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Story: Self-government and independence

The Dominion of New Zealand: Dominion Day lights

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The Dominion of New Zealand: Dominion Day lights

In celebration of Dominion Day part of the exterior of Government Buildings in Wellington was festooned with electric lights. Electric lighting was still a relatively new phenomenon and had rarely been used to illuminate buildings. The display was therefore both a celebration of New Zealand's new status and an expression of its modernity.

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Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Reference: B.011503

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

W. David McIntyre, Self-government and independence – Political independence, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/32944/the-dominion-of-new-zealand-dominion-day-lights (accessed 11 June 2026).

Story by W. David McIntyre, published 23 March 2012.