October 2009

  • <span class="title">Foundation reinforcement</span><br/>A view of ongoing work to seismically reinforce the foundations of Government House.
  • <span class="title">Tower detail</span><br/>The stucco on the tower of Government House is being removed and replaced.
  • <span class="title">Tiling the roof</span><br/>An aerial view of the ongoing work to rebuild and retile the roof of Government House Wellington.
  • <span class="title">Paint work </span><br/>Layers of paint on the wooden weatherboards on the lower level of Government House are being removed so that a colour scheme similar to that used when the building opened in 1910 can be applied.
  • <span class="title">Pillars</span><br/>The largely hidden pillars of the loggia, on the eastern end of Government House, have been stripped of coats of paint and strengthened. The wall as been moved inwards allowing the pillars to be clearly seen.
  • <span class="title">Window work </span><br/>The windows of Government House are being removed, taken offsite and restored to ensure they open and close correctly and are sealed to reduce draughts and energy loss. In keeping with efforts to recognise historic and heritage detailing, exterior leadlights and window hoods will also be fitted to many windows.   These windows are in the drawing room at the eastern end of Government House Wellington.
  • <span class="title">Heritage detailing </span><br/>Rimu panelling in the State Dining Room and elsewhere is being stripped of layers of paint and returned to its original condition.
  • <span class="title">Stairwell protection</span><br/>The historic central stairwell at Government House has been encased in wood to protect it from damage whilst the Conservation Project is underway.
  • <span class="title">Protecting heritage features</span><br/>The historic central stairwell and pillars at Government House have been protected from damage. The pou or pillar facings at the entrance were removed prior to the Conservation Project beginning.
  • <span class="title">Service trench</span><br/>An updated view of the service trench which runs the length of Government House Wellington and provides access to all infrastructural services such as gas, plumbing, computer, electrical and telephone wiring and ventilation systems.  
  • <span class="title">Chimney construction</span><br/>The many chimneys to be installed into the roof of Government House Wellington are built under cover and then moved into position by crane.
  • <span class="title">Chimney</span><br/>The first of a number of chimneys is installed at the eastern end of Government House Wellington.  The chimneys match those which existed when the House was completed in 1910.  The new chimneys that are not connected to fireplaces will be used as outlets for ventilation ducts. 
  • <span class="title">Tower</span><br/>The tower of Government House Wellington is surrounded with scaffolding as the re-roofing and retiling of the historic building progresses.

Images of the Government House Conservation Project in October 2009.