| New Plymouth is the port and main city in the | | | | Maori treasures associated with the Taranaki tribes. |
| Taranaki region on the west coast of the North | | | | Treasures are the name that encompasses all gallery |
| Island of New Zealand. | | | | spaces, each one focusing on different components |
| Be prepared to be surprised by this buzzy little city | | | | of the Taranaki experience. Make sure you check out |
| of 66,000 people. | | | | Taranaki Stories, which details the regions tumultuous |
| A coastal city with a mountain within 30 minutes | | | | Maori land wars through to pioneer history and |
| drive away, where residents and visitors to New | | | | current Taranaki residents. The complex has two |
| Plymouth can snowboard, ski, water ski and surf all in | | | | cafes and a large grass park. |
| the same day. | | | | There are the cows, the milk, the cheese, the worlds |
| Excellent cultural amenities, stunning gardens, and | | | | biggest dairy factory at nearby Hawera. |
| fabulous nature walks. Here are some of the | | | | The city is a service centre for the regions principal |
| prettiest rolling green pasture youll see anywhere in | | | | economic activities including intensive pastoral |
| the country. | | | | activities, mainly dairy farming as well as oil, natural |
| Prepare to be surprised by the standard of cuisine in | | | | gas and petrochemical exploration and production. |
| this little provincial outback. For a town of its size, it | | | | An agricultural chemicals company founded in 1944 by |
| has an unbelievable number of very good eateries. | | | | brothers Ivon, Harry and Dan Watkins in 1944 and |
| Mount Taranaki, the Fuji like jewel in the Egmont | | | | joined as a partner 20 years later by Dow Chemicals |
| National Park crown, which attracts hundreds of | | | | of Michigan. A 2005 study found that people who |
| trampers, mountaineers, rock climbers, and casual | | | | lived close to the Watkins plant between 1962 and |
| walkers. | | | | 1987 were likely to have dioxin levels on average |
| The Taranaki Museum underwent massive | | | | four times higher than the general public. In some |
| renovations during 2001 and reopened in 2003. The | | | | groups the level was as much as seven times as high. |
| impressive two wing complex rises up in the heart of | | | | A Public Health Medicine senior adviser has claimed |
| the city, a groundbreaking knowledge centre that | | | | that based on international findings, the residents |
| houses the full public library, the museum, and the | | | | exposure to dioxin may cause increased rates of |
| visitor information centre. An air bridge connects the | | | | disease, in particular cancer. |
| two wings. The museum showcases, including many | | | | |