Jacinda Ardern’s maternity top, an old crockery set and a past Speaker's chair are all on display in a new exhibition featuring at the Beehive.
An Illustrated History features about 70 items of the 4500 pieces in the Parliamentary Collection including oil canvas, sketches, tapestry, portraits, photography and watercolours.
Curator Tasha Fernandez describes it as a “walk through history in time, decade by decade”.
“What I’ve done is I’ve looked at our timeline and seen how I can match art or object with that moment in time. I’m hoping that if you’re talking about democracy or our history if you’ve got an object, it often helps people learn,” she said.
The exhibition begins in the 1840s featuring seals from when our islands were named New Ulster (now North Island) and New Munster (now South Island) and the old cork machine used after our first Act was passed, allowing liquor to be sold on Parliament's grounds.
In a room full of firsts, among them is the pen that was used to sign the Electoral Bill Act – enabling women to vote.
“It’s quite amazing something so small can be symbolic and represent this world event.”
Other items on display include cushions used to sit on when the Queen visited in the 1960s, an appreciation fund box that marks daylight saving and a wig made out of horsehair – which over time has developed an unpleasant smell.
One of the collection's most recent acquisitions is a tennis ball that was thrown at reporters during Parliament's occupation at the start of 2022. On it, the words “vax” and “poison”.
Fernandez said creating exhibitions in Parliament is challenging but rewarding, as people are primarily there to work. But for those who do choose to visit, it’s a unique opportunity to experience Parliament’s history inside its own walls.
Parliamentary Engagement’s Amy Brier hoped people got excited about their democracy when walking through.
“Obviously, we’re lucky to have some amazing taonga which tells the history of Parliament — it tells the story of the people our members represent, our relationships.”
The exhibition is on until March 2024 and is open to any visitors.
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