Earlier Government Houses
The first Government House, Wellington
Wellington's second Government House
The first Wellington Government House was Colonel William Wakefield's villa, near the main steps of Parliament Buildings. Although this residence was taken for use as a hospital for a time in 1848 after a severe earthquake, there is a record of the first Government House Ball being held in it, on 10 February 1849.
The second Government House in Wellington, built in 1868, was a large timber mansion in the Italian style which stood on the site of the present Executive Wing, Parliament Buildings (the Beehive). This residence was lived in by successive Governors, from Sir George Bowen to Lord Plunket, until it was taken for use as the Parliamentary Debating Chamber after the 1907 fire that destroyed the General Assembly. After that, the house became the Parliamentary restaurant, Bellamy's, until it was demolished in 1969.
As well as the two earlier Government Houses in Wellington, there have also been four in Auckland. The first two Auckland houses both burnt down. The large wooden residence built by Captain Hobson was destroyed in 1848 whilst the second vice-regal residence was destroyed in 1857, although some argue that this house, variously known as St Keven's, St Kevin's or Moleskin Hall, should not be counted as it was only rented for the Governor's use.
Auckland's third Government House was completed in 1856, as part of Auckland's campaign to retain the status of New Zealand's capital. This house was, however, used only sporadically after the capital was moved south permanently in 1865 and was eventually taken over by the University of Auckland in 1969. This was possible because, in 1962, Sir Frank and Lady Mappin presented their Epsom property, "Birchlands," to the Queen and her representatives. This residence, with its outstanding gardens, is the present-day Government House, Auckland.
There was a Government House in Palmerston North last century, which became part of Massey University, and is now known as Caccia Birch House.
