In 1999, the 41km stretch of State Highway 1 was honoured because the towns it connected shared names with former United States president Bill Clinton and his vice-president Al Gore, in office from 1993 to 2001.
Flagpoles were erected to fly the flags of New Zealand and the US above the new signboard, and for many years travellers would stop to take photos.
Today the masts are in a state of disrepair, the colours are not flown and Waipahi and the Clutha District Council must make a decision on their future.
Waipahi resident Brendon Burgess said someone used to raise and lower the flags daily, and occasionally, they were stolen.
"It's pretty Kiwi to have a local landmark, like the Clinton clydesdales and the trout in Gore," Mr Burgess said.
"So I suppose council could find out if anyone local wants to take responsibility for them before they decide what to do, but I travel the district a lot and there are plenty of other things falling apart, like potholes that need fixing."
It was hoped Mr Clinton would come and visit the presidential highway when he was in New Zealand for the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) conference in Auckland in 1999.
But Mr Clinton did not make it to Clutha — the closest he got was Queenstown for a round of golf.
In early 2001, Mr Clinton left the White House after the election was won by Republican George W. Bush.
Since then the signage has become part of the landscape and local interest has flagged — until now.
At a meeting of the West Otago Community Board on Wednesday the poles were discussed following a note from council operations staff requesting direction on the poles’ future, as there was no funding available for maintenance.
The council had received comments about the state of the flagpoles.
"Since they are on a state highway, we decided to consult with Waka Kotahi [NZ Transport Agency] and get their feedback before making any decision," board chairwoman Barbara Hanna said.
Pending any landmark decision to repair or take the poles apart, Waipahi’s unflappable icon remains high and dry.
Mr Burgess’ advice was pragmatic rather than salutary.
"If they’re going to remain, they ought to look good," he said.
"But it was 25 years ago.
"If they want to spend money, they might find something a bit more relevant."
