Wellington: Parliament

Hey everyone :). 

I'm currently blogging from Wellington, the capital of New Zealand! I moved down here a week ago for work, and I began a new phase of life last Monday. My colleagues have been really friendly, and I am settling in well.

I really love the city here. Wellington is very different from Auckland Central. The latter is smaller and is mainly focussed on Queen Street and Britomart Place. Meanwhile, Wellington Central is a combination of Auckland Central, Newmarket, Ponsonby, Parnell and much more! I am planning to do something different every weekend, and today, I visited the Parliament buildings complex.

The Parliament buildings are on an amazing lush green complex and I spent more than one hour photographing the buildings and exploring the greens. 

The Beehive: The Beehive is also known as the Executive Wing, where the Prime Minister office is and where the Cabinet meets. It was built in 1969, and in my opinion, is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. There is even a swimming pool for the ministers to use!

The Beehive

The Beehive

Parliament House: The Parliament House is where the Debating Chamber, Speaker's Office and committee rooms are. I love how solid it looks.

Parliament House

Parliamentary Library: The Parliamentary Library is my favourite. The building was designed by Thomas Turnbull in 1883. It is still used as a working library for Parliamentary members and staff. There are flowers grown right in front of the building, and the building has lovely windows, ironwork and domes. 

Parliamentary Library (right next to the Parliament House)

Roses and camellia growing in front of the Parliamentary Library

And my fun fact of the day: New Zealand was the first country in the world to allow women to vote in the Parliamentary elections in 1893. Those whom contributed to this milestone development are commemorated in the complex by the planting of white camellias which symbolises support for women's suffrage. 

I can't wait to share more pictures of Wellington as I explore more of the city!