The Governor-General’s Bledisloe Reception acknowledges the role of Lord Bledisloe, Governor-General of New Zealand from 1930 to 1935, who purchased the grounds in Waitangi where the Treaty was signed, and then gifted them to the nation.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Government House Wellington is located at 1 Rugby Street, Mount Cook.
You will need to provide photo ID to enter the grounds.
Smoking is not permitted in the grounds or buildings of Government House.
All personal items will need to be carried as there is no coat check.
Government House caters for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan diets.
For information on gate opening times, please check your invitation email.
Transport:
There will be no parking available on the grounds of Government House.
Guests are encouraged to use public transport to travel to and from this event. The Number One Metlink bus stops at the start of Adelaide Road and is a short walk from the Government House Main Gate.
Guests who will be dropped off by car or taxi are asked to disembark at Dufferin Street. It is a 10 minute walk from the gate up a sloped driveway to reach the event. If you require any mobility assistance, or have any other personal needs for this function, please advise us as soon as possible. At the conclusion of the Reception there will be a Wellington Combined Taxi host that can arrange taxis for you. This will be located at the corner of Drummond Street and Adelaide Road. Alternatively, if you wish to arrange your own taxi, or private vehicle pick up, please arrange to meet them at the corner of Drummond Street and Adelaide Road.
Dress code:
The dress code is day wear. This means tidy clothing – no jeans, jandals, shorts or sneakers please.
Uniforms (e.g. Police, Fire Service, Scouts, Guides, St John), and cultural dress may also be worn.
Guests may wear medals and other decorations.
We support sun safe practices and hats are encouraged.
Protocol points to note:
Their Excellencies prefer to have conversations with their guests and we ask that you do not request personal photos/selfies.
Introductions to Their Excellencies will be facilitated in small groups by Government House staff where possible.
On presentation to The Governor-General, the correct formal address is “Your Excellency”, followed by “Ma’am” in later conversation.
For Sir David Gascoigne, the first address is “Your Excellency”, followed by “Sir” in later conversation.
Media:
Please note media will be present at the reception. If you have any concerns about being filmed or photographed, please contact Government House.
Photography is permitted throughout the event.
Official Government House photographs will be available for free download on the Governor-General’s website https://www.gg.govt.nz
Feel free to share your photos on social media, the hashtag for this event is #Govthousenz.
Cancellation:
Cancellation of the Bledisloe Garden Reception will only take place in extremely adverse weather conditions. In the event of cancellation Government House accepts no responsibility for costs incurred relating to travel or accommodation. We must advise there is no provision for the Garden Reception to be held on an alternative day.
Updates will be posted on:
The Governor-General’s website: www.gg.govt.nz
The Governor-General’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GovernorGeneralNewZealand
The Governor-General’s Twitter account @GovGeneralNZ
The Governor-General's Instagram https://www.instagram.com/govgeneralnz/