Remember Auckland’s early days as New Zealand’s capital as we stand here near Parliament Reserve? This is the place where the General Assembly House once stood. The General Assembly House was the first dedicated building for the New Zealand Parliament in Auckland.
From 1854 to 1864, the General Assembly House was at the heart of New Zealand’s political life. Auckland served as the capital during those years. Members of Parliament humorously nicknamed it “Shedifice”.
Let’s go back to 1854. The New Zealand Constitution Act of 1852 had just granted self-government to the colony. A suitable building was needed for the newly formed Parliament. Reader Wood, the deputy surveyor-general, designed the General Assembly House. His task was to create a meeting place. It could also serve as a survey department office during parliamentary breaks.
Construction began in March 1854. It was completed in May of the same year. Despite labor shortages caused by the Victorian gold rush and bad weather, the building was ready on time. The General Assembly House cost approximately 2,572 pounds. On May 24, 1854, Parliament convened for its first meeting.
The day included a levee by Colonel Robert Wynyard. He was the administrator of the government. A ball was held in the House of Representatives chamber that evening. Poor weather limited attendance to 200 of the 420 invited guests. The chamber was a versatile hall, normally used for seating. It was easily transformed for the ball.
Before formally opening Parliament, the House of Representatives elected a speaker. Charles Clifford won unanimous support. On Saturday, May 27, 1854, Wynyard officially opened Parliament.
The General Assembly House also hosted meetings of the Auckland Provincial Council. Most parliament members were also provincial council members. Scheduling conflicts were rare. When they did occur, the council met elsewhere.
In late 1858, ownership of the General Assembly House transferred to Auckland Province. Parliament continued to use the building. After 1858, some additions were made to the building. In 1876, the provincial government system was abolished. Ownership then reverted to the Crown.
In 1883, the building additions became part of Auckland University College. Laboratories and lecture rooms for the chemistry department were established. The original part of the building was used by the Survey and Crown Lands Department. The Auckland University College Reserves Act of 1885 allowed the college to acquire the main building and land in 1890.
The college utilized the House of Representatives meeting room for lectures. The lower story became the college library and registrar’s office. The former Bellamy’s became the office of the college chairman. The college’s geology museum and lecture rooms were also housed here.
James Gunson, the Mayor of Auckland City, held a civic reception here on November 15, 1917. This marked the building’s historic significance before its demolition. The General Assembly House was demolished in December 1917. This made way for Anzac Avenue.
Today, Parliament Reserve commemorates the site. A plaque unveiled in 1956 acknowledges the General Assembly House location. On May 24, 2004, a basalt platform was unveiled. It marks the outline of the original building. A second plaque marks the entrance.
The General Assembly House had its critics. The Daily Southern Cross called it a “wretched, ill-constructed building”. Henry Sewell described it as a great wooden barn. The original building was 65 by 20 feet. The Upper House met on the lower story. The Lower House met on the upper story.
So, while the physical structure is gone, the legacy of the General Assembly House lives on. It serves as a reminder of Auckland’s time as the capital. It stands as a testament to the beginnings of parliamentary democracy in New Zealand.