What is a Taranaki Story?
The Taranaki Stories capture the essence of our region.

They are mostly the human tales of guts and glory, death and danger, peace and power. Where possible these features have been told by the subject themselves, by relatives who hold the family story, or by experts in the field or event being explored.

A wide range of topics is covered, including the Taranaki land wars, sportspeople, Māori leaders, immigrants, farming pioneers, inventors, artists, soldiers, politicians, geology, intrepid women and even famous cats.

The aim of these stories is to bring the spirits of Taranaki alive; to provide meaning to street signs, landmarks and names from the past. The Taranaki Stories project is ongoing, thanks to funding from the Taranaki Electricity Trust. Fresh items will be added as they come to hand.

From the Infopods

Alongside the Taranaki Stories are the fact-based Infopod pieces, which extend the information presented in the Puke Ariki galleries. Investigated and written by staff of the Taranaki Research Centre, these stories can be found on the touch-screen computers throughout Puke Ariki as well as on our website. 

Do you have a Taranaki Story to tell?

Perhaps your class has written a school project or you've researched a local history topic.  If so, we want to hear from you!  Visit the Add a Story section to find out more.

Interactive Stories

As well as written stories we have created a number of interactive games, quizzes and simulations.

Click here to find out how the First Taranaki War began, how a rotary cow shed works or how Mt Taranaki ended up on a beer bottle!