Downer NZ has been named a national design awards finalist for its work on two Scania trucks which tell the story of Matariki.
The company has been nominated in the business communication sector of the 2021 Designers Institute of New Zealand Best Awards.
During 2020, Downer undertook a campaign that involved eight state-of-the-art Scania trucks.
It painted the trucks black for maximum impact and provided a canvas to paint some special messages.
“These trucks have become moving billboards for our company, by showcasing artwork that tell four compelling stories about our country, our people, our partnerships, and our journey,” it says.
The initiative was a piece of a bigger project to show its commitment to inclusivity and acceptance, as part of the company’s ‘Own Different’ diversity campaign.
“It was important that the artwork considered Takatāpui (gender), kaumātua elders (age and wisdom), takatāpui (sexual orientation), Ngāti Mātāmuri (minorities) and values of manakitanga (kindness), kotahitanga (unity), and whānaungatanga (reciprocal relationships). All these things that are intrinsic to inclusion and acceptance,” the company says.
The first two trucks in the series told the story of Matariki, a cluster of stars seen in the winter sky, signalling the start of the Māori New Year.
“We wanted to honour this celebration of the people of Aotearoa, our culture and our community that connects us to the past and present while reflecting on how we are connected, and the world around us,” it says.
Downer released the first two trucks in celebration of Māori Language Week 2020.
The design winners will be announced at an awards night on October 8.
