The Premier House, seen here in 2015, has had additions in various styles throughout its history and is protected as a historic landmark.
photograph: Attached/ballf string CC BY-SA 4.0
The Prime Minister has moved out of his Wellington apartment and into the Prime Minister’s Office now that renovations have been completed.
The $37 million property has undergone interior painting, new curtains and blinds, and other cosmetic renovations over the past nine months.
Christopher Luxon faced intense criticism after it was revealed he collected a $52,000 a year accommodation allowance in exchange for living in a mortgage-free Wellington apartment.
Although Luxon initially said she was “entitled” to receive benefits, she ultimately waived them and repaid the $13,000 she had previously received.
The allowance is meant for MPs based outside Wellington to find accommodation in the capital, but the prime minister rarely applies for it.
It is believed to be Luxon’s first visit in at least 34 years.
Christopher Luxon eventually waived his accommodation allowance to live in a Wellington apartment, although he initially said he was “entitled” to it.
photograph: RNZ / Samuel Rylston
Movers have been moving the prime minister’s belongings to the official residence in recent days, and his office confirmed the move on Monday.
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The upgrade to Premier House has so far cost $169,849.09, and some bills have yet to arrive, Newsroom said.
In addition, around $15,000 was spent on new items including mattresses and bed bases, Sky TV connectivity and other miscellaneous costs.
Luxon was briefed on the property late last year and presented with various options for upgrades, one of which cost $80 million.
The report recommended a $33 million renovation and proposed a long-term maintenance plan costing $27 million over 20 years.
Premier House, Tinacori Road, Thorndon, circa 1880, taken by an unknown photographer.
photograph: Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand
The independent report was commissioned in 2022 by then Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her family lived in the official residence from 2020 to 2022, after moving there permanently when the coronavirus lockdown came into effect.
Former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins also used the house from time to time, but was open about the fact that it needed renovation and was not in the best condition.
Many of the report’s findings conclude that the House of Commons “does not reflect the position” of the Prime Minister.
An assessment of the private apartment where the prime minister usually lives has found that the house does not meet the requirements of accessibility regulations, the roof will need to be replaced in 2025, there is little or no insulation and the windows are flat. It turned out to be layered glass.
