Heretaunga Hastings gets a fresh look

A fresh new look for Hastings is being rolled out.

The new identity will be used to promote Hastings District across tourism and economic development activity and will also be used for Hastings District Council's business activities.

It replaces the ‘Heart of Hawke’s Bay’ logo and Council’s main gannet-adorned logo and will gradually extend to replace another 40-plus logos that have developed over the years – many of them not obviously linked to Council. It does not replace the official name of Council, its coat of arms or official seal.

It will be used across all facets of Council’s day-to-day business, creating better clarity for residents and ratepayers on what services, facilities and initiatives are being provided by Council.

The new Heretaunga Hastings brand aligns with Council’s Heretaunga Ararau Strategy (2020), which acknowledges the importance and significance of using te reo Māori across Hastings District and within Hastings District Council.

The roll-out will happen gradually, with a focus on replacing collateral such as signs and forms as they wear out or run out. “Even before the impact of the cyclone, this project was designed to be as cost-neutral as possible. We are very mindful that we do not waste budget by replacing items before they reach their end of life, and that we do not send waste to landfill unnecessarily,” says Hastings District Council marketing, communications and engagement group manager Naomi Fergusson.

One of the most visible early changes will be to the ‘gateway’ signs on the outskirts of Hastings. The signs were scheduled to be replaced under the Heretaunga Ararau Strategy in 2020/21 but the project was delayed to align with this project, made more timely due to some being damaged in the cyclone.

The other most visible changes will be to electronic assets, which can be easily changed at no cost.

The new logo is supported by a strategy, put together with input from residents, visitors, Council staff and councillors, outlining Council’s aspirations that when interacting with Council residents and visitors feel informed, satisfied, understood, optimistic and inspired.

“One of the things we learned from Christchurch in the wake of the earthquakes is how important it is to show everyone that we are open for business and that we are a great place to live. Keeping visitors and investment flowing into the region will help support our economy to recover, support employment, and help keep our spirits up as we continue the marathon journey that is recovery. This project is an important tool for our teams who work to promote our district to the country and the world.”

10 July 2023

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