Rawene's Wedge catches judges' eye

The Wedge, on Rawene's waterfront, has won an award for its use of colour. PHOTO / SUPPLIED

A Hokianga building has won an international award for best use of colour.

The Wedge, one of Rawene's most distinctive landmarks, took out the top prize in the commercial exterior category of the recent Resene Colour Awards. The awards are open to building projects across Australasia and the South Pacific.

The Wedge, named for its unusual shape, occupies the corner of Parnell St and Clendon Esplanade.

It was bought three years ago by Auckland couple David Truscott and Gaynor Revill, who have painstakingly restored and repainted the entire building.

The couple, who have been visiting Rawene for the past 15 years and wanted a place of their own, did the painting themselves, choosing a lively combination of green, blue and orange.

The original idea was create an impression of a collection of buildings and a view that could be used to promote tourism in Rawene. The Wedge, and the Boatshed Cafe across the Esplanade, are highly visible from the Hokianga ferry.

Mr Truscott said they were taken aback when their project was announced as the category winner at a huge event for designers and architects in Wellington.

"We didn't expect to get anywhere but hoped there might be some publicity for the town by entering ... We did all of the painting ourselves and most people have been enthusiastic about the effect. We're pleased with the result and to win the award has been the icing on the cake."

Mr Truscott said their entry was boosted by the workmanship of Kaikohe's Malcolm Kildare, who did the building work. They won $1000 and a sculpted glass trophy.

Prizes were awarded in 12 categories. The runner-up for best commercial exterior went to another Northland project, Oceans Resort in Tutukaka.