Beehive (New Zealand)
The Beehive (Māori: Te Whare Mīere) is the common name for the Executive Wing of New Zealand Parliament Buildings, located at the corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay, Wellington. It is so-called because its shape is reminiscent of that of a traditional woven form of beehive known as a skep. It is registered as a Category I heritage building by Heritage New Zealand.
| Beehive | |
|---|---|
Te Whare Mīere (Māori) | |
Bowen House (left), the Beehive (centre) and Parliament (right). A very similar view of the latter two buildings features on New Zealand's $20 banknote. | |
| Alternative names | Executive Wing of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings |
| General information | |
| Address | Corner of Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay, Wellington |
| Coordinates | 41.2784°S 174.7767°E |
| Construction started | 1969 |
| Completed | 1981 |
| Inaugurated | May 1977 |
| Renovated |
|
| Owner | Government of New Zealand |
| Height | 72 metres (236 ft) |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 10 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Basil Spence |
| Structural engineer | Ministry of Works |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect(s) | Warren and Mahoney |
| Website | |
| official website | |
| Designated | 24 July 2015 |
| Reference no. | 9629 |
Construction began in 1969 and was completed in 1981. Since 1979, the building has housed the offices of government ministers. Thus, the name "Beehive" is closely linked with the New Zealand Government. It is often used as a metonym for the New Zealand leadership at large, with "the 9th floor" specifically referring to the office of the prime minister, which is based on that floor. Cabinet meets on the top floor.