Twenty-three club members and friends and family gathered at the Government House Visitor Centre for a two-hour tour through this amazing building and gardens. As there was a music festival in the city and major athletics meet, we decided to play it safe and leave early. Murphy’s law, most of us arrived 30-45 minutes early. Our poor guide Heather Mills, was trying to eat lunch.

There was plenty to look at while we waited for 1.30pm to come around, including a pictures and information of all the previous Governor Generals including our present one, Dame Cindy Kairo. The first item was to go into the squash court (the oldest in NZ) and watch a film about the history and construction of the building. The grounds on the Mt Victoria Green Belt had previously been used as an asylum. The Basin Reserve opposite was a lake which was turned into a swamp after the 1855 earthquake, enabling the area to be drained. We learnt that Government House was built in 1910 in a very English style. Following renovations in 2011, the interior of the building was given a more NZ style with a large Māori influence.

We started off in the Entrance Hall which had two impressive Pou carved under the tutelage of Sir Paul Reeves, the Governor General at that time, by inmates from Remutuka Prison. Then it was into the Norrie State Dining Room which could seat up to 26 people and was full of royal portraits, one a Van Dyke. There were 38 tapestry chairs created by community groups around NZ in the 1950’s. Then it was off to the Liverpool Room which is used for meetings with Heads of State etc. The carpet in here featured a kowhaiwhai pattern and had some amazing NZ Art. Then we went through a short corridor used by the servants to the Council Room which doubled as a meeting room and library. There were some interesting books containing news clippings on the table. From here we moved across to the Blundell & Porritt rooms and into the Bledisloe Conservatory. The views looking out to the lawn were stunning. All these rooms were packed full of treasures. In the main hallway, were a couple of cabinets containing gifts presented by visiting dignitaries. These were fascinating to look at. We finished inside with a look at the Ballroom, which is the largest room in Government House. It is where the Prime Minister and his or her Ministers are sworn in after a general election. It is also where investitures and award ceremonies are carried out. I especially loved the two Czech crystal chandeliers which were brought in 1966. The curtains were made to match those from historic photos when Government House was refurbished. We had a quick look at Maota Ariki (the entrance to the Ballroom) where there were items from WOW on display as well as a collection of art and artifacts that reflect NZ’s place in the Pacific. This includes the Kahu Kiwi Cloak brought in a Hawkes Bay Store by Lady Marjorie Dalrymple. She took it back with her to Scotland and in 1962 she gave to Sir Bernard Fergusson to bring back. Although attempts have been made, the original iwi whose ancestor created this cloak, has not been found to return it.

Outside in the sunshine, we posed as a group for a photo before most of us made our way up the hill to look at the remains of the Mt View Asylum which had closed in 1910. We were amazed by the quince growing on the brick walls like a climber of what had been an exercise yard. A walk back to our cars and this amazing visit was over. I think everyone enjoyed it and learnt quite a bit more thanks to our amazing guide Heather.

Judith O’Leary