Media Release

Thursday 11 November, 2010
Record Crowd for Parliament Open Day

Parliament's Open Day on Sunday 7 November attracted more than 4500 people, a record attendance for the event.

"It was a wonderful day," said Parliamentary Service event organiser, Chris Tracey. "Agencies from across the parliamentary precinct developed displays that told the story of Parliament and how it works.

"Following the theme of then and now, the Open Day provided an opportunity for people to experience Parliament in a fun mood," she said.

Visitors found there was something for everybody with a steady flow of people stepping down into the National Crisis Centre basement, visiting the Select Committee rooms, learning about the Office of the Clerk and the Parliamentary Counsel Office, and travelling through the linkway to the Beehive, Parliament House and Parliamentary Library.

Displays of historical interest were complemented with staff dressed in period costume while 150 "helpers" from the parliamentary precinct, dressed in their Open Day uniform, were on hand to direct and answer questions from the public.
Queues of people on the forecourt were entertained by the Town Crier and children had the opportunity to raise and lower the New Zealand flag.

Parliamentary Service General Manager, Geoff Thorn, said the Open Day was an opportunity for the public to experience the atmosphere of the parliamentary precinct and to talk directly with staff who are involved in running Parliament on a day-to-day basis.

"Open Day was a rewarding experience for both staff and public alike," he said.

Related link: Visiting and tours http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/Visiting/

ENDS

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