Clutha District’s welcome signs are in the process of getting an upgrade.
Replacement will be a staged approach Clutha District Council Community Development Team Leader Lilly Paterson, said.
“Not all signs will be upgraded at the same time. The updates will be carried out gradually, and towns will be updated over the next couple of years.
“Our goal is to give these signs a consistent look with the black trim and consistent fonts, while allowing each town to maintain a unique identity.”
The idea is to involve community groups – and the results are starting to roll in, showing how each community has expressed its character and heritage.
Kaitangata’s welcome sign (pictured) was the first in the upgrades and can be seen in situ on the way in and out of town. The sign’s design reflects Kai’s rolling green hills, its coal mining past and present, which is highlighted in the ‘Black Gold Town’ title retained as part of its identity, along with its position on the Matau branch of the Clutha River.
“Some of the welcoming signs in the district are well in need of replacement, and it will be great to see fresh ones popping up over the next year or so,” Miss Paterson said.
“We will keep communities updated as soon as their town’s sign is due for its upgrade.”
Milton’s welcome sign is the second off the rank and was installed this week (4 February 2026). It depicts the Tokomairiro wetland and conservation area and its cultural and historic significance to the district, along with the more recent arrival of the cycle trail.
