‘creating a
platform for
change’
Multichannel brand – Climate Change Commission He Pou a Rangi
About
The Climate Change Commission (He Pou a Rangi) is an independent Crown entity advising the New Zealand Government on climate change action within the Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act framework.
We were asked to create a new logo and brand when the new Commission was established from the previous Interim Climate Change Committee.
The Māori name He Pou a Rangi means ‘a pillar of the sky’ (upholders and carers of the sky). The name uses ‘He’ (a) rather than Te (the) because the Commission is only one of many pou (organisations) working together to support New Zealand’s transition to a low emissions, client-resilient economy.
Approach
The creative solution for the logo drew inspiration from this idea of interconnected pou, while the colour gradient helps convey the concept of movement/transformation.
An important aspect of the brief was that the Commission is not an environmental agency but an economic one, so the clean, modern design had to reflect this idea.
We created a colourful, vibrant brand texture based on the logo shapes, which was applied across document designs, presentation templates and graphics for the office interior. In true keeping with the eco-friendly nature of the organisation, a large logo in the reception area was made out of printed plywood rather than plastic.
Outcomes
Keeping in mind the serious and sometimes confronting subject matter that the Commission’s work covers, the design leans heavily into neuroaesthetics. This is done by focusing on creating a brand and application that is professional, calming and considered.
The Commission’s advice is independent and evidence-based – this is supported by the professional and reassuring tone of the designs, which are used to present and enhance the findings and data.
The visual presentation – its tone, as well as its focus on straightforward navigation and clarity – fulfils its role in supporting the credibility and impartiality of the content.
