Scott Walklin Named 2026 Innovative Champion for Pushing the Boundaries of Signmaking
Scott Walklin from Sign Network has been named the winner of the 2026 Innovative Champion Award at the NZ Sign Display Awards for his innovative approach to the creation of a large-scale mural for Mauriora Kombucha.
The Innovative Champion Award recognises a specific project that demonstrates outstanding creativity, innovation, and environmental awareness through a new process, material, design approach, or installation method.
For the Mauriora Kombucha project, Scott and his team explored the use of virtual reality (VR) technology to create an 18.5m x 6m exterior mural. The project combined traditional mural techniques with new technology to improve the installation process, reduce waste, and create a more efficient workflow.
“The idea started when we saw someone using VR creatively on Instagram and thought, ‘Could we make that work for a mural of this scale?’ We bought the equipment, found the right software and started experimenting. The result was a process that was faster, more accurate and created far less waste than traditional layout methods.”
The VR process allowed the team to visualise and scale the artwork before transferring it onto the building, removing the need for traditional layout methods such as printed templates and reducing the amount of setup material required.
The judges recognised the project as an example of forward-thinking problem solving and a willingness to challenge traditional approaches within the sign industry.
NZSDA President and Awards Judge Logan Sutton shared that he was most impressed by the merging of traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. “Using VR to accurately layout a hand-painted mural is a great example of innovation supporting skilled trades rather than replacing them. The result wasn’t just an outstanding visual transformation, it also reduced waste, improved efficiency, and demonstrated how innovation can benefit every stage of a project!”
The completed mural now provides Mauriora Kombucha with a strong visual representation of its brand story, while also demonstrating how emerging technology can support more sustainable and efficient signmaking practices.
For Scott, the appeal of the sign industry is the constant opportunity to evolve.
“What I love about the sign industry is that it never stands still. New technology gives us opportunities to rethink traditional processes, but innovation isn’t about technology for its own sake—it’s about finding smarter, more efficient and more sustainable ways to produce great work.”
The Innovative Champion Award is supported by Total Supply and NZSDA, recognising projects that are helping shape the future of the signage industry through creativity, innovation, and sustainable thinking.
