Old Government Buildings

Did the Old Government Buildings always look so grand? In 1875, this spot was a flurry of activity. Imagine hundreds of men, some even brought from Britain, working tirelessly on reclaimed land. A sawmill buzzed right here, shaping the kauri timber into what would become the grandest wooden structure in New Zealand. The Old Government Buildings, completed in 1876, were designed by William Clayton to house the entire Wellington civil service and government ministers. Originally intended to be built of stone, budget constraints led to the use of native kauri timber. This clever adaptation meant that the timber, mimicking the appearance of stone, was fitted to resemble a grand Italian stone palazzo. The largest timber building in New Zealand, the Old Government Buildings stand as a testament to 1870s ingenuity. The four-story structure, with its H-shaped plan and symmetrical wings, boasts a remarkable history. It housed 143 rooms, 64 toilets, and a staggering 126 fireplaces, each with its own chimney. The Vogel Ministry, having abolished provincial governments, required a central hub, and the Old Government Buildings became that hub. It even hosted the Executive Council until 1948. Inside, the cantilevered staircase, a marvel of 19th-century carpentry, sweeps upwards. Restored with steel supports, the staircase now bears a carpet with the “VR” (Victoria Regina) logo. The building has seen its share of modifications. Chimneys were removed after the 1931 Hawke’s Bay earthquake. Lath and plaster were replaced after the 1942 Wellington Wairarapa earthquake. Even the original totara piles have been replaced with concrete. Despite these changes, the Old Government Buildings retain much of their original charm. The 1994-96 restoration brought the building back to its 1907 glory. Replicated chimneys, restored verandahs, and 42 newly created cast iron fire surrounds (now decorative) adorn the building. Today, Victoria University’s Law Faculty occupies this grand structure. The Old Government Buildings stand as a proud symbol of New Zealand’s heritage. It’s a remarkable fusion of neo-classical design and Kiwi ingenuity. They are a Department of Conservation ‘Icon Site’, recognized for telling the story of New Zealand’s identity. As you admire its grandeur, remember the bustling construction site it once was, a testament to a nation’s ambition and architectural prowess.