4 April 2019
Today, after thirty years, South Wairarapa District Council has an updated brand identity, including new logo, fonts and colour palette. The circular logo shows Lake Wairarapa and mountains, both iconic features of the district’s natural environment.
Mayor Viv Napier says, “we believe the new look better reflects who we are as a council and community. The old logo, which shows four white men shaking hands, was outdated and didn’t reflect the society we live in or how we wanted to be portrayed.
“The new logo shows us to be a modern and progressive council, and acknowledges the important standing of Māori in our district,” says Ms Napier.
The Māori Standing Committee chose the aspirational Te Reo words that have been included. MSC Chair Riahania Tipoki explains, “the words ‘Kia Reretahi Tātau’ mean ‘let’s fly together’ or ‘let’s collaborate’.
“The inclusion of Wairarapa Moana in the logo signifies an overdue recognition that our natural environment must be inherent in our decision-making processes. The Māori fishing hook depicted in the landscape references the Moana as ‘Te Karu o Te Ika ā Māui’ (The Eye of The Fish of Māui),” explains Mr Tipoki.
The logo development process started in February 2018 with the creation of a Branding and Logo Working Party, chaired by Greytown Community Board Chair Leigh Hay.
Leigh Hay says, “we’re delighted with the new logo. It’s been a true partnership between council staff, elected members and has the blessing of our ratepayers”.
The new branding and logo are the creative work of South Wairarapa-based agency Satellite Design. Jo Lysaght, of Satellite Design, met with community groups and Council to get inspiration for the logo design.
“The lake is important for all people and no matter where you come from everyone seems to have a connection with it. It really is the jewel in South Wairarapa’s crown.
“The colours represent the region’s long, hot summers, which I fondly remember as a child,” says Ms Lysaght.
Satellite Design developed a series of logo designs, of which two were tested with ratepayers. Results from a survey of 400 randomised South Wairarapa ratepayers, in January, showed overwhelming support for the winning design over the second option. It was preferred by 62% of ratepayers, who agreed it was an accurate and appropriate representation of the Council, its services and the district.
To date the updated identity has been applied to the Council’s website, prominent signage, vehicles, advertisements and newsletter. The sign as you enter South Wairarapa at the top of the Remutuka Hill is also being replaced. The full roll-out of the new logo will be completed over the next financial year.
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Media contact
Amy Wharram
027 252 2863
