The country’s major show for signage and display opened this morning in Christchurch, part of the New Zealand Sign and Display Association’s annual weekend of celebrations.
Lift off, Brian Fairchild (l) and Bevan Weal at Sign NZ Expo
Taking place at the Air Force Museum in Wigram, the biennial Sign NZ Expo numbers among the weekend events for NZSDA members that also include the annual conference; the annual awards show; and the New Zealand Wrap competition, followed by the Trans-Tasman Challenge.
The weekend also sees Taupo’s Bevan Weal officially taking over as NZSDA president from Nick Baty, who has also just finished his last year judging the Sign Awards. Weal says, “The Sign NZ Expo gives our signage community a chance to bring suppliers and sign makers together to network and discuss the latest technologies, trends, and innovations. It’s a great way to kick off what will be a weekend to remember.â€?
The awards show takes place tomorrow night. Brian Fairchild, secretary for NZSDA, says organisers look forward to an exciting weekend of events after putting the hard work into planning over the past year. He says, “New Zealand can boast some of the best, most creative, and most innovative signage people in the world. It’s important to give our people in the industry an opportunity to celebrate their excellent work and craft. Our New Zealand sign making, really of a global standard, covers the traditional aspects of the industry such as brush lettering, gilding and airbrushing; through to the modern techniques that digital has brought to the craft.â€?
Industry supplies have come to the fore to support the show. Along with major sponsors Uniscreen, Total, and PSP, the event has welcomed a further 30 exhibitors and expanded its floor space from the last show in Auckland.
They have also supported the Vehicle Wrap competition, which offers a prize pool total of almost $40,000. Total Supply has provided first prize: a Mimaki JV400-160LX 7 colour latex printer. For the second prize winner, Jenrite has a Polar 1610 cold roller mounter/laminator ready to go. Sign Supplies will provide the third prize winner with a $2,000 credit account. Fourth prize, a 1524mm wrap kit, comes via 3m. The NZSDA will provide a personalised Health and Safety pack for fifth place.
