A large two-storey Edwardian structure with attics it is built of wood frame with plastered infill panels. It fulfils two main functions - as a residence of the governor-general and his family and for holding formal and state functions. The formal spaces on the main floor are impressive and include a ballroom, drawing room, Conservatory, Smoking room, dining room and entrance hall.
Government House is set in spacious undulating grounds having the northern elevation fronting the main lawn. The formal entrance has a classical styled porte-cochere with southerly aspect. As the vice-regal home for a long succession of governors-general and as a setting for many formal occasions Government House is a building of real significance.
List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
218
Date Entered
25th November 1982
Date of Effect
25th November 1982
City/District Council
Wellington City
Region
Wellington Region
Legal description
Secs 1250 1362 (SO 33757) Pt 1248 Sec 1394 & 1395 (SO 32412)
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Private/No Public Access
List Number
218
Date Entered
25th November 1982
Date of Effect
25th November 1982
City/District Council
Wellington City
Region
Wellington Region
Legal description
Secs 1250 1362 (SO 33757) Pt 1248 Sec 1394 & 1395 (SO 32412)
Construction Professional
Name
Paton, Claude
Type
Architect
Biography
Claude Paton (1881 -1953) was born in Scotland and arrived in New Zealand in 1904. He received some architectural or draughting training in Glasgow which enabled him to gain employment with the Public Works Department in 1906 as an architectural draughtsman. Although Paton was never given the title of architect he was an influential force in the Department. He carried particular weight during the last decade of John Campbell's tenure as Government Architect; both were committed to the Edwardian Baroque style. Paton retired from the Public Works Department as a senior draughtsman in 1946.
Construction Details
Start Year
1910
Type
Original Construction
Construction Professional
Name
Paton, Claude
Type
Architect
Biography
Claude Paton (1881 -1953) was born in Scotland and arrived in New Zealand in 1904. He received some architectural or draughting training in Glasgow which enabled him to gain employment with the Public Works Department in 1906 as an architectural draughtsman. Although Paton was never given the title of architect he was an influential force in the Department. He carried particular weight during the last decade of John Campbell's tenure as Government Architect; both were committed to the Edwardian Baroque style. Paton retired from the Public Works Department as a senior draughtsman in 1946.
Construction Details
Start Year
1910
Type
Original Construction
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Central Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Other Information
This place was identified as significant under previous legislation with different information requirements. It remains significant under the current legislation. There is opportunity under our legislation and policies to add to this information. Further information about this place may be available from the Central Regional Office of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions. This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. The following text is the original citation considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration.
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Current Usages
Uses: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Former Usages
General Usage: Accommodation
Specific Usage: House
Sign up to hear more
Get the latest heritage news, features and events delivered
straight to your inbox.
