Beehive declared historic place

It may be a mere youngster as far as heritage goes, but the Beehive in Wellington has formally been given the highest rating as a historic place.

Parliament’s executive wing has been made a category 1 historic place by Heritage New Zealand.

The ranking recognises its significance as a seat of government and its ‘‘modernist architectural design’’.

Blyss Wagstaff, Heritage New Zealand adviser, said the building was outstanding in ‘‘aesthetic, architectural and technical importance’’.

‘‘Its unique structure has made it one of the most recognisable buildings in the country and an extraordinary physical landmark.’’

It is already protected by the local council as part of a special government heritage area.

The Beehive’s nomination for heritage status came from Parliamentary Services and the former speaker of the house Lockwood Smith.

Built between 1969 and 1981 by the Ministry of Works, it was designed by Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence and, contrary to popular belief, it was meticulously planned, said Wagstaff.

‘‘The story that Sir Basil conceived the design at a state dinner in 1964 and sketched it on the back of a napkin – prompting then-prime minister Keith Holyoake to give him the job on the spot – is a popular myth.

‘‘In fact, Sir Basil had been appointed as a consultant architect for the project six months earlier and the dinner was to welcome him. ‘‘

Sir Basil’s concept was approved by a committee and then developed by the Government architect Fergus Sheppard and his team.

Wagstaff said references to the building as ‘‘The Beehive’’ are thought to have come from a press conference where Sir Basil used a box of ‘Beehive’ matches to answer a question about the design. ‘‘It has certainly stuck.’’ Inside the Beehive are ministerial offices, the Cabinet room, Bellamy’s catering facilities and state reception areas.

Its interior is laid out hierarchically, with the prime minister’s offices and the Cabinet on the top two floors, and ministerial offices in the tower of discs below.

Three storeys of social and reception areas follow and the entrance is in the rectangular podium at ground level.

The National Crisis Management Centre is underneath.

One of the Beehive’s interior design quirks is the use of Takaka marble, specially quarried to match Parliament House next door.