Black is the new orange - Ohakune carrot is turning black
Wednesday 10 August 2011, 9:31AM
By Ruapehu District Council
520 views
The iconic Ohakune giant carrot that features in tourist photographs all over the world is scheduled for a makeover. Last painted in 2004 in the current carrot colour using Resene paint, this time the paint job will be black.
Mike Smith, from Visit Ruapehu says it’s a great idea and an excellent complement to the other activities planned for the region in the coming months.
“One of the challenges for Ruapehu is to get people off State Highway 1 and we think the giant black carrot will be a great catalyst for them to come and have a visit. It’s a great idea and everyone in the region is really supportive.”
Bruce Rollinson, Chairperson of the Ohakune Growers Association says “The Ohakune Growers Association welcomes the “Paint It Black” promotion. It is an exciting opportunity to be involved in further promotion of the town’s icon.”
The Ohakune Growers Association, Ruapehu District Council, Visit Ruapehu and Resene are working together to complete the project this month. The carrot will be painted by a local painter in Environmental Choice approved Resene CoolColour Black paint and Resene Sea Fog, which are both made in New Zealand. The Resene CoolColour paint is formulated with special pigment technology to reflect more heat than standard paint colours, so the CoolColour paint surface won’t get as hot as a normal black paint would.
Resene Marketing Manager, Karen Warman says “Resene has been New Zealand owned and operated since 1946 and we consider ourselves a very kiwi company, and like all great kiwis we like to cheer on and support our sports teams. We approached the local Ruapehu District Council and thanks to wholehearted support from them, the Ohakune Growers Association and Visit Ruapehu, we’re delighted that Ohakune will soon have a giant black carrot instead of a giant orange one.”
And for those that love the orange colour of the existing carrot – it will turn back to orange with fresh coats of Resene paint later this year. So if you’re wanting to be photographed with the “Paint it Black” carrot you’re best to start planning your visit now.