New Zealand Prime Minister John Key will be adding another aspect to his wardrobe this year, high-visibility.

The Prime Minister viewed an art show with a ‘hi-vis twist’ today during his visit to CPIT’s Madras Street campus, where the institute’s Design students showcased their first interpretative visual projects for 2011, ‘Reworking the High-Vis Vest’ as a quirky play on official earthquake-related attire.

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Dr. Jane Gregg, CPIT’s Dean of Creative Industries, said the challenge was ideal for the students who, following the re-opening of the city-based campus this week, were quickly getting back to their normal study routine.

“Scotland has tartan, the USA has the Stars and Stripes, and now Christchurch is becoming the “hi vis” capital of the world,” said Gregg.

“High vis indicates danger, but our design students are seeking to put a fun and positive spin on this new symbol of the Canterbury spirit of recovery.”

CPIT Chief Executive Kay Giles said the Prime Minister’s visit was timely as the institute welcomed back students to the city campus.

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“The Prime Minister’s visit to CPIT today was exciting for both our staff and students. Not only has the Prime Minister been able to gain an appreciation for the great progress CPIT has made since the February earthquake, but he has also experienced first-hand the amazing talents of our students,” said Giles.

CPIT’s School of Art & Design presented the Prime Minister with a specially-designed, high-visibility tie as part of the art show.

ENDS

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