Updates and latest news

Installation of protective flooring

21 January 2010: The first chimney built on the ground is craned into position.   

28 October 2009: The work on the roof reached a significant milestone in October with the tower being encased in scaffolding and work beginning on re-roofing it and removing and replacing its exterior stucco walls.  The first of a number of chimneys have been installed at the eastern end of Government House.  The chimneys have been designed to match those installed in 1910 and later removed.  Those chimneys not connected to fireplaces will be used to hide the many vents from kitchens, toilets, bathrooms and gas heaters.  Within the House, many of the new rooms at the eastern end of the upper level are taking shape whilst many refurbished windows have been reinstalled.

28 August 2009: The Government House Conservation Project is on track and on budget and the House is expected to reopen in mid 2011. There are now about 80 workers from L.T. McGuinness and its subcontractors on site at any one time. 

A host of different work is underway.  This includes removing old roofing tiles, reconstructing the roof and placing new tiles in place.  The stucco that lined much of the upper levels is being removed and replaced.  The many coats of old paint on the weatherboards on the lower level are being removed and the House is being repainted.  Windows have been removed, restored and are being put back into place.

Inside the building, especially on the upper levels, many of the new rooms and offices are starting to take shape.   Environmentally sustainable design features are being woven into the project  e.g. insulation is being placed in the roof and walls to improve the energy efficiency of the House and all windows are being reconditioned with draught seals. The heating systems utilise solar energy, energy efficient heat pumps and boilers.

Beneath the House, a trench has been excavated from east to west.  This trench, with its concrete floor and sprayed concrete walls serves two purposes.  Primarily it forms the base of the structural strengthening with steel bracing frames being placed throughout the walls and additionally it provides easy access for all the building's services (electrical, telephone and computer wiring, plumbing, heating etc).

23 February 2009: Project budget reduced by at least $4.7 million by removing the proposed visitor’s centre, works on heritage and other outbuildings, and works on infrastructure like carparks and some roading.

13 February 2009: The L.T. McGuinness team are now well established on site.

The project has been broken down into 5 zones:

• Zone 1: Strengthening of foundations and construction of a services access tunnel spanning the length of the House.
• Zone 2: Construction and conservation work at the eastern end of the House.
• Zone 3: Construction and conservation work in the middle section of the House.
• Zone 4: Construction and conservation of the western end of the House.
• Zone 5: Modifications and repair to site services and grounds.
   

Preparatory work for Zones 1 and 2 has been completed with the removal of a basement level diesel tank.

Other work completed to date includes the installation of protective flooring in the ballroom, which involves sheets of ply being laid down to cover the entire floor area of the ballroom; and the removal and safe storage of heritage items such as the specially carved Coats-of-Arms of former Governors and Governors-General, and the two pou (pillar facings) that stood in the main entrance reception.

15 December 2008: L.T. McGuinness Ltd, a Wellington firm established in 1950, were officially awarded the Main Contract to complete the conservation construction works at Government House, Wellington.

22 May 2008: The Government has approved a $47.4 million project to conserve and refurbish Government House in Wellington. To read the Prime Minister's statement click here.

October 2008: Government House Wellington closes and the process of packing up the House accelerates.