The show, titled ''Hakui: Women of Kai Tahu'', shares those stories and achievements from the perspective of ka uri whakatipu, today's generations.
The term hakui is an acknowledgement of respect and a form of address to a female elder.
This interactive exhibition celebrates mothers, aunties, grandmothers, taua, great-aunts, great-grandmothers and tupuna wahine (female ancestors).
The museum's inaugural curator Maori, Migoto Eria, has been working to help bring the exhibition together since she took up her post in June last year.
Fifty women are profiled in the show, and their accomplishments are shared through taonga (treasures), photographs and memories. Ms Eria has been the driving force behind the exhibition.
Helping to develop the large, complex display had proved demanding and required networking with many families to help make it a reality.
But she had found this work rewarding, she said.
''It's the kind of work I feel I can offer some support in.''
She hoped the show would encourage visitors to ''consider the accomplishments and continued relevance of hakui, and inspire them to think about the women who have shaped their own lives''.
In August 2013, a major hui was held at Otakou marae, which led to the development of a steering committee representing local rununga (tribal councils).
The committee later regularly met the museum team to bring the exhibition to fruition.
The free exhibition will open to the public tomorrow.
