It was a pretty gloomy morning when we all met outside Parliament for our 10am tour. We had a group photo on the steps before heading through security and checking in. There were 20 in total on the tour, so because photos can now be taken in some areas moved pretty slowly.

We were shown a film first, then taken to the press room commonly referred to as ‘The Covid Room’. From there it was down that famous corridor and into a Select Committee Room, where the theme was all about women in Politics. From there it was out into what had been an inner drop off area for cars but now a magnificent marble room used for functions and events. We went up the sweeping staircase and along another corridor which had portraits of all the former Premiers and Prime Ministers. The hallway seemed to be full, so I did wonder where the next portrait was going to go. From here we went into the Debating Chamber, where we were cautioned not to leave any notes. What a beautiful room it was – smaller than you think it is. I guess that’s wide lensed cameras for you! Along the hallway, some of us got the opportunity to ride the oldest lift in the Southern Hemisphere back down to ground level. It had been a really interesting tour and something I feel all New Zealanders should do.

It was pouring with rain when we came out, so my planned walk was off the table. Half disappeared home, and those left crossed the road to the Anglican Cathedral of St Paul. A church service was just finishing. There was a display of Wellington Regional Art Winners paintings and one mosaic on show. We looked at the 40 odd paintings on display and then walked around the back of the cathedral taking in the lovely wooden chapel attached which had come from Paraparaumu and then the lovely stained-glass windows at the rear. These were more modern in style and quite beautiful. With a final look at the Dossal hanging behind the altar. The Dossal is made of 5,000 mosaic pieces in the central panel alone. It is rather stunning and fits its surroundings so well. It had stopped raining when we came out, so those that could wandered up Lambton Quay to get a coffee before heading for the hills.

Leader – Judith

Participants – Denise, Lorraine, Annemarie, Lynn, Janice, Sharon, Mark, Helen, Delphine, Linda, Jennifer, Andrea, and Nichole