Government House

The official transfer of the capital of Fiji from Levuka, on the island of Ovalau, to its current location on Queen Elizabeth Drive (September).

When Fiji’s capital changed from Levuka to Suva, some of the building material that made up the old Government House was also transferred from Nasova, Levuka. The site where the new Government House in Suva stands was initially called Korobaba.

The old structure was burnt down after being struck by lightning on 21 March. Construction of a bure as a temporary residence for Governor Sir Cecil Hunter-Rodwell and Lady Rodwell.

Ceremony of the handover of the bure to the Governor and Lady Rodwell.

After burning down, construction for the structure that stands today commenced

The Whan Construction Company completed the concrete building on 10 April. It was designed by the government architect Mr. Ludolph. Sir Cecil Hutson was the first Governor to reside in the Government House from 14 April.

When Fiji became independent this year, Government House became the official residence of the Governor General until 1987.

Following a military coup, Fiji became a Republic and Government House was declared the Presidential Residence. It was the residence of Fiji’s first President, H.E. President Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau (5 December 1987 – 15 December 1993).

Official residence of H.E. President Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara (16 December 1993 - 29 May 2000).

Official residence of H.E. the late President Ratu Josefa Iloilo (4 January 2007 – 30 July 2009).

Official residence of H.E. the late Brigadier-General (Rtd.) Ratu Epeli Nailatikau (30 July 2009 – 12 November 2015).

Official resident of the first non-iTaukei President H.E. Major-General (Rtd.) George Konrote (12 November 2015 – Incumbent). 

Commencement of the renovations of the Government House in January.