Rebranding aims to lift district image

A refreshed brand for Whanganui is set to be unveiled at an invitation-only event next month.

Mayor Annette Main said the need to update Whanganui's image had been identified as a priority in several strategies produced for the district council, including those concerning reputation management and economic development.

The cost of the project is yet to be calculated, as some material for it is still being produced.

A Visit Whanganui rebranding in 2013 was specifically for the visitor industry, however, this imagery would be relevant across the board.

"The refreshed brand will be available to everyone in Whanganui to use to promote our district, whether they are a business owner, community organisation, sports club, event promoter or just an individual who wants to add the brand to their email signature to tell the world how much they love Whanganui," Ms Main said.

She said the branding had been developed following a series of workshops with representatives from the business, tourism, event and community sectors.

The availability of consistent marketing material to fill the need expressed by many businesses and organisations looking to promote their Whanganui links would contribute significantly to co-ordinated marketing of the district, Ms Main said.

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub will be the guest speaker at the launch on October 6.

Mr Eaqub coined the now infamous "zombie town" tag for declining regional economies and has said that Whanganui needed to reinvent itself, if it wanted to maintain a sound economy.

Ms Main said the launch was being held to share the branding with those likely to be the first users of the material.