The colourful conversation was prompted by a competition held throughout the Maniototo between December 10 last year and January 14, for which ideas had to be submitted about what the town of Ranfurly needed.
Independent Maniototo radio station Burn 729AM organised the competition, which generated more than 40 ideas, ranging from an ATM machine to a large promotional statue or sculpture comprising an Art Deco-style car mounted on a pole.
The ideas were submitted to the board, and members were asked to vote for their favourite idea, the creator of which would win $500 donated by local businesses.
Suggestions for promotional structures included the use of farming symbols, curling stones, bicycles, rail tracks, trains, clocks, wind turbines, gold pans, shearing equipment, and a sun dial.
Others recommended filling Lake Taieri, creating a mini golf course of the Otago Central Rail Trail, developing a fun park, and employing a town crier.
Despite finding merit in a few ideas, board members could not choose a winner and instead voted for the combination of two concepts.
Signs at entrances into Ranfurly, with an Art Deco theme, were chosen as the most appropriate way to represent the town.
The symbols were already well associated with it.
Board member Stuart Duncan said although Ranfurly's history was arguably dominated by rail, the town was now known for its Art Deco buildings and annual festival.
Other members agreed any promotional structure or material should stick to the Art Deco theme.
Although asked to vote for a winning idea, board members were not expected to adopt or fund the chosen concept.
The $500 was to be equally divided between those who submitted the two winning ideas.
It was possible a promotions group could use the list for inspiration in the future, or decide to make the winning concept a reality, chairman Richard Smith said.
