Progress was unveiled today on the $42.7 million makeover of the country's most expensive state house, Government House in Wellington.
The programme to conserve the 100-year-old building began in 2008 and was expected to be completed in 2011.
A tunnel has been constructed which carries all services including plumbing and electrical and runs the length of the house. The foundations have been strengthened and asbestos has been removed from the building.
At 4200 square metres it is one of New Zealand's largest publicly owned buildings and it will require about 180,000 new tiles to replace the roof.
The house is the official residence of Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand, whose self-contained apartment is also being fitted out.
In May 2008 the Government approved expenditure of $47.4 million for the project but this was reduced last year because of tight economic conditions.
By removing the proposed visitor's centre, car parks and some roading $4.7 million was saved.
