Old Government Buildings, Wellington

The Government Buildings Historic Reserve, also known as Old Government Buildings, dates back to 1876. Notably, it holds the title of being the largest wooden structure in the Southern Hemisphere and the second-largest globally. Initially erected to accommodate New Zealand's public service, it currently serves as the home of the Victoria University of Wellington's Law School. Classified as a "Category I" historic site, it bears significant cultural and heritage value.

Commissioned during the early 1870s by the Fox Ministry, the construction was prompted partly by the impending dissolution of provincial governments. Originally intended to incorporate both concrete and timber, budget constraints led to a decision to opt solely for timber construction. Despite its design mimicking the Italianate Neo-Renaissance style typically associated with stone buildings, the choice of timber was driven by cost considerations.

Symbolizing national strength and stability, the building was crafted to emulate an Italian stone palace, underscoring its importance within the expanding empire. Constructed from native kauri timber, its unique material cannot be replicated today due to conservation measures protecting New Zealand's remaining kauri forests. Had it been built with stone as initially planned, its survival through subsequent earthquakes, given its proximity to a major fault line, might have been questionable. The architectural design was overseen by William Clayton.

Boasting an impressive 143 rooms, 64 toilets, 126 fireplaces, and 22 chimneys, the building was a monumental feat upon its completion after 22 months of construction. It stood as the country's largest structure and is now revered as one of New Zealand's most significant historic landmarks.

Following its formal reopening in January 1996, the Law Faculty of Victoria University assumed a 50-year tenancy, becoming the building's new occupants. Its restoration is hailed as a pivotal government-led initiative in heritage conservation. While the grounds are accessible to the public, featuring rare native New Zealand flora, only certain sections of the building, such as the ground-floor displays and the first-floor Cabinet room, are open for viewing. The remainder of the building is leased to the Victoria University School of Law.