The 2016 Kaikoura earthquake made the building that housed Defence and the Ministry of Defence uninhabitable. Today Dame Patsy and Hon Ron Mark, Minister of Defence, formally opened a new Defence House by unveiling the signage. Dame Patsy also cut a ribbon at the front entrance.
The building, which is behind Parliament buildings, has been gutted, earthquake-strengthened to 100 per cent of New Building Standard, increased in size by nearly 9000m2, refurbished and provided with a new facade.
In her speech, Dame Patsy recalled the times in the 19th century when Governors took on the operational responsibilities of a Commander-in-Chief.
The opening concluded with the ceremonial cutting of a cake by Dame Patsy and Chief of Defence, Air Marshall Kevin Short.
