Where did the 'TEAL' name come from?

Why TEAL? The motel’s name is a link with Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) that operated in New Zealand from 1940 to 1965 and was a forerunner to Air New Zealand. The current TEAL Motor Lodge logo rekindles distant memories of the past airline of the same name. For many people, the motel's logo looks familiar and this is may be because it bears some resemblance to the original airways logo. 

Legend has it that the original TEAL neon sign that was located at the airline's head office in Auckland was acquired by a Gisborne gentleman. He used the original neon TEAL letters in a new lighting box and after adding a distinctive 'speed bird' flourish and the words ' Motor Lodge,' fashioned a unique roadside sign for a new motel in Gisborne. The TEAL neon lettering was re-gassed a gaudy red colour and for good measure intermittently flashed on-and-off to attract attention. It is incredible to think that a large sign with kitschy flashing red neon was considered rather novel and classy at the time. By today's standards, flashing red neon is more commonly used by less savoury businesses to attract attention. The motel's sign was a Gisborne landmark for many years until the ravages of time finally caught up with it. The motel's current perspex illuminated sign is backlit with LED tubing and still retains the speed bird logo inspired by an iconic Kiwi airline that pioneered the excitement of overseas travel.