UPDATED 11.48AM A group of more than 200 people has begun a three-day walk to Parihaka in the name of peace.

New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd is leading the 44 kilometre peace walk which began at his offices this morning.

Parihaka is steeped in history, once the centre of a major campaign of non-violent resistance to European occupation of confiscated land in the area.

Mayor Judd said it's about being mindful of the turbulent past and present of Taranaki, with the walk a chance to transform conversations, and to move forward together.

"Welcome today to the beginning of a new conversation as we walk together with peace in our hearts," he said.

He said it's a challenge to ask every New Zealander what peace looks like in their own homes.

More walkers are expected to join as the crowd moves through towns.

The mayor has enjoyed a wave of support since he announced he would not seek re-election this year.

Mayor Judd lost popularity after attempting to install a Maori Seat on the city's council.

He said this peace walk is to talk about how Pakeha communicate with Maori, something he said that is well overdue.

"To me as a European New Zealander, we've never had this conversation around not only what happened, but why our attitude is the way it is."