Captain Robert Fitzroy, RN

Governor

1843 - 1845

Robert Fitzroy was born in Suffolk in 1805. He entered the navy in 1819 and commanded HMS Beagle on Darwin's famous voyage.

He visited the Bay of Islands in the ship in 1835 and reported favourably to a House of Lords committee on the work of the missionaries. He took up his appointment as Governor in 1843 but was recalled after agitation led by the New Zealand Company.

Fitzroy retired from the navy in 1850 and devoted himself to science. He performed pioneering work as chief of the new Meteorological Service.

He was made Rear Admiral in 1857 and Vice Admiral in 1863. He died in 1865.

Biographical information courtesy of NZ Almanack

Read Governor FitzRoy's biography on The Dictonary of New Zealand Biography

Year: 
1901
Government House tours

With the opening of the Government House Visitor Centre in November 2012, educational tours of Government House Wellington for schools and community groups are now being offered.

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Features

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    Message from the Governor-General
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  • South Canterbury and North Otago Regional Visit
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  • Waitangi Day - 2013
    Governor-General and Lady Janine visit Waitangi and Auckland
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  • New Year Message 2013
    Governor-General issues his 2013 New Year message
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  • New Year Honours 2013
    New Zealanders recognised by The Queen of New Zealand
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  • Birthday cake
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  • Diamond Jubilee visit
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  • Royal reception
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  • New Zealand's Governor-General
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  • 2012 London Olympic Games
    The Governor-General supports the NZ Olympic Team in London
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  • Diamond Jubilee message
    The Governor-General's Diamond Jubilee message
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  • Open to view - credentials ceremonies
    Watch the video of a credentials ceremony at Government House
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  • Western Bay of Plenty regional visit
    The Governor-General makes his first official visit.
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  • Open Days
    Government House opens its doors to mark the Diamond Jubilee
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  • Christchurch and Canterbury Earthquake Anniversary
    The Governor-General's Programme
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  • Waitangi Celebrations 2012
    The Governor-General's first Waitangi Day Programme
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  • Governor-General's New Year Message
    Sir Jerry Mateparae issues his 1st New Year message - watch the video
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  • State Opening of Parliament
    Governor-General announces the Government's plans
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  • Speaker-elect confirmation ceremony
    Dr Smith confirmed as Speaker of the House
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  • Appointment of the new Government
    The Governor-General appoints the new Government
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  • Queen's Diamond Jubilee Emblem
    New emblem to mark the Diamond Jubilee
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  • Rugby World Cup
    Message 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 Mateparae
    A Government House short film
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  • Royal NZ Navy 70th Anniversary
    The Governor-General hosted and attended associated events
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  • New Zealand Gallantry Awards
    Government House has today issued a special honours list
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  • One year on from the 4 September 2010 Canterbury earthquake
    Governor-General issues a message
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  • Swearing in ceremony
    Sir Jerry Mateparae to become NZ's 20th Governor-General
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  • Sir Paul Reeves
    New Zealand's first Governor-General of Maori descent dies
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  • Visit by King George Tupou V of Tonga
    The Governor-General hosted a State Welcome for the King of Tonga
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  • Māori King visits Government House
    The King plants a tree to mark the visit
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  • Matariki
    The Governor-General's 2011 Matariki Message
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  • The Royal Wedding
    Sir Anand and Lady Susan attended the Royal Wedding on 29 April
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  • ANZAC Day message
    The Governor-General's message for ANZAC Day commemorations
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  • The National Christchurch Memorial Service
    Details and photos are available here.
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  • Christchurch Earthquake
    Governor-General offers the support of all New Zealanders
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  • Canterbury earthquake
    World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
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  • Waitangi Day 2011
    Sir Anand Satyanand's last Waitangi Day as Governor-General
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  • New Year Message
    Governor-General issues his message for 2011
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  • Pike River Mine Tragedy
    World leaders send messages of support to New Zealand
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  • Governor-General visits Canterbury
    A visit to support and encourage those affected by the earthquake
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  • New Year Message
    Governor-General issues his message for 2010
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  • Governor-General's 2009 New Year Message
    New Zealanders urged to volunteer
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