Sir Jerry wants more events at his place

The governor-general is hoping to host more public events in his backyard at Government House.

Sir Jerry Mateparae sat casually among the more than 1500 people who came with picnics, hats and sunchairs to enjoy The Dominion Post Summer Concert on Saturday.

The grounds of Sir Jerry's official residence are opened to the public every summer for an afternoon of entertainment, and if the governor-general has his way there will be more in the future.

"As well as the concert we also had the Newtown carols here this summer on the front lawn," he said. "I'm keen to open up the place so there's more opportunity for the neighbourhood and those further afield to come in.

"I'd entertain any approach from people wanting to come here."

Hundreds of people made themselves at home at the concert, kicking off their shoes and rolling up their trousers to stretch out on the lawn.

Lower Hutt's Heather Miller was hell-bent on attending despite breaking her foot two weeks ago. She has been a regular at the summer concert three years running.

"It's a magical, outdoor setting where you can relax and have a glass of wine all from the comfort of the governor-general's backyard."

Performances from countertenor Stephen Diaz, mezzo soprano Bianca Andrew and soprano Emma Fraser received rapturous applause. MC Gareth Farr brought his alter-ego Lilith Lacroix along. "You can never really tell what the crowd is like until you start to push it a bit, and drag is always outside the box," Farr said.

- © Fairfax NZ News