Ashburton’s iconic clock tower will begin glowing orange next week for the duration of Zonta’s 16-day international campaign against domestic violence.

Orange is the signature colour of the Zonta Says No campaign, which will run from Friday 25 November until Saturday 10 December.

The campaign is recognised by all 66 countries where there are Zonta Clubs, including 28 Clubs in New Zealand and the local Zonta Club of Ashburton.

Local club spokesperson Alison Grant said the campaign was about increasing awareness of domestic violence, as only 25 per cent of cases were reported.

“Our mission in Zonta is to give women and girls equal rights and opportunities, to eliminate violence and to improve the lives and women and girls worldwide.”

Council Chief Executive Hamish Riach said Council supported the campaign message and lighting up the clock tower orange at night would help raise awareness within the Ashburton community.

“Family violence happens at all levels of society, and affects all members of a family, so it is important people know where they can access help and support.”

Council staff change the colour of the LED strip lighting by accessing an electronic controller in the base of the clock tower. The lights are usually one colour, though there is an option for a multi-coloured display.

The lights are currently glowing purple to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer and premature babies. Council receives several requests throughout the year for colours to mark special events.

After the Zonta Says No campaign finishes on 10 December, the multi-colour mode will be chosen to run through the festive season.

Mr Riach said the clock tower was widely recognised as a symbol of Ashburton and the celebration lights had been a feature for almost seven years.

The clock began ticking in 1904 when it was installed in Ashburton's post office clock tower by its maker Wilson Littlejohn. Following the 1931 Hawkes Bay earthquake and the 1942 Wairarapa earthquake, the tower was removed as ordered by central government and the clock was put into storage.

The clock was eventually given a new lease on life and was restored in the 1970s by the Ashburton Lions Club. The tower to house the clock was commissioned to mark 100 years of local government in 1976.