The Gore District Council is considering entrance signs for Gore and Mataura that reflect its progressive aspirations for the District, and have the potential to become visitor attractions in their own right.
Earlier this year councillors looked at numerous options for Welcome To signs produced by a local graphic designer and a Wellington-based designer, whose has family ties with Gore. Staff are presently sourcing costings and construction options from local companies on the preferred option.
Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks acknowledged the project has been on the table for quite some time.
“It actually had its genesis in 2009 when we identified the need to update existing signage. Since then the project has been profiled in asset management plans with funding flagged in our 10-Year-Plans.”
When considering the concepts created, councillors were asked to think about which designs best reflected the District’s brand and would stand the test of time, Mr Hicks said.
“Welcome To town signage can be more than just informational.
“I believe it should ensure the first impression people have of our main centres reflects the Council’s progressive aspirations and enhance the District’s appeal to visitors.”
However, the Council needs to know costs before any final decisions are made, Mr Hicks said.
Communications/Marketing Manager Sonia Gerken said the existing signs for Gore and Mataura were passed their use-by date. The sign at the north-east entrance to Gore, at McNab, had been the subject of a number of complaints from the public and consequently removed.
Work on the project went on hold in 2014 when the Council embarked upon the District-wide rebranding project. A project team involving the arts and heritage manager and events and promotions coordinator picked it up two years ago.
“Our brief to designers was for signage that did not define the District in the usual ways. The aim was to get something that embodied the principles of our brand, i.e. a bold, progressive District with a unique way of life and forward thinking community.”
The result was a number of design options from both ends of the spectrum. There was the conventional stonewall option through to the unconventional statement piece, Mrs Gerken said.
Any signs adjacent to a state highway will require input from the New Zealand Transport Agency.