The theatre was opened in 1901.    It was called the Victoria Operating Theatre in honour of the Queen's Jubilee.

This photo shows some of the dignitaries attending the opening ceremony.    Seated is the Governor, the Earl of Ranfurly, and to his right, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, George Webb.

Click the image to view detail in a larger version.

photograph courtesy
Photographic Department, Wellington Hospital / Wellington School of Medicine