Relocating Parliament

An interesting Cabinet paper on what happens to Parliament and Cabinet if Wellington is devastated by an earthquake. Key aspects are:

• Parliament and Government shifts to Auckland
• Parliament will meet at the Devonport Naval Base for 14 days initially, and then elsewhere in Auckland
• Decision to move would be made by the Prime Minister
• MPs and essential staff would be transported by either helicopter from Paraparaumu, plane from Ohakea or by ship
• The House would meet within 7 days
• Only 42 essential staff plus 120 MPs, GG and spouse would relocate to Auckland
• Temporary Executive Government and Parliament would have 12 DPMC staff, two GG staff, seven Clerk’s Office staff, eight PMO and Ministerial staff, five Parliamentary Counsel staff and six Parliamentary Service staff