Taranaki War 1860-2012 was developed by Puke Ariki and exhibited there from 17 March to 1 August 2010.

Puke Ariki is touring the exhibition and the Nelson Provincial Museum will host it between 15 September 2012 and February 2013.

Taranaki War tells the story that began in March 1860 when the first shots were fired in a series of wars that raged through the region on and off for 21 years. At stake was ownership of the land which would determine the destinies of both Maori and Pakeha.

Today - 150 years later - the war that shaped Taranaki appears every bit as shocking as any 21st century news bulletin. This enthralling exhibition describes in detail the invasion, bombing, civilian casualties, siege and attempted ethnic cleansing that took place and extends the discussion from historic events to contemporary issues that are the legacy of war.

While the stories told in the exhibition are embedded in Taranaki's history, they are not exclusive to the region. Their close examination helps us to better understand who all New Zealanders are, where they have been in their history and where they might be heading.