But wait, there’s more: Welcome to Mataura signs to be painted
The steel wording on new “Welcome to Mataura” signs will be painted in the colour of the town’s rugby club, in the hope they’ll be easier to read.
But lighting the signs up at night might not happen - NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says the illumination of “welcome” signs adjoining state highways is not permitted.
A selection of maroon and gold paint swatches – the official colours of the town’s rugby club and primary school – were included in the agenda for the Mataura Community Board’s meeting last Monday.
A report from Gore District Council roading asset manager Murray Hasler said they would be used to paint the corten steel lettering.
This would provide a better contrast with the concrete plinth background.
It’s yet another step in the 19-year-long search for replacement signs welcoming visitors to the southern town.
Since 2005, the board and the council had planned to replace the “Welcome to Mataura” signs at the entrances to the Southland town, about a 10-minute drive south of Gore.
The first new sign was put up in December at the southern entrance to the town, but by February, cracks had appeared in the resin and it had to be fixed.
The report says KiwiRail has confirmed its approval of the northern site of a new sign to be put up, and will be providing a rail protection officer so that contractors can get started on constructing a foundation in the next week.
In November 2023, the council ratified the board’s recommendation that sign illumination options and costs be provided, but while checking with NZTA, it became apparent that the illumination of “welcome” signs was not allowed.
A formal request to NZTA would need to be made, requesting an exemption to its policy, with illumination options then being explored, together with costs.