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Hero image for The Beehive - Concept and Function

The Beehive - Concept and Function

Short Film (Full Length) – 1979

Bookended by cameo appearances from the Queen and Robert Muldoon, this National Film Unit short offers a brief history of the various buildings that graced Wellington’s parliamentary lawns, before moving to the main event: the design and building of the Beehive. Plans are drawn up after acceptance of Scottish architect Sir Basil Spence’s “bold, circular design”. Then we watch as one of NZ’s most iconic structures is born from a gaping hole in the ground in 30 seconds of swift cuts. At the official launch, a still youthful looking Queen expresses her approval.

When I was here in 1974, this new executive wing of Parliament buildings had only been built to ground level. Now although there is still much to be done to it, the bold, imaginative and impressive design is evident.
– Queen Elizabeth II, at the official opening of the Beehive

Key Cast & Crew

Profile image for John King

John King

Director

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Greg Stitt

Writer, Director, Editor

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James Bowman

Writer, Director, Editor

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Kell Fowler

Camera

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Dale Pomeroy

Camera

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Martin Barriball

Camera

See all 17 credits

Acknowledgements

NZ On Screen acknowledges the Alexander Turnbull Library and the use of images from its collection that are featured in this title. 

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