I think the style should reflect the YF brand... loud, incoherent, and known to alienate some (mainstream) consumers.
But in all seriousness, whatever you choose will make most happy, and invariably others (sometimes vocally) not. Lagers tend to sell well and the more centred/generic the flavour profile the greater the appeal to a broader range of people (but you know that stuff already).
Though generic and mainstream isn't really the YF way is it? I'd love to see something a little twisted (again, reflective of the YF lol), but not so strongly as to alienate the majority of punters.
Anyway, good on you for having a crack. I'd offer to approach some of the Petone pubs but Smithy doubtless has that gig already nailed!
I look forward to some Yellow Fever Bare Belly Bitter!
Cheers!