$46.6m for Gov-Gen extreme makeover

The full cost of Government House's extreme makeover has been revealed as $46.6 million - and extensive renovations will force Jim Anderton out of the plush Vogel House to make way for the governor-general and his wife.

In a deal more akin to trading houses than spouses, Anand Satyanand and his wife will house-sit the prominent Lower Hutt property for three years from November.

The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet has refused The Dominion Post's Official Information Act requests for the renovation costs - but had no qualms about slipping the spending into the Budget.

The Government House overhaul follows a report last year suggesting the stately manor was crumbling.

Nearly $6.7 million is earmarked for the first part of the Government House refurbishment. Over four years the cost balloons to $46.6 million in capital expenditure and $800,000 in operating funding. The work will include earthquake strengthening, fire protection, a new roof, making the house more sustainable and new ramps and lifts for disabled access.

The report said falling tiles and outdated plumbing and electrical work in the building posed safety risks, and it did not comply with earthquake resistance and fire safety standards.

Government House, which hosts more than 500 events and 10,000 visitors a year, boasts a main building with 27 bedrooms and 19 bathrooms.

The 12-hectare grounds include a tennis court and pavilion, small swimming pool, World War II-era bomb shelter, squash court, and eight cottages and garages.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said Government House was the country's most historic residence and held important artworks and taonga.

"Yet it has historically had very little investment in its upkeep ... Rather than continuing to patch up the 98-year-old residence, it's now time for a major conservation effort."

Mr Satyanand's need for accommodation spells the end of Mr Anderton's tenancy at Vogel House, a property that has historically housed the deputy prime minister. He has lived there since December 1999.

Mr Anderton, who has no firm plans for new digs yet, said he was very honoured that the governor-general and his wife would be moving in.

"He would have done it sooner had it been necessary," a spokeswoman said.

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