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Kōrero: Inventions, patents and trademarks

McCulloch hand vacuum pump

McCulloch hand vacuum pump

A simple cardboard tube sliding inside another one, the hand vacuum pump was invented in the 1970s by Norma McCulloch of Rongotea in Manawatū. The pump used in kitchens around New Zealand to extract air from freezer bags before the contents are frozen. This saves space in the freezer and improves the quality of the frozen food.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

by Marguerite Hill

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Mark Derby, Inventions, patents and trademarks – The ‘no. 8 wire’ tradition, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/25389/mcculloch-hand-vacuum-pump (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Mark Derby, i tāngia i te 11 May 2010, updated 1 February 2015.

Comments

Marion Gooden
13 August 2022
My mum has had an identical vacuum pump for years! It suddenly seems to have stopped sliding and we want to purchase another. Please can you help me if this is available to purchase and deliver to Adelaide, Australia.
Margaret Carmichael
24 August 2017
I have one of these and used it often. Sadly when moving house I lost the inner part rendering it useless. I would really love to buy another one. Are they being made anywhere?
Bill Horton
19 August 2017
She also made a beautifully designed spatula that I use every day; it's just so well thought out and moulded. And made in Rongotea of all places! Wonderful.
Ann Warren
26 November 2016
She also made a fantastic donut cutter which I have used for over 30 years and it's still going strong.
Maureen Hardcastle
14 August 2016
I bought an identical pump in Tasmania in late 70s/early 80s for $1.99 (price sticker still on). It still use it and it works well but looks a bit shabby. I had hoped to buy a new one one but they're no longer available. A similar cheap one on the market only works on particular types of bags - all others are expensive models again often for use only with particular bag types.
Caron Copek
04 June 2012
My Mum had one of these, but it's long gone now. I see they're rarely available on Trade Me. Am keen to buy one. Great idea Norma!