Our three Welcome to Ōpōtiki signs offer a nostalgic nod to the past. Now in need of replacement these familiar signs will take on a new and inspired look – but we need your help.

Taking inspiration from the original 1960’s Rotary competition to design a welcome to Ōpōtiki sign, we’re asking our community to lend their creative talents as we work together to create a sign that speaks of us - and to us.

In this collaboration, the final sign will become what we imagine together. To make that happen, we need you.

Show us what you love about the mighty O and let your unique POV be the thing residents and visitors to the Ōpōtiki township see.

The winning design will be developed into physical signage and installed at the 3 key entry points to our town.

You don’t need to be an artist or designer – we can work with your design and refine it. What’s most important is your idea.

Judging Criteria

All submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria:

1. Relevance to Ōpōtiki (identity, story, place)
   • How well your design reflects Ōpōtiki - the people, history, whenua, and spirit. It’s your perception of our place.

1. Reo Rua and Bilingual expression
   • Valuable use of te reo Māori, tikanga or local narratives.
   • Evidence of consultation (where required) with mana i te whenua or knowledge holders.
2. Creativity and originality
   • Innovation, uniqueness, and visual impact. More weight will be given to user generated as opposed to generative artificial intelligence (AI) designs.
   • Avoidance of generic motifs or overused design elements.
3. Visibility and readability
   • Ability to be clearly seen and understood by passing motorists.
   • Must meet NZTA requirements around safety, non-driver distractions and not contributing to visual clutter.
   • Effective use of colour, contrast, scale, and typography.
   • Fits the dimensions provided (sign will be fit into the existing and original signposts from the 1960’s).