Capital’s 150th exceeds expectations

GETTING a glimpse of where our country’s leaders live was top of the list for Wellingtonians who went behind the scenes of the capital’s institutions.

Wellington’s birthday party to celebrate 150 years as the capital city exceeded expectations, with numbers more than four times its target, figures show.

When planning the July 25-26 celebration, the Wellington City Council hoped 15,000 would visit open days at institutions around the city during the weekend, and 8000 would attend the light show and concert at Parliament on the Saturday night.

But in the end, about 80,000 visited the open days and a further 15,000 watched the light show.

Institutions throughout the city, including the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Te Papa and the National Library, opened their doors to the public to give people a glimpse behind the scenes as part of the birthday celebrations.

Archives New Zealand had its biggest visitor day on record with 1500 people over the weekend and the Reserve Bank’s 2256 visitors equalled 25 per cent of its annual visitor numbers in two days.

The homes of our most powerful leaders ranked among the most popular attractions. The governorgeneral’s residence, Government House, drew the biggest crowd with 6610 people, while the prime minister’s residence, Premier House, had 5000 people through.

Government House official secretary Gregory Baughen said visitors enjoyed seeing inside the house because it was unique in New Zealand. Open days were always popular, and this one had the added element of the ‘‘rare opportunity’’ to see inside the bedroom suites, which were never usually opened to the public.

‘‘In general, we find that visitors are fascinated by Government House because there is nothing else quite like it in New Zealand. It’s not just the building and grounds, and ceremonial that goes with them, it’s the home of the governor-general, who is one of the key parts of New Zealand nationhood.’’

Deputy Mayor Justin Lester said the sheer number of people who turned out for the event was amazing.

Photo: GOVERNMENT HOUSE Government House was the most popular attraction during open days celebrating Wellington’s 150th birthday as the capital city. Over two days, 6610 people went through the governor-general’s home.