New entrance signs for Greytown

Final concept for new Greytown entrance signs.

A fresh look will greet visitors to Greytown after a design for the new 'Welcome to Greytown' signs was officially given the seal of approval.

The Greytown Community Board held a competition last year to find the best idea for two signs to go at the north and south ends of the town.

"We did quite an extensive briefing for the look and feel that would reflect positive things about Greytown," said board member Leigh Hay.

The winner was Greytown sculptor and Kuranui College art teacher Roger Thompson, who proposed a steel cut-out design, in his signature style.

Mrs Hay said the design captured the history of Greytown by incorporating its historical buildings, Papawai Marae and a stylised tree to symbolise Arbor Day.

It reinforced the town as a "beautiful Victorian village" and reflected its Maori heritage, she said.

"We wanted it to stand out ... to be a memorable welcome."

Mrs Hay said Mr Thompson collaborated with people from Papawai Marae and they consulted with South Wairarapa District Council and NZTA on location and installation.

Members finally agreed on the final design at their monthly meeting last week, said Mrs Hay.
"We've been working on this now for well over a year.
"There was a lot of fine tuning to the design."

She said the laser cut steel signs will be about 1.5 metres wide by 5 metres tall.

"We are hoping to have them installed by the end of the year."

A budget of $10,000 was set for both signs.