On what date did New Zealand's Parliament first officially meet in Wellington?

New Zealand’s Parliament first officially met in Wellington on 26 July 1865.

The date marked the opening of Parliament in Wellington after the seat of government moved from Auckland. The session began in buildings formerly used by the Wellington Provincial Council, which had been adapted to accommodate the General Assembly. Governor George Grey formally opened Parliament on a notably wet day.

A common mix-up is 7 July 1862. Parliament did meet in Wellington temporarily around that period, but Wellington did not become the permanent political centre then. The 26 July 1865 session is the date associated with Parliament’s official move and Wellington’s establishment as the capital.

The relocation followed years of debate over Auckland’s distance from southern provinces. An Australian commission examined possible sites and recommended Wellington, whose central position made travel easier for members from both islands. Parliament has remained in Wellington ever since, although its buildings and chambers have changed considerably.