Places and Spaces
The parliamentary precinct. View as panorama.
Along with the harbour, Te Papa and the hills, Parliament Buildings are one of Wellington's best-known landmarks. Standing at the north-west corner of the central business district, the parliamentary complex dominates this part of the capital city. Newly-weds have their photos taken on the steps of the Parliamentary Library, tourists click snapshots of Premier Richard Seddon pointing to the sky, and the Beehive ― a structure instantly recognisable to all New Zealanders ― squats alongside the imposing grey façade of Parliament House. The buildings have been modified, destroyed by fire, half built, and restored; people love them or hate them. Whether located in Auckland, as they were between 1854 and 1864, or Wellington since, the parliamentary places and spaces have formed an important part of New Zealand's history.
Locate yourself
The parliamentary precinct showing (l to r) Bowen House, the Beehive, Parliament House and the Parliamentary Library.
Then and now
The parliamentary precinct c. 1928. The small wooden building in the foreground was originally the gate-house for Government House. Alexander Turnbull Library, F688271/2
The parliamentary precinct today.
Links
The parliamentary precinct in our feature Contested Ground: A History of Parliament Buildings.
The buildings on the Parliamentary Service website.
Next: First buildings >