Black is the new orange

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 in August 2011. The carrot is 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 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 has, for a short time anyway, a giant black carrot mascot.

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.

History about the Ohakune giant carrot

The Ohakune giant carrot was officially unveiled in 1984. It was originally designed as a prop for a bank advertisement. A group of enthusiastic growers saw the opportunity to own the giant carrot. It was then trucked from Wellington to Ohakune and has been promoted as the town's icon ever since representing the commercial growing industry of Ohakune which provides a large base of fresh winter vegetables for New Zealand consumers.