The Beehive could be vacated for up to 18 months in the coming years as Parliament considers a major refurbishment programme for one of New Zealand's most recognisable government buildings.
Speaker of the House Gerry Brownlee says the building's ageing infrastructure means significant work can no longer be delayed indefinitely.
Completed in 1981, the Beehive houses government ministers, ministerial staff, Cabinet facilities, and the theatrette where prime ministers deliver their weekly press conferences. It also contains restaurants, meeting spaces and other government facilities.
"It Can't Be Put Off Forever"
Appearing before Parliament's Governance and Administration Committee, Brownlee said substantial refurbishment work would eventually be required.
"The Beehive needs a lot of work done on it, and the best way to do that would be to vacate it for about 18 months, and let it be all done at once," he told MPs.
According to Brownlee, previous interior upgrades have helped extend the building's life, but core infrastructure is now showing its age.
Ventilation systems, external windows and other structural elements are experiencing what he described as significant deterioration.
"It can't be put off forever, but that's a conversation that's ongoing at the moment," Brownlee said.
Speaker Gerry Brownlee. Photo: VNP / Phil Smith
Decision Likely Next Parliamentary Term
While stressing that no final decision has been made, Brownlee indicated the issue is likely to become more pressing during the next parliamentary term.
"It's not something that's on the cards at the moment. The reality is all buildings, once they get to that 50-plus year age bracket, start to show signs of needing a fairly significant upgrade. The Beehive is heading towards that point," he said.
Brownlee said current occupants are aware that future work will be necessary, although he stopped short of endorsing any particular refurbishment strategy.
He noted that major structural work while the building remained occupied could create significant disruption for ministers and staff.
New Building May Ease Pressure
One factor that could assist any future relocation is the construction of a new six-storey parliamentary office building on Museum Street behind Parliament House.
The facility is expected to be completed by early 2027 and will accommodate approximately 600 people.
Some MPs and parliamentary staff are expected to relocate there, potentially creating additional flexibility if refurbishment plans for the Beehive proceed.
Brownlee Wants Parliament Sitting Longer
The Speaker also revealed he is considering proposals to change Parliament's sitting hours.
Brownlee said he holds a strong view that Parliament does not currently sit long enough and believes the issue deserves discussion.
At present, Parliament typically sits from 2pm until 10pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and from 2pm until 6pm on Thursdays during sitting weeks.
While declining to reveal the details of his proposal, Brownlee suggested changes could involve extending those hours.
Public Submissions Reach Record Levels
The hearing also revealed a dramatic increase in public participation in the legislative process.
Clerk of the House David Wilson told the committee that half of all public submissions received on legislation during the past 30 years have arrived during the current term of Parliament.
Wilson said some of the increase was linked to controversial legislation, but the number of bills attracting more than 1,000 submissions had also risen sharply.
The Office of the Clerk is now exploring new technology and alternative methods for handling the growing volume of public engagement.
The Bigger Picture
While any decision remains several years away, the discussion highlights a growing challenge facing New Zealand's parliamentary estate.
The Beehive has served as the centre of executive government for more than four decades, but age, wear and changing infrastructure requirements are beginning to catch up with the iconic building.
If a full-scale refurbishment proceeds, it would represent one of the most significant disruptions to the operation of New Zealand's executive government since the Beehive first opened its doors in 1981.
Source: RNZ | Giles Dexter