Waitaki’s new township signage closer to reality

Published on 24 February 2026

New signage for Waitaki's townships and district gateways has moved a step closer today, with Waitaki District Council issuing a Request For Quotes for the manufacture and installation of replacement signs across the district.

The new signs are the outcome of the Waitaki Story, a community-driven identity project that captures the character, history and stories of the district and its people. The designs reflect community feedback gathered through extensive consultation, including over 250 responses to Let's Talk Waitaki (the highest response rate for any Council survey last year).

Mayor Melanie Tavendale said: "These signs are something our community has told us they care about, and the designs reflect what people asked for, signs that are durable, complement our landscapes, and celebrate the unique character of each of our towns. I'm pleased to see this project moving forward."

The designs were developed in-house by Council's Strategic Communications & Engagement team, 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 developed as part of the broader Waitaki Story project.

Community feedback highlighted the importance of durability and natural materials that complement the landscape. Council's preferred option is the detailed corten steel design, a naturally weathering steel used widely in outdoor applications that is graffiti-resistant, requires no ongoing maintenance, and has a lifespan of 20–30 years. Each sign in this format features unique design elements reflecting the character and stories of its township.

The current district signage was installed around 16 years ago and was originally owned by Tourism Waitaki rather than Council. Many signs have now faded, been damaged, or are barely readable. Council has taken over ownership of the signage assets to ensure proper long-term asset management for the replacements.

Provided quotes come in within the approved budget, the project will proceed with the detailed corten steel option, with installation expected to begin this financial year and the project completed by the end of the year. If costs exceed the budget, the decision on whether to increase the budget or select an alternative format will be made by the Mayor and Councillors.

The signage designs and background information are available on Let's Talk Waitaki at https://letstalk.waitaki.govt.nz/waitaki-story.

ENDS

media@waitaki.govt.nz