Historic steam locomotive Hector goes on display at Huia Settlers Museum
Last Updated on August 27, 2026
A steam locomotive that helped build two of Auckland’s key water supply dams has found a permanent home outside the Huia Settlers Museum, where it is now on public display.
According to Auckland Council, the locomotive, affectionately known as Hector, played a central role in the construction of the Upper Nihotupu dam, one of the reservoirs that has supplied water to Auckland for decades.
A working piece of Auckland’s water history
Hector’s move to the museum gives visitors a tangible link to the engineering effort behind Auckland’s water infrastructure, much of which was built in remote, bush-covered parts of the Waitākere Ranges in the early to mid-20th century. Dams like Upper Nihotupu were major undertakings, and machinery such as Hector was used to haul materials and equipment through terrain that had few roads at the time.
The Huia Settlers Museum, which tells the story of the small West Auckland community and its connection to the surrounding ranges and water catchments, is a fitting location for the display. Visitors to the museum will now be able to see the locomotive up close, alongside the museum’s other exhibits on the area’s settler and infrastructure history.
The council’s announcement is brief on further detail, including exactly when Hector was restored or moved to the site, but confirms the locomotive is now permanently and publicly displayed outside the museum for locals and visitors to view.
Source: Auckland Council.
Related: Auckland City Libraries
