The building's sprinklers and smoke detectors were upgraded to be compliant with current standards. Modifications have improved effectiveness and reduced potential damage.
Main menu
Conservation Project
- Conservation Project
- House and Grounds
- Moata Ariki
- The Ballroom
- The Council Room
- Blundell and Porritt Rooms
- Bledisloe Conservatory
- Liverpool Room
- Taupaepae
- The Landing
- Main Hallway
- Norrie State Dining Room
- Fitzroy Room
- Galway and guest suites
- Artwork and Artefacts
- Carved Coats of Arms
- Government House Centenary
- Government House Auckland
- Other Government Houses
- Staff at Government House
After almost a century of use, Government House Wellington underwent a significant conservation project that, while respecting heritage values, has ensured it meets modern building standards and the needs of a 21st Century Governor-General. To find out more, place your cursor over each of the buttons.
The first floor stucco plaster and degraded flashings were replaced.
The roof was replaced. About 200,000 tiles were imported and installed to maintain the authenticity of the original design.
Improvements were made to the grounds and out-buildings. The site and grounds were reconfigured to eliminate traffic congestion issues and improve shelter and access.
The services had exceeded their design life. The water supply, wastewater, storm water drains, power, lighting, heating systems and communications were replaced.
Access has been improved with lifts and ramps installed to provide disabled access as well as enhancing for ceremonial and community function access.
A number of its key heritage features, including the original colour scheme, were restored to return to the original design intentions
Significant structural strengthening to the foundations, walls and roof-wall connections was undertaken to ensure the building meets current design standards.
The inefficient and outdated heating and lighting was replaced with environmentally friendly solutions. Insulation and energy efficent boilers were installed.
Environmentally sustainable design including solar water heating, insulation, rainwater collection, low energy use appliances and installation of a building management system.
Media resources
Queen Elizabeth II became New Zealand's Queen on 6 February 1952. To mark her Diamond Jubilee, a special section of the Governor-General's website has been created.
Find out more.
Features
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Open to view - credentials ceremoniesWatch the video of a credentials ceremony at Government House
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Western Bay of Plenty regional visitThe Governor-General makes his first official visit.
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Open DaysGovernment House opens its doors to mark the Diamond Jubilee
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Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquake AnniversaryThe Governor-General's Programme
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Waitangi Celebrations 2012The Governor-General's first Waitangi Day Programme
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Governor-General's New Year MessageSir Jerry Mateparae issues his 1st New Year message - watch the video
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State Opening of ParliamentGovernor-General announces the Government's plans
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Speaker-elect confirmation ceremonyDr Smith confirmed as Speaker of the House
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Appointment of the new GovernmentThe Governor-General appoints the new Government
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Queen's Diamond Jubilee EmblemNew emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee
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Rugby World CupMessage from the Queen of New Zealand on the All Blacks' victory
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State Swearing-in of Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry MateparaeA Government House short film
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Royal NZ Navy 70th AnniversaryThe Governor-General hosted and attended associated events
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New Zealand Gallantry AwardsGovernment House has today issued a special honours list
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One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquakeGovernor-General issues a message
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Swearing in ceremonySir Jerry Mateparae to become NZ's 20th Governor-General
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Sir Paul ReevesNew Zealand's first Governor-General of Maori descent dies
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Visit by King George Tupou V of TongaThe Governor-General hosted a State Welcome for the King of Tonga
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Māori King visits Government HouseThe King plants a tree to mark the visit
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MatarikiThe Governor-General's 2011 Matariki Message
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The Royal WeddingSir Anand and Lady Susan attended the Royal Wedding on 29 April
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ANZAC Day messageThe Governor-General's message for ANZAC Day commemorations
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The National Christchurch Memorial ServiceDetails and photos are available here.
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Christchurch EarthquakeGovernor-General offers the support of all New Zealanders
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Canterbury earthquakeWorld leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
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Waitangi Day 2011Sir Anand Satyanand's last Waitangi Day as Governor-General
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New Year MessageGovernor-General issues his message for 2011
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Pike River Mine TragedyWorld leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
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Governor-General visits CanterburyA visit to support and encourage those affected by the earthquake
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New Year MessageGovernor-General issues his message for 2010
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Governor-General's 2009 New Year MessageNew Zealanders urged to volunteer

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