Roadmarkers walking a fine line

It's not exactly like a gold medal in the world championships in athletics, but the roadmarking "Olympics" in Nelson still took speed, accuracy and effort.

The organisers of the 2009 New Zealand Roadmarkers Federation and Roadmarking Industry Association of Australia Conference and Exhibition added the competition to their conference, held in Nelson during the past two days.

"It is our fifth roadmarking Olympics in New Zealand," said federation executive director Alister Harlow. "This year we have four contestants. It's fiercely competitive."

One of the contestants was Nelson man Brent Connor, the South Island manager of Roadmarkers New Zealand. He had won the competition previously.

The contestants had to pass 20 questions on road safety and a practical exercise that required painting three car park lines, setting out an arrow and materials transfer in the car park of the Rutherford Hotel.

"I'm not too sure if I can win but it's definitely great fun," Mr Connor said. "Roadmarking is a thing not everybody can do and it is very important.

"If the painting on Nelson's roads goes wrong it can be dangerous for all road users."

With this in mind Mr Connor painted three neat car park lines for the competition.

"What counts is speed and accuracy," said Quality Surveillance director and roadmarking judge Ross Ridings.

Mr Connor ended up winning the competition again.

"I've done this job for 25 years. I love it."

- © Fairfax NZ News