Staring into faces of our politicians

BY REBECCA THOMSON - THE WELLINGTONIAN

More than 160 years of New Zealand's political history goes on show this month at the National Portrait Gallery on Wellington's waterfront.

The Cabinet Makers: New Zealand Prime Ministers is an exhibition of portraits, cartoons and memorabilia depicting the country's leaders.

Exhibition curator and historian Gavin McLean said it was the first extensive exhibition of portraits of New Zealand prime ministers and premiers.

"One of the interesting things is that, unlike Britain or the United States, New Zealand parliament doesn't have great hallways of oil paintings of our leaders.

"It's probably because of our penny-pinching, miserly colonial ways," said McLean.

Every premier and prime minister from Henry Sewell, who led for three weeks from May 7 to 20 1856, to John Key, is represented in the exhibition. New Zealand has had 15 premiers and 23 prime ministers.

Prime Minister became the official term for the leader of the New Zealand Government during Richard Seddon's term, from 1893 till 1906.

A tabletop made from 875 pieces of native wood depicting Seddon is one of the most fascinating pieces in the exhibition.

A man named Horatio Hayward made it for the 1907 International Exhibition in Christchurch.

"It's made from pieces of native timber. Unfortunately we don't know where the legs are," said McLean.

"Seddon is our most pictured leader. There are statues, the mausoleum, two busts in Parliament, many paintings and this table top.

"When he led, it was seen as a major transition time for New Zealand. He was the premier who kept us out of federation with Australia.

"He was also the man who popularised the word Godzone."

Though some portraits in the exhibition, particularly those of early leaders, come from the parliamentary services collection, most come from outside collections.

"Helen Clark lent us a contemporary picture of [Michael] Savage. She has an extensive art collection. We are lucky she has left some here."

Other portraits come from museums and private collections.

Some portraits were recent finds.

An imposing picture of Peter Fraser, prime minister from April 1940 to December 1949, was discovered recently and has been added to the exhibition.

"Fraser was regarded by many as one of our finest leaders.

"The painting was discovered in a garage and was brought into Parliament, where they were amazed as they didn't have a painting of him."

Other interesting memorabilia includes Helen Clark's scent bottle, an Apec gift, a miniature of Sir George Gray as child with his parents, a record cover featuring Norman Kirk, and an embroidered cushion cover of Savage.