Friday, June 8

The political omens are not good for the United Future and Maori Party leaders after a fire ripped through Wellington's famously political Backbencher pub. Firefighters were called to the historic building opposite Parliament on Friday morning after a fire started in the kitchen. The pub is well-known for its political memorabilia and larger-than-life-size caricatures of politicians, which adorn the walls, and cost about $10,000 each.

Photo by SNPA Jun 5, 2012