New Zealand Herald

This exhibition explores the history and culture of this strife-ridden region through photographic images. Bamiyan - The Heart of Afghanistan also brings to life the stories and experiences of the people living in Bamiyan. It is presented through the eyes of the locals together with interviews and images of New Zealanders working with the New Zealand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Bamiyan Province.

Since the end of 2001, the New Zealand Government has provided a Provincial Reconstruction Team in the province of Bamiyan comprising Defence Force personnel, NZ Police and NZAID development programmes.

This exhibition celebrates the Friendly City relationship between Porirua City and Bamiyan. The exhibition gives an insight to the history of Bamiyan, the landscape, the people and their culture. It also showcases the work of New Zealand's Provincial Reconstruction Team in the province of Bamiyan.

Bamiyan is the main town in the namesake Bamiyan Province. It was the home of the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. An isolated city, Bamiyan is located about 240 km west of Kabul. A calm and serene city, Bamiyan lies in the lap of nature depicting the extraordinary cultural diversity of Afghanistan. The Bamiyan valley is said to be the most picturesque area in the region.