24 Mar 2011

Government House reopens after restoration

9:18 pm on 24 March 2011

A restored Government House been officially reopened by Governor-General Sir Anand Satyanand.

About 250 guests including Prime Minister John Key and Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown attended ceremony in the capital on Thursday afternoon.

The building in Newtown had been closed for the conservation project since late 2008, during which time it has undergone major improvements to its services and layout and earthquake strengthening.

A total of $44.7 million was budgeted. Project manager Mike Hannaway says the upgrade has come in under budget, although it will be another few months before the exact cost is known.

Government House has been the residence of the Govenor-General for more than a century. It is used as the site for a range of events, including investiture ceremonies, conferences and concerts.

Members of the public will be able to view the building during two open days on 9 and 10 April.