtech Trust honours long-serving member and initiates recruitment drive

The MAVtech team present Subhadra (holding certificate) with a lifetime membership at the trust's annual general meeting.

At the recent annual general meeting of the MAVtech Trust, a pivotal moment arose for the board to launch a campaign to enlist new volunteers and commemorate one of its most dedicated members, Subhadra Edwards, wife of the late founder of the museum, Peter Edwards. Acknowledging her unwavering commitment to the preservation and presentation of vintage technology, the MAVtech team granted Subhadra a lifetime membership at the museum, recognising her invaluable service as a trustee.

The story of MAVtech traces back to Peter Edwards, whose fascination with vintage Edison cylinder recordings at the tender age of 12 marked the genesis of his enduring passion for technology. This passion steered him towards a career with Radio New Zealand and the Government Printing Office. Alongside his wife Subhadra, Peter’s private compilation of recorded sound, film reels and radio memorabilia burgeoned to become the most extensive assortment in New Zealand by the late 1980s.

Timed fortuitously with the rise of digital audio-visual technology, various governmental bodies contributed to the museum, donating items ranging from defunct office projectors to the control panels of obsolete radio transmission stations. What once constituted obsolete technology now serve as cherished relics offering glimpses into the past.

However, perhaps the most significant piece of technology salvaged by the duo was the Coronation Hall itself. Originally constructed as the local cinema in 1926, the edifice faced neglect in the 1970s, prompting discussions about its potential demolition or transformation into a supermarket.

MAVtech Volunteers Trisha Metcalf and Andrew Keedwell at MAVtech.

Yet, Peter and Subhadra secured a lease from the Foxton Borough Council, embarking on a restoration project that resurrected the hall’s former glory. Today, MAVtech continues to operate from this historic landmark, now under the stewardship of the Horowhenua District Council.

Transforming the cinema into a fully-fledged museum demanded considerable effort. Facilitated by a government grant, Subhadra oversaw the relocation of the entire collection from Himatangi to the Coronation Hall, including all of Peter’s meticulously preserved records. Soon enough, Foxton witnessed the resumption of screenings for 35-millimetre and 16mm films, marking a bustling era for Subhadra.

Operating as a not-for-profit trust, MAVtech relies extensively on the contributions of volunteers to share its heritage and artifacts with the local community and visitors from far and wide. The museum is looking for people with a shared passion for vintage technology to join the team. Various roles, ranging from engaging with visitors to refurbishing and cataloguing collection items, are available for enthusiasts to contribute their expertise.

Cinema aficionados can participate as ushers during the monthly film nights, while opportunities exist for aspiring radio presenters to lend their voices to Radio Foxton on 105.4FM. Notably, Radio Foxton can facilitate remote broadcasting, welcoming individuals from diverse locations to assume the role of presenters.

Irrespective of their designated responsibilities, each new volunteer can expect the guidance of a seasoned mentor and an orientation tour when they sign up. Highlighting the enriching experience, I can say: “With over 150 years of audio-visual technology at MAVtech, I am always learning something new!”

“It is wonderful being able to share the items and their stories with our visitors.”

With a greater number of volunteers, the MAVtech Trust Board aims to increase the number of open days and get involved with more community events. The MAVtech team encourages anyone with an interest in volunteering to contact info@mavtech.org.nz and visit the museum on its next open day. Open days are held on the last Saturday of the month (except December) from 1pm-4pm.