Overview

Government House in Wellington has been the residence of New Zealand's Governor-General, the personal representative of the Head of State, Queen Elizabeth II of New Zealand, for almost a century.

Alongside the historic buildings in Wellington's parliamentary precinct, Government House is one of New Zealand's most nationally significant heritage buildings and has been accorded a Category 1 heritage status by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust. Nineteen Governors or Governors-General have previously lived in the House, and it contains many priceless art works and other treasures and taonga related to New Zealand's history and culture.

Government House plays an important role in the Governor-General's constitutional, ceremonial and community leadership roles. It is the venue for investitures, credentials ceremonies for new ambassadors to New Zealand, State Welcomes and State Dinners for visiting Heads of State, and the swearing in of Cabinet Ministers. More than 10,000 people visit Government House every year. Their Excellencies also host many functions at Government House to support community groups, particularly the more than 150 charitable organisations of which they are patrons.

After almost a century of use, the House is in need of considerable conservation work. Following a two-year extensive investigation of the condition of the House and the needs of a modern-day Governor-General, the Cabinet, in the 2008 Budget, approved a conservation project to cost $47.4 million over four years.

In light of the very tight economic and fiscal situation, the project was reviewed in February 2009 and the Government decided to reduce the budget by at least $4.7 million.   The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet identified some aspects of the project that could be deleted without compromising the critical project to restore the main House.  These aspects included a proposed visitor's centre, works on heritage and other outbuildings, and works on infrastructure like carparks and some roading.

This section of the Governor-General's website outlines some of the history of the House, the rationale behind the conservation project, and will provide ongoing updates of the progress of the project.