Council draws on pride to capture town identity

Masterton's "Pou Project" has been launched and the call is out for the public to come up with symbols best representing Masterton.

The project entails placing timber poles up to 8m high at Masterton's entrance points, and smaller poles at key intersections, adorned with symbology reflecting Masterton's activities and culture.

On Monday night Masterton residents were invited to an official launch at the Frank Cody lounge, where designer Craig Turvey of 3D Creative outlined the scale of the project.

Small "pou" of cardboard, with signage and pamphlets, are now set up at locations around town, inviting ideas.

People can sketch their suggested designs on the back of the pamphlets, and drop it in a suggestion box.

Turvey said the 2011 entrance signage, of two children playing rugby, was relevant at the time, considering the World Cup.

"Masterton is more than an entrance just down by the bridge," he said.

"It's a little bit more than just a welcome sign. How can locals connect with their signage, and be reminded of why this is such a cool place to live?"

Turvey wants signage that developed the identity of the town.

"What visual elements could residents be proud of and actually own?"

His team came up with a series of words that represented Masterton, and realised it was difficult to capture as just one symbol.

"Our survey showed there was no one redeeming aspect of Masterton."

Instead, there was an abundance, including a strong service based industry, 40 learning institutions, a strong creative sector, lots of events, activities, sports; historical fame, and lots of visitor attractions, he said.

Turvey said this directed them towards the idea of "wayfinding" devices.

He was further inspired by the artwork on posts at the City To Sea bridge in Wellington.

"You can't use a word picture on the side of the road, you only get a fleeting moment," he said, adding New Zealand Transport Agency had rules on distracting signage.

The pine log and "rusted steel look" would be durable, low cost and future-proof, he said.

"It looks good from day one, and we know it's not going to change for decades."

Masterton District Council is treating it as a staged project, starting with the north and south entrance ways with three poles at each end.

"But with ownership by the community, these poles may be used at intersections and roundabouts.

"We want to give a common thread to the visitor - and hopefully some photo opportunities. This is an opportunity for Masterton to be recognised on a national level."

Deputy mayor Jane Terpstra said council was on a "very tight budget" but would progress as funds became available.

"We are hoping to get lots of feedback, ideas. We will collect them all, get a graphic artist to interpret them, and come up with a final nine symbols to go at both ends [of town]."

While the council hadn't finalised a site for the posts, she assured the audience the Golden Shears signage would remain.

Residents are encouraged to send their ideas to council, drop them off at one of the "Sign Posts" around town, log on to www.facebook.com/masterton-icons or tweet them to @Mastertonicons before July 30.