New Ruapehu District councillor David (Rabbit) Nottage is proud of his quirky sartorial elegance.
His fashion sense has had people throughout Ruapehu fascinated by his choice of gear since he was elected to the council.
On the day of the formal council photograph, Mr Nottage was resplendent in sky-blue shirt,bright pink tie, orange shorts, sky-blue tights, brown leather Cossack boots and his single-tuft hairdo flattened by his favourite bright blue sunglasses.
"It's me ... everyone knows that my clothes are important to me," he said.
He admits, though, fellow councillor have threatened to take him shopping.
Mr Nottage is known throughout the Ruapehu area for his work and fundraising efforts for the community.
During the past three years, the "Snow Queen" Carnival in Ohakune has become hugely popular in the town, with most of the funding put up by Mr Nottage.
Asked if he might conform in some way to the formalities in the council chamber, Mr Nottage said that when there was a really formal occasion he would be suitably attired.
Local fashion designer Janelle Hinch had designed two formal outfits for him, he said. "I'm not saying any more."
Leaving for an informal council workshop yesterday, Mr Nottage said he had dressed for the day in his zebra-print long shorts, an Indian shirt depicting tigers and flowers, his brown boots and, of course, his obligatory sunglasses.
