Considering a journey back to 1856. It was the year that Old Government House was completed. This grand building has a rich and interesting history to tell.
Old Government House is in Auckland. It stands as a reminder of a bygone era. It once served as the residence for the governor of New Zealand. Today, Heritage New Zealand lists it as a Category I Historic Place.
The current Old Government House isn’t the first one on this site. The first was a prefabricated wooden structure. Mannings of London manufactured it. This firm specialized in such structures. It is said that the house was similar to one sent to house Napoleon. However, Napoleon refused to move into it. William Hobson, the first governor, lived here. But the house burned down in 1848. This happened during Sir George Grey’s governorship.
Successive governors then occupied rented houses. These included Scoria House and Hulme Court.
William Mason designed the current building. It was completed in 1856. This was to help Auckland remain New Zealand’s capital. However, the seat of government moved to Wellington in 1865. After that, Old Government House was used only sometimes. Many criticized the wooden Italianate mansion. People disliked the flat look of the facade. They also didn’t like the imitation of stone in wood.
In the 1860s, Governor Gore Browne wanted a new residence. He wanted it built in Auckland Domain. This sparked criticism because of the cost. Also, it would take land away from public use. The government refused funds for it. There was also the chance of the capital moving to Wellington.
The capital moved to Wellington in 1864. However, Auckland still had influence. So, the government kept two residences for the governor. New Zealand had more than one Government House. There was even a temporary one in Palmerston North.
In 1865, a ballroom was added to Old Government House. This was for a visit by Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh. He couldn’t come because someone tried to assassinate him.
Royalty have stayed at Old Government House six times. Queen Elizabeth II broadcast her Christmas speech from here in 1953. Old Government House was registered as a Category I heritage structure in 1983.
As the 20th century progressed, Old Government House felt hemmed in. Apartment blocks began to appear. In 1969, Sir Frank and Lady Mappin donated the current Government House. It is located in Mount Eden. In the same year, Old Government House became part of the University of Auckland.
The interior has changed over the years. However, much original detailing remains. The building houses the Staff Common Room and a lecture theatre. It also has flats for visiting academics.
Events are still held on the front lawn. This continues the tradition of vice-regal garden parties. The garden has specimen trees planted by dignitaries. George Grey is one of them. There is also a rose garden planted by governors’ wives.
The site of the former Governor’s Stable block is now the Biology Department. It is screened from the main building.
Old Government House stands as a testament to Auckland’s history. It has transitioned from a governor’s residence to a university building. Yet it retains its charm and historical significance.