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  • The Governor-General
    • Biography of The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO
    • Biography of Dr Richard Davies
    • Media statements
    • Speeches by The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro
    • The Governor-General's blog
  • Office of the Governor-General
    • Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort
      • About the Coronation service
      • The King of New Zealand
      • Get involved
      • Coronation events
    • Roles and functions of the Governor-General
      • Constitutional role
        • New Zealand’s Constitution
        • Credentials ceremonies
        • The Executive Council
        • The Reserve Powers
        • The Royal prerogative of mercy
      • Ceremonial role
        • Investiture ceremonies
        • New Zealand Royal Honours
      • Community role
      • International Role
    • Conditions of Appointment
      • Administrator of the Government
      • The Governor-General Act
      • The Governor-General's Flag
    • History
      • New Zealand's Governor-General - an historical perspective
      • Former Governors-General
    • Invitations, patronage and cards
      • Invitations for the Governor-General
        • Dress code for Government House events
      • Hosting the Governor-General
      • Order of precedence in New Zealand
      • Applying for vice-regal patronage
      • Current Vice-regal patronages
      • Congratulatory messages
    • Contacting the Governor-General
      • Guidance for writing to the Governor-General
    • Official portraits
    • Royal Commission Reports
  • Government House
    • Government House Wellington
      • Government House tours
        • Accessibility Information
        • Group tours
        • School tours
      • Rooms of Government House
        • Bledisloe Conservatory
        • Blundell and Porritt Rooms
        • Fitzroy Room
        • Galway and guest suites
        • Liverpool Room
        • Main Hallway
        • Maota Ariki
        • The Ballroom
        • The Council Room
        • The Landing
        • The Norrie State Dining Room
        • The Taupaepae
      • Artwork and artifacts
        • Carved coats of arms
      • Government House centenary
      • Government House conservation
        • Conservation rationale
        • The project in detail
    • Government House Auckland
      • Visiting Government House Auckland
      • The gardens at Government House Auckland
    • Other Government Houses
    • Staff at Government House
      • Management of Government House
  1. Home
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  3. Government House Wellington
  4. Government House conservation
  5. The project in detail

The project in detail

Historic Colour Scheme
The historic colour scheme for Government House was restored

Earthquake strengthening: This involved new piles and foundation walls for much of the House and ensuring the foundations were properly connected to the building.

The walls were exposed and strengthened with structural steel braces, many of which were connected to a massive service trench that runs the length of the House. Additional steel frames were also added to strengthen the roof and tower.

Historic Colour Scheme
An artist's impression of the refurbished Government House.

Improved access for people with disabilities: Improved access was provided for people with disabilities, with direct access into the House through the Ballroom entrance. Two lifts were installed to provide access to all levels.

Weathertightness: The roof was completely replaced. About 200,000 clay tiles, sourced from the same quarry as the originals in Britain, were affixed to 40,000 linear metres of batons and counter-batons by about 400,000 rust resistant stainless steel nails. The stucco panels were replaced and all the doors and windows were refurbished. This work was designed to ensure that they are being better sealed to reduce draughts, which was a major source of heat loss.

Modern services: The outdated and ageing water, wastewater, stormwater, power, gas and communication services were replaced. The inefficient heating and lighting systems were also replaced and elements of environmentally sustainable design, such as solar water heating, air source heat pumps, high efficiency boilers, floor, wall and ceiling insulation, rainwater collection and low energy use appliances were introduced along with a building management system. The fire protection systems were also upgraded.

Improved exterior layout: The driveway was repaired and reconfigured to emphasise the principal entrance while the porte cochere (cover) over the principal entrance was extended to allow modern vehicles to enter and leave more easily. Access to the House for people with disabilities was improved. Better access was provided from the north lawn to the terraces that lead into the House.

Enhanced heritage values: The chimneys that once dotted the roofline were reconstructed, as are the hoods that once protected the windows. The chimneys that are not connected to gas fires are used as vents for bathrooms and kitchens. The windows were reglazed using low - E security glass and lead lights were reintroduced. Many non-original doors and windows and exterior pipes were removed and the House was repainted in colours that better matched the original colour scheme.

Improved internal layout: The Governor-General's staff was moved to offices in the west wing with direct access to Their Excellencies' offices. A distinct office entrance for staff and visitors off Hospital Rd, away from the formal entrances, was created. The finishing kitchen next to the Ballroom was also upgraded.

Improved privacy for the Governor-General and spouse: The Governor-General's suite was reconfigured into a self-contained apartment, separate from the main hallway, and including a kitchen. The rooms of the two Aides-de-Camp (military) officers were moved to be closer to those of the Governor-General.

Improved standards in the guest suites: The eight guest suites, used by visiting Heads of State and other important visitors, were renovated with modern technology and private en-suites. Furnishings and fittings were replaced and security and modern communications systems were introduced.

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In this section
  • Government House Wellington
    • Government House tours
    • Rooms of Government House
    • Artwork and artifacts
    • Government House centenary
    • Government House conservation
      • Conservation rationale
      • The project in detail
  • Government House Auckland
  • Other Government Houses
  • Staff at Government House

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The Governor-General
  • Biography of The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO
  • Biography of Dr Richard Davies
  • Media statements
  • Speeches by The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro
  • The Governor-General's blog
Office of the Governor-General
  • Coronation of King Charles III and the Queen Consort
  • Roles and functions of the Governor-General
  • Conditions of Appointment
  • History
  • Invitations, patronage and cards
  • Contacting the Governor-General
  • Official portraits
  • Royal Commission Reports
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