Taranaki Fortunes: Lost and Won

How much do you know about the fortunes of Taranaki? What was the name of Taranaki’s first Jersey cow? What happened to New Plymouth’s trams? Who saved the Meeting of the Waters?

Find out the answers to these and more at Taranaki Fortunes: lost and won.

Taranaki Fortunes traces the ups and downs of our region – rich in opportunity but often challenged by circumstances and events. War, recession, topography and isolation meet robustness, resourcefulness, doggedness and ingenuity and that Taranaki spirit that makes our region unique.

Split into three sections – Producing the Goods, Paving the Way, and Trade and Exchange, Taranaki Fortunes takes a close look at the bad times and the good through a story that features hope and heartbreak, innovation and sheer hard work.

Featuring three short black and white films from Taranaki running on loop, numerous scaled models as well as a miniature rotating milking shed and dairy “chiller”, the exhibition aims to engage and inspire discussions about our region’s fortune.

With free entry, interactive activities and lots of events planned during the exhibition, it’s a great outing for the whole family. And after your visit pick up a copy of Fortunes: the book from the shop at Puke Ariki.