There seems to be more imagination in New Zealand politics right now in the pub opposite Parliament than there is in the real house of democratic representatives.

It’s been months since the new Government was elected but since then it seems that things have gone very quiet.  I always reckon it takes 3 months for people to find and fill their pencil pot in a new job.  This new crew seem to be taking rather longer.

The Backbencher is at least serving up it’s own style of politics.

Just to help those outside of New Zealand, here’s a run down of these characters:

• Peter’s – he’s a hapless has been politician that hopefully will never make a political comeback.
• Key – he’s the man in charge, our new PM
• Douglas – he’s a has been that has made a political come back and represents one of the most right wing elements of New Zealanders
• Goff – he took over from Auntie Helen when she stood down and is on the radio more than the actual Government. I sometimes wonder whether he’s remember he’s in opposition now.
• Turia – she’s a co-leader of the Maori Party, doing I know not what.  Although I understand that she’s got the portfolio that includes Family Violence.
• English – Bill to his friends is our erstwhile Minister of Finance who is frankly working overtime right now.

As are the folks who work in this building.

Interestingly, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) have been making their annual trip to check out what’s happening New Zealand’s economy and would you believe it we’ve been given a rather clean bill of health.

Not totally clear of blemish, bruising or a few painful hormonal spots but without the prospect of financial cancer that seems to be invading pretty much the rest of the world. In the words of a famous beer advertising bill board – Yeah, right!

MT continues to proclaim we are all doomed.  Even the sheep farmers of New Zealand.

Nevertheless, the business of New Zealand continues as normal.  As do I.  I have been hot footing from here……

To number 280 The Terrace shuttling to appointments along the CBDs main drag.  I can tell you even the wine bars and coffee shops are looking less full than they normally do.  I think that that’s to do with the chilly weather rather than the economy though.

But it was through the parliamentary precinct I ambled with my camera today.  It’s quite something that you can get so close to the political action. But if you look real close you’ll see the signs of colonial power butted up against the modernity of New Zealand. Here’s the royal seal on the gate of the car park behind Parliament.

Here’s the beehive in all it’s glory.  This houses the offices of MPs.  You can see the famous Wellington wind blowing the flags.

Across the road you head into the judicial heart of Wellington.  Again, I found the melding of the old and the new in these buildings.

There is some wonderful calligraphy etching that proclaims the value of the law.  This made me laugh.  A powerful word at the heart of the legal system split by the window pane.  Only in New Zealand would that have happened as the practicalities take over from aethetics.

Here’s a bit more.

I found this quite inspiring.

This window is something I’ve walked passed countless times and never stopped to read the text.

Shame I couldn’t fit it all in one shot.  This inspired art and education about the law is on the Court of Appeal.  Now he’s the old world part of that.

But there are other courts that pack an artistic punch.  I’m not sure what these flying feathers mean.

Thankfully there is something more traditional I can relate to.

Put it together and you’ve got the High Court in Wellington.

Across the road on New Zealand’s oldest wooden building which is now the Victoria University School of Law.  There is no place for modernity.

What a splendid coat of arms.  Very fitting for such a historic building I think.

No need for modernity with the skyscrapers that form the backdrop to this historic place.

Once again I’m touched by these places that I’ve passed many times and never really noticed the features that will have been carefully thought about by the designers, architects and builders how have created the environment in which New Zealand conducts its most noble professions.

Tomorrow I’ve got some more colourful photographic treats of Wellington to share.  Don’t forget to come back and check them out!