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The Museum of Transport and Technology (Motat) is asking Auckland's councils to back its fresh bid for a government grant towards a $24 million aviation display hall.
In July, Helen Clark, as Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage, told the museum its application for $7 million was "premature" for consideration in the 2008-09 round of Regional Museums Policy grants.
Helen Clark said the museum might wish to reapply after it had gained the support of Auckland's seven councils as well as tapped all funding sources and firmed project costs.
Mayors are now being asked to sign letters of support to be sent to the Prime Minister.
This depends on their councils supporting the use of part of their compulsory annual levy to the museum for the project. The proposed hall will allow a themed display of large aircraft such as the Solent, Sunderland, Avro Lancaster and DC-3.
Meanwhile, Motat is offering Auckland City ratepayers a free visit in November either with vouchers from local papers, flyers from libraries, or on presentation of their rates bill or proof of address.
