South Wairarapa District Council communication manager Amy Wharram, left, designer Jo Lysaght, council’s logo working party chairwoman Leigh Hay, councillor Pip Maynard, and South Wairarapa Mayor Viv Napier. PHOTO/HAYLEY GASTMEIER
HAYLEY GASTMEIER
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Out with the old and in with the new.
South Wairarapa District Council welcomed the roll out of its fresh logo this week, waving goodbye to its 30-year-old emblem which has been described as “mono-cultural” with four white men shaking hands.
Designed in Tauherenikau, the new circular logo includes Lake Wairarapa and the surrounding mountain ranges.
South Wairarapa Mayor Viv Napier said the fresh look better reflected the values of the council and community.
“[The old one] was outdated and didn’t reflect the society we live in or how we wanted to be portrayed.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 Maori in our district.”
The council’s Maori Standing Committee was consulted over the new design and chose the aspirational Te Reo words ‘Kia Reretahi Tatau’, which feature in the emblem and translate as ‘let’s fly together’, or ‘let’s collaborate’.
Jo Lysaght and Dave Murray, of Satellite Design, were behind the new look.
Lysaght said it was clear from meetings with community groups and the council that Lake Wairarapa had to be included.
“At the end of the day it seemed to be the thing that kept coming up,” she said.
“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.”
She said the colours represented the region’s long, hot summers, which she fondly remembers from childhood.
Heading the rebranding project was Greytown Community Board chairwoman Leigh Hay.
“It’s been a true partnership between council staff, elected members and has the blessing of our ratepayers,” she said.
The full rollout of the new logo will be completed over the next financial year.
This design is so much better than the old one depicting 4 white business men shaking hands to seal the deal on who gets the sheep.