Local youth input to play key role in revitalisation of Westport’s street flags

Palmerston and Brougham Streets are set to receive a vibrant makeover through a project which will revitalise the street flags along Westport’s main throughfares.

The initiative will see the town’s tired, weathered street flags, which are due for replacement, revitalised with bright new designs created by local children.

Primary school students from Years 0–6 have been invited to submit artwork reflecting what they love most about Westport.

From these entries, ten winning designs will be selected through a voting process, facilitated by a six-person selection panel comprising members from the Buller Arts Council, Kawatiri Youth Voice and Promoting Buller.

Group Manager Community Services Krissy Trigg says: “The chosen designs will then be proudly displayed along both main streets, giving our local children's creativity a platform by showcasing their artwork in our new flag designs.

“Council’s Communication and Engagement team will lead facilitation of the flag design process in local schools, and our Property team will assist with implementation and installation once the flags have been printed.”

The budget for the flags’ replacement is within the planned management of council’s assets and will cost $5,800.

Looking ahead, council is also exploring the feasibility of working with additional primary schools to expand the project wider across the district. In addition, there are plans to engage with Buller High School students to help design replacements for some of the older themed sets of flags, such as the current whitebait designs.

The new flags are expected to be unveiled in November, bringing colour, energy, and celebration of our youth to Westport’s main streets.

“We hope the flags will give our town a fresh new look prior to the arrival of holidaymakers this summer and will be something our tamariki can be proud of for years to come” concludes Ms Trigg.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz 

Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time
of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.