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The Glossary

Maori - "New Zealand’s first settlers and major ethnic group"

From New Zealand Glossary

The Beehive is one of the most recognizable buildings in Wellington. It is the executive wing of New Zealand's Parliament Building designed by Sir Basil Spence, a Scottish architect. He was the one who made a rough sketch drawing of the building in 1964 and was constructed by Gibson O'Conner.

It took ten years to finaly finish this ten storey high building. It stands 72 meters tall. It has been built with extensive New Zealand art decorations such as the stained glass window at the foyer. The buildings brown roof is made of around 20 tons of hand welded copper which eventually created a naturally weathered look.

Today, The Beehive houses the Prime Minister's office, Cabinet offices and Cabinet Ministers' offices. Guided tours of the building are offered for free.

Showing "The Beehive" on the map