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Published on 08 October 2026
It’s not just the launch of Netflix’s East of Eden, the boost in tourism figures, or our inclusion in the 2027 Lonely Planet Guide that are good signs for the Waitaki District.
New detailed corten steel and powder coated aluminium signage will soon be replacing the printed signs installed around 16 years ago thanks to community input and feedback on locally-designed signage and the work of Ōamaru firm Acucut.
"To get such high-quality signage created locally is a real win for Waitaki" said Mayor Mel Tavendale “Acucut have done a fantastic job bringing the design to life, a design that was inspired and guided by the voices of our community through public consultation and feedback over the last couple of years. I look forward to them going up once they’re all ready.”
The designs were informed by community conversations held across the district and ideas shared through social media and the Let's Talk Waitaki platform. The signs feature the Waitaki brand identity, including the distinctive river-inspired pattern developed with Ross Hemera as part of the broader Waitaki Story project.
Community feedback highlighted the importance of durability and natural materials that complement the landscape. The new signs are fabricated from corten steel, have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, and have been approved for installation by NZTA along the State Highways which connect the district’s townships.
The new township signs measure 3m wide by 1.8m high, with the new gateway signs standing 1.3m wide and 1.6m high. This budget was set in 2023, and rolled over as the project progressed until signage could be tendered for and constructed.
The total budget for the 26 new signs including installation was $200,986.24.
ENDS
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