Government House re-opening

Plaque commemorating the re-opening Government House.

It seemed very strange that the Republican Movement was invited to attend the re-opening of Government House - considering we were critical of the renovations back in 2008, and are actively campaigning for the abolition of the office of Governor-General. And because I share the name of a senior bureaucrat at the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, I'm usually suspicious of official invites - a few times we've been confused. So, I questioned whether they'd got the right Lewis Holden - unfortunately sending the diligent staff at Government House on a wild goose chase, only for them to discover that I was indeed invited, along with Lewis Holden the CEO. The next question was whether the Republican Movement should accept the invite. Is it selling out if we're suddenly partying it up with the Wellington elite?

The exec didn't think so, as long as we didn't have to sing God Save the Queen or swear allegiance to anyone. So, off I went to Wellington yesterday to be present at the ceremony to complete the $44 million renovations. They are impressive, although not without their critics. We're looking forward to the open days in a few weeks. The New Zealand taxpayer has shelled out enough, the House should really be open all the time to the public, especially to explain the role of the Governor-General and how they're appointed. That would help the Republican Movement's cause immensely.

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