'Humungus' sign proposed

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 235, 15 March 1988, Page 3

'Humungus' sign proposed

Some novel ideas have been suggested for signboards welcoming visitors to the Waimarino. Among them are signs high up on the Makatote Viaduct, on rock cliffs in the Paraparas and etched into grass on a hillside using weedkiller. These suggestions were made during a long discussion on the sub-

ject at a recent meeting of the Ruapehu South Business Association. Chairperson Sue Allomes told the meeting signboard kiosks were planned at the entrances to the Waimarino. These followed designs laid down by the NZ Tourist and Publicity Department and approved by the National Roads Board. However, it was felt

the kiosks were too restrictive. Mr Paul Scarf said the highest priority was for a huge sign somewhere at Waiouru showing the Ohakune road as an alternative route. Mr Garrick Workman, Mayor of Raetihi, said the procedure was to approach the relevant local authority and then the NRB. Mr Andy Chapman, marketing manager for

Turoa Skifields, said it would be better to avoid procedures and d o something different. Mr Harvey Bell, developer of the proposed Hamlet resort, said, "Let's get a thundering great trailer and a sign on it and park it somewhere with one wheel missing." Mr Chapman agreed saying, "A humungus sign erected on the

back of an old truck off Coles could be the answer." rMr Bell came up with another idea. "How about using weed killer to write a sign on a thundering great hill somewhere." When someone suggested erecting a sign high on a cliff or bridge, Mr Noel Shepherd said it would not be difficult to put a sign on the Makatote Viaduct. The meeting decided to pursue several of the suggestions by writing to the various authorities for permission.