The Beehive
The Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings, located on the junction of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay in Wellington, is known as the Beehive. It is so-called because its shape is reminiscent of that of a traditional woven form of beehive known as a skep. Sir Basil Spence, a Scottish architect, created the original conceptual design for the Beehive in 1964. Between 1969 and 1979, the Beehive was erected in phases.
The structure is 10 storeys (72 meters) tall with four floors below street level. The entry foyer's core is embellished with marble flooring, stainless steel mesh wall panels, and a translucent glass ceiling. The brown roof of the Beehive is comprised of 20 tonnes of hand-welded and seamed copper. It has developed a naturally weathered appearance. The structure is lavishly ornamented with New Zealand art. A massive painting by John Drawbridge depicting the atmosphere and sky over New Zealand can be seen on the inside wall of the Banquet Hall.
The parliament gardens around the buildings are open to the public and include rose gardens and a monument of Richard John Seddon, New Zealand's prime minister from 1893 to 1906. Between 1998 and 2006, the inside was renovated and modernized according to the ideas of Christchurch architecture company Warren and Mahoney. The roof was fixed and the windows were replaced in 2013 and 2014. Historical New Zealand designated the Beehive as "of exceptional heritage importance for its pivotal role in New Zealand governance" in July 2015.
- Google Rating: 4.4/5
- Website: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/
- Phone: +64 4 817 9999
- Opening Hours: Daily - 9:30 to 17:00
- Address: Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
