21 Library corridor
View of the corridor leading to the meeting room in the Parliamentary Library. The symbols in the stained glass above the door show the thistle of Scotland, the shamrock of Ireland, and the English rose.
Westminster influence on Parliament
New Zealand's Parliament follows traditions from Westminster in Britain - the 'mother' of all Commonwealth parliaments.
This influence is most obvious in Parliament's ceremonies and associated symbolism and dress. Also from the Westminster tradition come positions such as the Serjeant-at-Arms and Usher of the Black Rod and symbols like the Mace.
The layout of New Zealand's debating chamber reflects that of Britain's House of Commons. The Speaker is at the head of the Table, with Government benches to the right and Opposition benches to the left.
New Zealand's Parliament is the only one to retain the historic name Bellamy's for its restaurant. An attempt to rename it the Catering Department in the 1940s failed miserably. The name Hansard for the parliamentary recording service also comes from Britain.
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