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Story: Premiers and prime ministers

Ceremonial implements

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Ceremonial implements

A display case at Parliament Buildings contains a range of ceremonial hammers, keys and trowels used by politicians to lay foundation stones, open buildings and turn the first sod on construction projects. Many date from Richard John Seddon's time as premier.

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How to cite this page

Gavin McLean, Premiers and prime ministers – Premiers, 1856–1891, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/object/33185/ceremonial-implements (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Gavin McLean, published 7 May 2012, updated 1 December 2016.