Auckland Council’s powerful pōhutukawa logo is no wallflower.
With its bright blooms, significant stamens and solid appearance, the logo has been at the heart of all council communications since Auckland Council was formed 10 years ago – after the merger of seven territorial authorities and the Auckland Regional Council.
The central pōhutukawa, itself a prominent symbol in Māori mythology, was the creation of retired commercial artist Jim Dean, from Manukau.
Jim’s design was labelled a “standout winner” following a council logo competition calling for entries earlier in 2010.
The former Waitakere City Council Mayor Bob Harvey (who chaired the judging panel) said the logo fitted the brief of being “compelling, elegant and compact”.
Dick Frizell, Karen Walker, Bill Ralston, Ema Tavola, Hamish Keith and Wayne Pihema were also on the judging panel.
Jim said he drew inspiration for the logo from Auckland's coastal environment, with the stamens on the pōhutukawa representing the seven territorial authorities joining together as one.
Auckland Council Brand and Design Studio Manager Darron Leslie said the elements within the logo are an apt representation of a united council overseeing a “super city”.
“The red blossom represents the diverse range of people who come together as one, the leaves either side represent our region, while the waves represent the bodies of water that flank us,” he said.
“When all of these elements come together, they create a symbol of our city that is both powerful and familiar.”
As Auckland Council moves into the future, the pōhutukawa logo will continue to live on in new and creative ways and represent a truly united Auckland.
