A welcome sign along State Highway 85 at the northeast
entrance into Ranfurly could be replaced, if a winning idea
to enhance the town is adopted by the community. Photo by
Rosie Manins.
Rain, giant sheep, mini golf, statues, large gold pans,
and wind turbines were discussed by Maniototo Community Board
members at a meeting in Ranfurly this week.
The colourful conversation was prompted by a competition held
throughout the Maniototo between December 10 last year and
January 14, for which ideas had to be submitted about what
the town of Ranfurly needed.
Independent Maniototo radio station Burn 729AM organised the
competition, which generated more than 40 ideas, ranging from
an ATM machine to a large promotional statue or sculpture
comprising an Art Deco-style car mounted on a pole.
The ideas were submitted to the board, and members were asked
to vote for their favourite idea, the creator of which would
win $500 donated by local businesses.
Suggestions for promotional structures included the use of
farming symbols, curling stones, bicycles, rail tracks,
trains, clocks, wind turbines, gold pans, shearing equipment,
and a sun dial.
Others recommended filling Lake Taieri, creating a mini golf
course of the Otago Central Rail Trail, developing a fun
park, and employing a town crier.
Despite finding merit in a few ideas, board members could not
choose a winner and instead voted for the combination of two
concepts.
Signs at entrances into Ranfurly, with an Art Deco theme,
were chosen as the most appropriate way to represent the
town.
The symbols were already well associated with it.
Board member Stuart Duncan said although Ranfurly's history
was arguably dominated by rail, the town was now known for
its Art Deco buildings and annual festival.
Other members agreed any promotional structure or material
should stick to the Art Deco theme.
Although asked to vote for a winning idea, board members were
not expected to adopt or fund the chosen concept.
The $500 was to be equally divided between those who
submitted the two winning ideas.
It was possible a promotions group could use the list for
inspiration in the future, or decide to make the winning
concept a reality, chairman Richard Smith said.
rosie.manins@odt.co.nz
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