It's pink or blue for a red-letter day

Masterton could be in the pink - or blue - later this month depending on the sex of a baby born on the other side of the world.

Plans are afoot to light up prominent buildings in the town in one of the two hues to recognise the birth of a son, or daughter, to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Masterton mayor Garry Daniell said the idea arose from an email his office received from Sean Palmer, chairman of Monarchy New Zealand, and had been sent on to property developer David Borman. "I sent it to David as he is intending to light up the Wairarapa Times-Age building, the Public Trust and Masterton Town Hall.

"It would certainly help him if we knew the sex and date of the new royal's arrival," Mr Daniell said.

Dr Palmer floated the idea of lighting up monuments or landmarks recognising the birth of Prince William and Catherine's baby in celebration of a child who will one day be King or Queen of New Zealand.

The initiative was prompted by the huge amount of positive feedback Monarchy New Zealand received after Auckland War Memorial Museum was lit up in purple for the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's rule.

Councils throughout New Zealand have taken up the idea with Auckland City Council planning to light up The Cloud on Auckland waterfront, Hamilton City Council lighting up Victoria Bridge and Christchurch City Council lighting up the new airport control tower.

Palmerston North City Council has indicated it may light up its clock tower.