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This class of outputs involves:
The Governor-General is the Queen’s representative in New Zealand – and has constitutional, ceremonial and community roles. He requires high-quality advice and support to carry out these roles in a way that is appropriate for the representative of the head of state. The Wellington and Auckland Government Houses are important facilities for carrying out the Governor-General’s duties, and are also important as historic places.
Output Class 2 Financial Performance
| 30.06.06 | 30.06.07 | 30.06.07 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Actual $000 |
Actual $000 |
Main Estimates $000 |
Supplementary Estimates $000 |
|
| 3,366 | Revenue - Crown | 4,069 | 3,993 | 4,069 |
| 65 | Revenue - Other | 65 | 58 | 58 |
| 3,396 | Expenditure | 4,098 | 4,023 | 4,099 |
| 35 | Surplus | 36 | 28 | 28 |
Objective
To provide efficient and effective support to the Governor-General to facilitate the ceremonial and the community roles of the Governor-General.
Performance
His Excellency the Hon Anand Satyanand was sworn in as Governor-General on 23 August 2006 and, since assuming office, has undertaken an extensive programme of official engagements both within New Zealand and overseas. Arrangements were made and briefings provided to enable him to attend 376 official engagements in New Zealand.
The Governor-General has hosted 135 functions at Government House Wellington and 88 functions at Government House Auckland. Over the past year, an estimated total of 24,500 people visited the two Houses, either attending functions or on house visits individually or in groups.
The functions included thirteen investitures for recipients from the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours List and the 2007 New Year Honours List, and six credentials ceremonies. In June, the Governor-General held a dinner at Government House to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Order of New Zealand. The evening celebrated the achievements and contributions of all those who have received New Zealand’s highest honour.
The Governor-General played a key part in New Zealand activities throughout the year. This included attendance at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Wellington, three ANZAC Day commemorations in Wellington, and eight Waitangi Day activities at Waitangi, Porirua, and Wellington. He has also made extended visits to Waikato, Canterbury, Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki, during which he visited and met New Zealanders in their communities, schools, marae, institutions, and businesses.
During this period a number of heads of state were officially welcomed at Government House as part of their visits to New Zealand, including the presidents of the Republic of Korea, Finland, Chile, Uganda, and the Philippines. The Prince and Princess of Orange were also welcomed to Government House; and, in March, HRH the Duke of York was hosted at both Government Houses during his official visit.
The Governor-General, along with the Prime Minister, represented New Zealand at the state funerals for King Taufa’ahau Tupou IV in Tonga in September 2006, and for His Highness Malietoa Tanumafili II in Samoa in May 2007. In April the Governor-General visited Niue, the first of his visits to other parts of the realm of New Zealand.
To ensure that Government House provides efficient and effective support to the Governor-General in his ceremonial and community roles, informal debriefing was carried out with him immediately after events. Any areas for improvement were discussed at management and programme meetings, and, where possible, incorporated into future events by way of changed procedures. More formal monthly and quarterly meetings were also held with the Governor-General, seeking feedback on all aspects of support for the official programme.
The period in review also includes the remaining month in office of the former Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, from 1 July to 4 August 2006. Government House supported Dame Silvia as she undertook her final functions and farewell events.
Objective
To provide services to the Governor-General to ensure the efficient and effective running of the official programme and the household. These services include advisory, administrative and household activities, and the organising of functions.
Performance
A wide range of functions and ceremonial occasions were delivered to the standard required by the Governor-General. The standard aims for “best practice”, and is informed by standards from other similar institutions.
A management and staff survey in 2006 and a Pay and Employment Equity Review (PEER) survey in 2007 highlighted some areas for improved management and human-resource practices. In addition a review of the management responsibilities and structure at Government House, which was commissioned in March 2007 from an independent consultant, concluded that the management structure should be strengthened. Its recommendations are being implemented; and a work programme has been developed to address both these recommendations and the improvements identified in the earlier surveys.
Objective
To preserve, secure, and enhance the buildings and
grounds of both Government Houses as appropriate
residences for the Head of State and as historic places.
Performance
The major focus for the year has been the preparation for possible redevelopment of Government House Wellington. Expert assessments have confirmed problems with the integrity of the roof and building fabric, and with the state of many of the building services. The redevelopment must also meet the uses and requirements of the Governor-General, address regulatory and statutory requirements, incorporate environmentally sustainable design features, and include a conservation plan to maintain the heritage values of the building. A specialist project manager has been appointed to co-ordinate the work programme, and work is being developed for further Cabinet consideration. The planning of major capital works was discussed at an early stage with the Governor-General.
Significant projects carried out in Government House Auckland during the year included the installation of louvres in the new pavilion and the removal of dangerous trees. In Government House Wellington a new security system (CCTV and electronic access) was installed.
The views of the Governor-General were sought regularly on the maintenance and development of both properties. Where possible, routine maintenance is undertaken when the Governor-General is away on official domestic and overseas travel.