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Last night's dinner for officials leading New Zealand's response to COVID-19 was an opportunity to test out Government House's hospitality protocols under Level Two. Small dinners and lunches have a limited number of guests, who use hand sanitiser and…

While many New Zealanders worked from home where possible during alert level 4 COVID-19 restrictions, some needed to leave their bubble to ensure a small bit of essential normality took place for our households. A large group of essential workers were…

With the sudden alert level 4 announcement, schools had to react quickly to shift learning from the classroom to an online environment. Dame Patsy paid a visit to Government House’s neighbour, Wellington College, to see how the staff and students managed…

This evening Dame Patsy hosted government officials who have been trusted leaders of New Zealand's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were particularly appropriate guests for the first dinner since lockdown began, and included Dr Ashley Bloomfield,…

On this AIDS Candlelight Memorial day, the COVID-19 virus is obliging us to gather in a virtual space  and reflect on the terrible toll of the HIV virus, which has been responsible for over 30 million deaths worldwide since the 1980s. This year, many of…

An educational resource for Years 6-9. New draft released 2019

Visitor Centre resource for years 6-9

Dame Patsy is patron of a wide range of charities and organisations. She has recently sent them letters of support, acknowledging that they are working in testing times and have had to adapt how they work in our communities. One such patronage is the…

He toi whakairo, he mana tangata: Where there is artistic excellence, there is human dignity. New Zealanders have turned to music, song and performance to connect with each other in these anxious times. From people joining their neighbours in driveways to…

Like other New Zealanders, Dame Patsy and Sir David were unable to attend public commemorations to mark Anzac Day 2020, due to the restrictions imposed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. They joined thousands of fellow citizens across the country who chose…

E hoki ana aku mahara ki ō tātou tāngata, rātou i tū ki te pae o te ririkia ora ai te pae o te maungarongo. E whitu tekau mā rima tau te kaumatua o tēnei rau aroha.Kei wareware i a tātou.Tēnā tātou. 100 years ago, as New Zealanders observed their 5th…

Dame Patsy speaks about how proud she is of the country's response to the Covid-19 crisis and urges everyone to keep up the good work

Governor-General’s donations to charities The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy, will be donating twenty percent of her salary over the next six months in support of a number of charities. Dame Patsy says she is making this move to show leadership and…

Media advisory on behalf of Dame Patsy Reddy, Governor-General of New Zealand, The Governor-General, Dame Patsy Reddy, will be donating twenty percent of her salary over the next six months in support of a number of charities. Dame Patsy says she is…

A guide to the precedence of constitutional office holders and others, to be followed at State and official functions. The order of precedence in New Zealand is used at many functions and events at Government House, such as State and Royal welcomes,…

Pou Pou Guests to Government House Wellington enter under a covered porte-cochère on the southern side of the House. The Taupaepae, or official entrance hall, is where guests arriving to see Their Excellencies are greeted. The two pou, or pillar facings,…

Image of a message from HM Queen Elizabeth II April 6 2020 The message reads: As people across New Zealand and the Commonwealth are experiencing unprecedented changes to their lives, concern for family and friends, and financial uncertainty, you are in my…

Message to HM Queen Elizabeth II to the people of New Zealand during the nationwide lockdown

Throne The Ballroom is the largest room in Government House Wellington. It is used for receptions, large formal dinners, concerts, investitures and other award ceremonies, and occasionally for formal balls. It is where the Prime Minister and his or her…

Aerial View of Government House Wellington. On 24 March 2011, Government House reopened after five years of conservation work.  In 2005, a preliminary building condition survey identified a number of shortcomings. The 2006 Budget included funding for…

Sir Uchter John Mark Knox Ranfurly, 5th Earl, was born in 1856 and educated at Harrow and Cambridge. He inherited his title in 1875. He was Lord-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria from 1895-97 before taking up office in New Zealand. He threatened to resign…

Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae was sworn in as New Zealand’s 20th Governor-General for a five year term on 31 August 2011. He had previously worked at senior levels in the New Zealand public service and military as well as…

The Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand was born in Auckland in 1944, attending Richmond Road School and Sacred Heart College.  He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Auckland in 1970.  Following admission to the Bar later that year, he…

Dame Silvia was born in Dunedin and she graduated with a LLB from Otago University in 1967. After several years in private practice, she embarked on a judicial career that culminated in her appointment to the High Court - the first woman in New Zealand to…

Sir Michael was born in Wellington, the elder son of Justice Reginald Hardie Boys and Edith May (Bennett) Hardie Boys. After attending Hataitai School and Wellington College, he went on to Victoria University College, and gained a BA and an LLB degree. In…

Sir Paul was New Zealand's first Governor-General of Māori descent.  He was born in Wellington in 1932, the second son of D'Arcy Lionel and Hilda Mary Reeves and was educated at Wellington College, Victoria University of Wellington (MA), St John's…

Sir David was born in Sydney in 1924. He and his brothers were brought up by his mother in Takapuna, Auckland. Sir David went to Auckland's Dilworth School, which catered particularly for boys from broken homes. It was a start that shaped his approach to…