Media Release, Connecting generations for a stronger Aotearoa, MOTAT, 23 April 2026
This April, the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) and Generations Connect NZ are proud to champion Global Intergenerational Week 2026, a worldwide campaign celebrating the power of connection between people of all ages.
Global Intergenerational Week 2026 will focus on themes including challenging ageism, reducing loneliness, celebrating shared spaces, and working together for a more sustainable future.
Running from 24–30 April, Global Intergenerational Week invites communities, organisations and individuals to come together and strengthen relationships between younger and older generations. Now in its sixth year, the campaign highlights that intergenerational connection is not just beneficial – it is essential to building resilient, inclusive and thriving communities.
As a museum known for bringing generations together through shared experiences of innovation, heritage and play, MOTAT sees intergenerational connection as central to its purpose. Whether it’s elder generations sharing memories sparked by heritage technology, or whānau exploring science and technology alongside each other, MOTAT creates space for meaningful exchange across ages.
Generations Connect NZ, the Aotearoa lead for Global Intergenerational Week, works year-round to foster these same connections nationwide – supporting initiatives that bring people together to share knowledge, reduce isolation, and strengthen communities.
“Intergenerational connection helps us learn from each other, challenge ageism, and build empathy across communities,” says Karen Verney, Generations Connect NZ Founder and CEO. “But it’s not just about bringing different generations into the same space. It’s about creating opportunities for them to interact, learn from each other, and build genuine connections. When that happens, we create stronger social bonds and unlock knowledge and experiences that benefit everyone.”
“MOTAT is a place where generations naturally connect,” says Liz Cotton, MOTAT’s Director of Museum Experience. “We see every day how powerful those interactions are – sparking curiosity, sharing stories, and creating lasting memories. Global Intergenerational Week is an opportunity to celebrate and grow that impact.
“It’s not just our visitors who experience this. We have a very active volunteer community of wide-ranging ages who all come together through shared interests. It’s inspiring to see the exchange of knowledge – from all sides – and the comradery and connection it builds.”
A prime example of intergenerational connection can be seen in MOTAT’s Print Shop, where operators Denis, 82, and Maryam, 29, work side by side.
“I’ve learned that we come from very different life experiences and perspectives,” says Maryam. “Working together has been something really special – combining Denis’ deep knowledge of machinery and print with my design background. We collaborate, we experiment, and we learn from each other. There’s a lot of humour, and a real openness in how we work.”
Denis says Maryam’s curiosity is what makes it work. “She’s easy to talk to and genuinely interested in how everything works,” he says. “It means I can pass on some of my specialist knowledge – which feels good. And I tolerate all the videos she makes,” he jokes.
Both MOTAT and Generations Connect are encouraging people across Aotearoa to get involved by participating in activities and outings together and starting conversations across generations. For simple ideas and free resources aligned to each day of Global Intergenerational Week, visit www.genconnectnz.org/giw26.
Because when generations connect, everyone benefits – today and into the future.