The garden at Government House, Auckland, is a rare survivor from an era when many large New Zealand estates had landscaped grounds. Most such gardens have been subdivided or become public parks. Some of the trees dating from the 1870s are amongst the oldest in the country and the garden retains the lava outcrops and the original vegetation that were once a feature of the area. The house was built in 1921 by Sir Frank and Lady Mappin who spent 45 years combining the natural features of the site, existing new trees and new plantings to develop the garden we see today. The Mappins gifted the house and garden to the crown in 1966 for use as a vice-regal residence. It is a permanent challenge to maintain the original character of the garden in a climate that encourages lush growth. Maintenance and development of the garden is under the direction of as management plan and a garden committee. Management goals are based on the recognition that the garden is a national treasure and seek to conserve its historical, botanical and design values.