Sign of the times: John Hytongue on how signage improves community spaces

For over 12 years, John Hytongue has been the steady hand behind much of the signage that helps define, direct, and brighten community spaces in Christchurch and across the country where Citycare Property operates. As Citycare Property's dedicated Signwriter, John plays a key role in maintaining and enhancing the places where people live, learn, work, and connect.

"I've always loved the variety," John says. "One day it's vehicle wraps, the next it's glass tinting, or framing up a new wayfinding sign."

John joined Citycare Property from polytech with a design degree in hand. Since then, he has become a vital part of our ongoing work to maintain, refurbish, and renew community assets acrosss Aotearoa. 

A recent step forward for the team was the arrival of a new HP Latex printer, cutter, and laminator, replacing a 20-year-old solvent-based setup. The difference has been immediate. 

"We've gone from waiting 24 hours for prints to dry, to installing signage the same day," John explains. "The new setup uses water-based inks, which are not only better for the environment, but safer to work with, use less ink, and dry instantly."

The system can produce up to 50 metres of signage in just four hours, drastically improving turnaround times for both internal and external work. It also reduces manual handling, automating key parts of the process. 

"All of our signage for the company and our customers goes through design and production here," says John. "Then our install teams take it out across the country. We always aim to deliver within 48 hours of a request."

As the team continues to grow, so does the opportunity to offer signage services to more external customers to complement the internal needs of Citycare Property and other partners. 

A recent standout project was the refurbishment of an old library return box in New Brighton, where John and the team gave a forgotten community fixture a fresh look through simple, thoughtful design and careful application. 

John says, "It's about making a space look cared for."

With full training in 3M paint protection film, vinyl wrapping, and glass tinting, John brings a wide skillset and deep experience to the role and he's ready for what's next.