Southland spirit flying high!

The Southland Spirit of a Nation flag was flying high over the city signalling the launch of a highly visible community-based campaign for the Southland brand.

Brand co-ordinator, Gerry Forde, seized the opportunity to fly the regional flag from a tower crane that is on a rare visit to the inner city as part of the reconstruction of the High and District Courthouse in Don Street, Invercargill.

“It’s a great way to let Southland know that the Spirit is flying high in the community!” Gerry Forde said.

The highly visible Southland flag coincided with the start of a new campaign that will see the brand active in the schools, community organisations, business and events, said Forde.

“A tightening in the local market combined with a long cold spell means we need a good dose of Southland spirit to lift our energy and use our local pride as motivation,” Mr Forde said.

He called on people to show their pride by using the Southland Spirit of a Nation promotional merchandise available from H&J Smith and Quantum Print.

“If you’re going out of the province, take some Southland spirit with you whether it be number plate surrounds, tees and clothing with the brand logo – we’ve got to let that pride show because it lifts us,” Mr Forde said.

The reconstruction of the High and District Courthouse in Don St Invercargill, is a project managed by Arrow International, a company that is proud to throw its weight behind both the development of Southland and the Southland brand, according to local branch manager, Nick Hamlin.

“Arrow is a team of proud local people and our clients are proud Southlanders who want to see support going back into the Southland market – getting in behind Southland Spirit of a Nation as a major sponsor is a great way to show that,” Mr Hamlin said.

A tower crane is a rarity in Invercargill and the reason for its use comes back to community feeling.

“Because the tower crane can be installed on site, there’s no need to close Don Street during construction and that significantly limits the disruption to the community,” Mr Hamlin said.

Mr Forde sees the whole exercise as a symbol of the Southland spirit.

“We have a company like Arrow directly active in the development of the city and at the same time showing its pride and concern for the community,” he said.

 - Photo courtesy of the Southland Express