What started with a conversation at Wheels at Wanaka has turned into a special preservation project for New Zealand’s mining heritage.
OceanaGold’s Macraes Operation and Terra Cat New Zealand have joined forces to restore and transport a historic Macraes 789 dump truck engine to the Roger Mahan Heritage Centre in Geraldine, where it will be permanently displayed for generations of Kiwis to enjoy.
The 789 dump truck is one of the workhorses of the Macraes Mine, New Zealand’s largest operating gold mine, and has been a cornerstone of the operation’s productivity for decades.
The engine, which had reached the end of its working life at the mine, has been carefully restored especially for its new role as a museum centrepiece, giving the public a rare opportunity to see the scale of machinery that underpins New Zealand’s gold mining industry.
The project traces its origins to the 2025 Wheels at Wanaka event, at which John Welsh, from the Roger Mahan Heritage Centre, first approached OceanaGold to explore whether a decommissioned engine could find a new life on public display.
More than 12 months later, that conversation has become a reality, with the engine fully restored and ready for its journey north to Geraldine.
Macraes Operation open pit manager Pieter Doelman said he was proud to see a piece of Macraes so carefully restored and presented for the community to enjoy.
"Macraes has been operating for over 36 years, and the machinery that has driven our operation and our success tells a story worth preserving," Mr Doelman said.
"When John approached us at Wheels at Wanaka, we saw an immediate opportunity to do something meaningful with our old, unused equipment to ensure that a piece of that history does not simply disappear, but is shared with the public in a way that educated and inspires.
"We are proud to support the Roger Mahan Heritage Centre and to play our part in keeping New Zealand’s mining story alive."
Roger Mahan Heritage Centre trustee John Welsh said he was excited to see Kiwis of all ages discover the engine.
"Mining has shaped so much of New Zealand’s economy and regional identity, and yet it is an industry that many Kiwis, particularly younger generations, do not often get to see up close.
"This engine is a spectacular piece of machinery, and having it on display here in Geraldine gives families a real, tangible connection to that industrial heritage.
"We would love to see Kiwis make a visit to the centre part of their school holiday plans. There truly is something here for everyone, and this new addition makes it even more special."
Terra Cat mining account manager David Baillie said Terra had a long history with both the Roger Mahan Heritage Centre and OceanaGold.
"We’re proud to have partnered with OceanaGold to prepare this engine for another chapter at the Heritage Centre," Mr Baillie said.
"It is great to see it on display, having come from local mining activity, as it gives people the opportunity to get up close and appreciate the sheer scale of this equipment."
The Roger Mahan Heritage Centre is open Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays from 10am to 3pm, and other times by arrangement. — Allied Media
