The story of Taranaki, the mountain, is one of passion, conflict and drama. So it is with Taranaki, the place; a region of legendary struggles and challenges. Here, on the western bump of New Zealand's North Island, the colossal forces of Mount Taranaki and the wild Tasman Sea have shaped the geography, climate and people.

All these tales unfold at Puke Ariki – a united museum, library and visitor information centre for Taranaki. The development of Puke Ariki has enabled the region's extensive and historically significant museum collection to be displayed appropriately in a stimulating, educational and recreational complex. The two-winged building, found in the heart of New Plymouth, also provides more space for the library collection. Add the visitor information service, i.SITE, to the equation and the result is a unique nerve-centre of knowledge, spanned by an airbridge between the North and South Wings.

Puke Ariki tells the stories of Taranaki through exhibitions, displays, collections and technology. Information technology will connect Puke Ariki with the world, and the world with Puke Ariki.

On site, Puke Ariki is locked within powerful Taranaki forces – the sea, the land and the mountain. The location has traditionally been a place where the people of Taranaki have come together. Now and in the future – the primary purpose of this site remains.