Embattled education minister Hekia Parata helped evacuate an apartment block beside a Wellington political landmark overnight.
Ms Parata was among residents ordered to leave the Kate Sheppard apartments on Molesworth St when a fire broke out in the kitchen of neighbouring pub the Backbencher about 4.45am.
The fire cause major damage in the kitchen and to the bar where there are several famous Spitting Image-style puppets of politicians past and present.
The puppets of United Future leader Peter Dunne and Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples were badly damaged.
Firefighters were alerted by alarms in neighbouring apartments, and Ms Parata was among dozens of inhabitants from all 10 floors of the apartments told to get out.
She helped security guards give people shelter inside the main foyer at Parliament.
"We arranged for them to go into the Beehive so they could be warm,'' she told Radio New Zealand. "The security guards were absolutely marvellous getting blankets and things for the young babies.''
The drama came the night after Ms Parata was forced to announce a Government backdown on plans to increase class sizes after a huge backlash from parents and teachers.
Molesworth St has been reopened.
