The latest sign, a simple green one at the southern end of town, does what a sign should -- it tells you where you are, in a simple and utilitarian way.
Some might like it; some may not.
I have been thinking about this since last month when I wrote a not-so-complimentary editorial about plans for 8m symbol-filled poles or "pou" to be located in sets of three at the town boundaries and also scattered through the town.
The good thing about that proposal is the community input and the recognition that there are many different aspects that symbolise a place -- it was the overall concept and the dominance of esoteric symbols with which I took issue.
Because the topic was on my mind, I took careful note of signage on a recent trip through Palmerston North to Levin.
Both towns have carved wooden signs with the name of the town, tastefully set off in brick or stone.
They are simple, attractive and serviceable, and they don't try to do too much.
Another town entrance which caught my eye was the northern roundabout to Masterton. Here, somebody has got it right.
Masterton South Rotary has erected a series of colourful flags. They are bright, attractive and simple.
They have the name of the town, Masterton or notretsaM depending on which way the wind is blowing.
They also have a few pictures representing things for which Masterton is known. There is a man shearing a sheep, which represents not only the aforementioned Golden Shears, but the sheepfarming industry as a whole, which is clearly an important part of Masterton's history and economy.
There is a balloon in the sky over Wairarapa hills, and there is the Castlepoint lighthouse, probably the most significant architectural structure in the district -- notwithstanding the six-story sky-scraper next to the library and the once-famous, now departed Centrepoint building that was reminiscent of a Mickey Mouse house.
And there is a picture of a bunch of grapes next to a wine glass, or what's left of it after wind damage in those corners of the flags.
Add a pine tree and there's not much more to say, really.
But if comments about the new sign on the Wairarapa Times-Age Facebook page are anything to go by, the topic is not closed yet.
