Ōtorohanga District Council logo review
Why we’re consulting
In December 2024, Council changed its organisational logo from the three kiwi beaks to Te Ōhanga - The Nest. The intention was to align the organisational logo with broader Council branding, and to reflect themes of connection, weaving and collective effort across the district.
Following the change, some community members raised concerns - particularly around the removal of the kiwi symbol. Council has agreed to pause further rollout and seek community feedback before confirming the final direction.
Council is now consulting to better understand district-wide sentiment before making a final decision.
If you would like to understand the meaning behind the logos please read the History and Context document to the right.
What we’re consulting on
We are seeking feedback on three logo options:
Option 1 – Return to the former Kiwi Beaks logo
If Council chooses this option there is a higher implementation impact than other options such as:
Updates required to signage, templates, uniforms, decals, print materials and digital assets
Work would be phased in gradually to avoid waste
Staff time needed to update digital forms and templates
Costs managed through renewal cycles where practical
Community familiarity with existing symbol would return
Option 2 – Keep Te Ōhanga / The Nest as it is
If Council chooses this option it has the lowest implementation impact compared to other options meaning:
No further design work required
No additional rollout required beyond existing use
Existing materials and templates continue unchanged
No additional staff time required to make updates
Option 3 – Te Ōhanga / The Nest with a kiwi added
If Council chooses this option it will have some implementation impact such as:
Most physical changes can be achieved through decals/stickers rather than full replacements
Some staff time required to update digital templates and documents
Costs managed by phased implementation through renewal cycles
Provides hybrid identity acknowledging both elements used historically
Any changes would be phased in over time and aligned with normal renewal cycles where practical to reduce unnecessary cost and waste.
How we are gathering feedback
Council is gathering sentiment through:
An official online submission form - link below (with paper versions available)
Posters where you can choose your prefered option through dot-democracy (using stickers to show your favorite logo). These can be found at Council, Ōtorohanga Library, Arohena Play-Centre and Kāwhia General Store
Informal engagement through Council's social media
To ensure fairness and transparency, we ask participants to respect one person – one voice, and to use only one feedback method. Only submissions received through official channels will be included in formal analysis.
This consultation is not a referendum. Council will make the final decision after reviewing all feedback received.
Timeline
Consultation period: open now and closes 6 February 2026
Council meeting and decision: 24 February 2026
Implementation (if required): phased in over time to align with renewal cycles and manage cost impacts
What happens next
After consultation closes, all feedback will be analysed and presented to elected members. Council will consider:
Community sentiment
Cost and implementation implications
Staff time required
Long-term impact for the organisation and district
Council will then make a final decision at the Council meeting on 24 February 2026.
