Te Hītori me ngā Whare

Ngā kōrero nehe

Here’s Parliament’s history from its very beginnings. Learn about the politicians and events that have shaped the Parliament we have today. Find out about Parliament’s buildings and grounds, its traditions, and its rich history of representing New Zealanders for more than 150 years.

Ngā kōrero nehe tere

Painting of Provincial Council Chambers.

Painting of Provincial Council Chambers.

Politics and parliamentary history over 150 years — read about vital changes that have affected us all. Ngā kōrero nehe tere

Ngā tīmatanga i Tāmaki-makau-rau

Painting showing old Parliament Buildings above Mechanics Bay, from Parnell Rise, Auckland.

Painting showing old Parliament Buildings above Mechanics Bay, from Parnell Rise, Auckland.

New Zealand’s first Parliament started with a bang in Auckland — a 21-gun salute on 24 May 1854. Ngā tīmatanga i Tāmaki-makau-rau

Te kunenga mai o te Pāremata

What is this Parliament that represents us? What made Parliament the way it is today? Why is Parliament different now from in the past? Find out all about the different parts that have made up Parliament. Te kunenga mai o te Pāremata

Ngā mema ō mua

Parliament hasn’t always included the range of members it includes today. Find out how the face of politics has changed over the years. Ngā mema ō mua

Ngā whare, ngā papa whenua

Parliament House and the Beehive are landmarks. Here’s the story of Parliament’s places and spaces — from the first small building to the sprawling complex of today. Ngā whare, ngā papa whenua

A Pāremata i roto tuhituhi

It is vital to have a proper record of what goes on Parliament. Find out how Parliament’s activities have been recorded over the years — in newspapers and Hansard and on radio and television. A Pāremata i roto tuhituhi

Ngā tikanga tuku iho me ngā kawa

New Zealand’s Parliament follows centuries-old traditions from Westminster in Britain — the ‘mother’ of parliaments in the Commonwealth. Explore the intriguing history behind the rituals and culture of Parliament today. Ngā tikanga tuku iho me ngā kawa

Te mahi mō te Pāremata

Parliament and its members need many staff — to supply information, record what goes on, and provide much-needed food and drink. The history of the place is also the story of those who serve Parliament. Te mahi mō te Pāremata

Ngā kaupapa motuhake

Cartoons, postcards, poetry, and bad language — not where you’d necessarily expect to uncover Parliament’s history. But these things tell us much about political events, politicians, and public opinion over time. Take a look. Ngā kaupapa motuhake

Ngā rauemi

A New Zealand Parliament timeline, biographies of politicians, and related websites with historical material on politicians and parliaments here and overseas. Ngā rauemi