Governor Grey is a male Burmese who arrived at Old Government House (OGH), at the northern end of the Auckland University city campus, two years ago and is yet to leave. Photo / Facebook
Governor Grey is a male Burmese who arrived at Old Government House (OGH), at the northern end of the Auckland University city campus, two years ago and is yet to leave. Photo / Facebook
A historic mansion that's hosted politicians, royalty and academics has been taken over by a new kind of pedigree - a semi-celebrity cat.
Governor Grey is a male Burmese who arrived at Old Government House (OGH), at the northern end of the Auckland University city campus, two years ago and is yet to leave.
"He just turned up one day," says Emma Newborn, now official owner of Mr Grey and custodian at OGH.
"He was very thin and wane, and he had a wonky back leg. He still sits with his leg out to the side."
Ms Newborn felt sorry for the battered and bruised looking cat, so she fed him and then put him outside for the night hoping he'd head off home.
"But after I found him sleeping under my car for three nights I realised he wasn't going to go away."
A vet couldn't find a microchip and no one responded to advertisements, so Mr Grey stayed.
"He just turned up one day," says Emma Newborn, now official owner of Mr Grey and custodian at OGH. Photo / Facebook
The formerly-homeless puss is now a keen mouse-hunter with a very shiny coat. He is allowed free reign of the University grounds. He eats off antique china. He gets the best spot in front of the heater. And not only is he a favourite with visitors and students, he's attracting the most modern kind of notoriety - on Facebook - with 1000 friends and counting.
While that pales in comparison to other famous felines worldwide, such as Japanese-born Maru, who has attracted 200-million views on Facebook, Mr Grey's minders are proud of what he's achieved so far.
"I think he adds atmosphere here," says Ms Newborn.
"He helps create a sense of a community," adds Tim Biggs, Staff Common Room Manager at OGH.
Mr Grey receives from visitors from far and wide, and will patiently pose for selfies or spend an afternoon on an academic's lap. He also takes gifts, with one PhD student regularly leaving him tins of food.
Ms Newborn says while Mr Grey attends poetry readings, meetings and lectures at the House - which doubles as the staff common room and has rooms for visiting academics - he is particularly partial to a good hunting trip down near the gardener's sheds.
Mr Grey receives from visitors from far and wide, and will patiently pose for selfies or spend an afternoon on an academic's lap. Photo / Facebook
He also likes to test the Auckland University Security guards, setting off alarms all over campus as he goes patrolling.
"Governor Grey takes his duties as vicegerent very seriously and likes to keep a close eye over his dominion, compost heap and all," Ms Newborn says
Mr Grey's Facebook friends enjoy posting pictures of him to his page, with many rejoicing in his presence at OGH.
"It was a pleasure meeting you yesterday during my afternoon stroll. Spending 15 minutes with you made me really happy. Hope to see you soon!," wrote one, Ed Win.
Mr Grey's Facebook friends enjoy posting pictures of him to his page, with many rejoicing in his presence. Photo / Facebook
Others praise his many skills: "Congratulations on catching that mouse. You were too quick for me to take a photo," said Helen Luckie.
Mr Grey is named for influential New Zealand politician George Grey, who was twice Governor, from 1845 to 1853, and from 1861 to 1868, and also Premier.
Old Government House was the seat of government until 1865 when the capital was moved to Wellington.
