New rail loops Logo design

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 43, 14 April 1987, Page 10

New rail loops Logo design

Several new 'stations' have been created along the North Island Main Trunk line because of track alterations accompanying the electrification project. Deputy director of the project, Graham McGlashan says the new stations, which amount to no more than crossing loops, have been created through a rationalisation of the dis-~ tance between crossing

loops. "Sometimes the new loop has taken the name of one of the stations that was closed as was the case at Porewa where the new loop was between the old Porewa and Rata stations," he said. At other times, the new loop has taken the name of some nearby feature such as the Makatote loop which is near the Makatote viaduct. The reduction in the total number of stations has great cost savings. For example, the signalling alone for a crossing loop can cost $300,000.

With the formation of the new Department of Conservation comes a new logo to identify the department. The design of the logo is derived from a blending of established cultural symbols, both European and Maori. The role of the department is depicted in the traditional European heraldic shield form combined with a representation of the legend of Rangi, Papa and Tanemahuta, spirit of the forest and guardian of life from earth.

Tane is presented as the white frond-line form beneath Rangi, the sky father, appropriately rendered in blue and in protective stance over Papa, the earth mother, clothed in green. Included in the symbol are representations of growth, evolution, an initial letter C to prompt the word conservation and if the graphic is viewed from the opposite aiigle, New Zealand's national symbol, the kiwi, appears coincidentally but appropriately embraced by the protective arm of Tane.