Residents of property in Italy are being given a taste of the southern hemisphere with a new exhibition that aims to highlight the interlinking between Italy and New Zealand.

The two nations share one of the great friendships to arise from the conflict of World War II, after New Zealand soldiers helped Italian civilians with food and blankets during combat.

Wattie McEwan, a New Zealand veteran, inspired one of the artworks due to go on display when he spoke of his experience of leaving a brother behind on the battlefield in Italy.

Although he admits that fallen comrades could not be taken home, he adds: "The best we can do is retain relations with Italy so that we are welcome to go back and see them."

The exhibition, Legato, is due to open on May 15th and promotes peace, as well as marking the collaboration between Italy and New Zealand over the past 66 years.

Monte Cassino was the location where the two countries’ troops forged their friendship in 1944, when Allied troops took the town as a major strategic point on the German defensive Gustav Line that spanned Italy.

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