Whanganui District Council has rolled out a new council brand, a project initiated by former chief executive David Langford in 2023. The council undertook the rebrand to help the community easily recognise council materials and services, and to support Whanganui’s reputation as an attractive destination for visitors and businesses.
The council selected an Auckland-based designer with strong connections to Whanganui through study at the former Whanganui School of Design and whānau ties. The total project cost was $116,899, which included specialist input and design work, with $61,800 specifically covering the brand design component. All costs were met through existing budgets by redirecting savings from reduced communications spending in areas such as advertising.
The rebrand is being implemented gradually over two to five years to keep costs down. Rather than replacing all signage and materials at once, updates will occur as items naturally need replacing across council signage, digital channels, reports, vehicles, and other materials. The council acknowledged it should have been clearer about the cost breakdown from the outset, after questions were raised about the $61,800 figure initially shared.
The new brand is designed to be modern and well-designed while fitting with Whanganui’s heritage and reflecting the awa. The council aims for the brand to make council operations easily recognisable across all platforms and to contribute positively to how Whanganui is experienced by residents and visitors alike.
Read the full article at Whanganui District Council – News →
Source: Whanganui District Council – News. This summary was published by Input Ltd via amalgamation.nz, New Zealand’s central resource for local government amalgamation news and council merger updates.
