Puke Ariki

Puke Ariki is Taranaki’s cultural heart, bringing together a museum, library, and visitor information centre under one roof. It was the first purpose-built, fully integrated facility of its kind in the world, combining history, heritage, and modern technology in a way that challenges, informs, and entertains. At the time of its opening, it was the largest cultural project ever undertaken in Taranaki.

Clelands were engaged as head contractor to deliver this landmark development on a site of immense historical and cultural significance. Once home to a pā and later the city’s administrative centre, the project required both technical expertise and deep respect for its layered history. The build involved creating a two-winged facility in New Plymouth’s CBD, positioned beside the Coastal Walkway and overlooking the Tasman Sea. Clelands carefully coordinated the integration of museum-standard environments, advanced library systems, and public visitor facilities into one cohesive space. Close collaboration with architects, iwi, and civic leaders was essential to achieving the ambitious cultural and community goals of the projec