Getting tough on Graffiti

Graffiti vandalism is something that doesn't need to have a negative effect on our communities.  Keep New Zealand Beautiful knows that it's different strokes for different folks when it comes to tackling this in each of our towns and cities so, we've pooled all of the resources we know of from around the country here in one place for you to create a positive, and effective solution for your neck of the woods!

If you have a successful initiative, education resource, policy document or assistance programme that we don't have on show send it through to info@knzb.org.nz and we'll get it online asap!

Assistance Programmes:

Resene Paintwise - The Resene Paintwise Programme provides FREE recycled paint to groups, businesses, schools and councils who want to paint out here graffiti.  Click here for more information on the Resene Paintwise Programme, and to download your application form.

Resene Mural Masterpieces - If there's a space in your community that could use a facelift and you've got some ideas up your sleeve check out the Resene Mural Masterpieces competition here.  As well as having the opportunity to create your very own community masterpiece there's loads of awesome prizes up for grabs too! Click here to see the Resene Mural Masterpieces poster. To receive an information pack on the Resene Mural Masterpieces, download and fill out the form, available by clicking here.

Education Resources:

Tag Free Kiwi is a comprehensive and interactive education resource, specifically developed for Primary and Intermediate Students by NZ Police and Auckland Region Graffiti Forum.  Tag Free Kiwi has recently been launched in the Auckland region with great success.  For more information on Tag Free Kiwi click here.

How to STOP Graffiti Guide - The How to STOP Graffiti Guide has been produced by Ministry of Justice in conjunction with the STOP Strategy.  The STOP Guide is a practical resource for territorial authorities, schools, businesses and private residents. It outlines the practical steps that can be taken to prevent and manage graffiti vandalism within communities and includes guidelines on best practice. The Guide can be downloaded by clicking here.

Policy Documents:

STOP Strategy - On 15 February 2008, the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark, announced the development of the STOP (Stop Tagging Our Place) strategy, a nationwide approach designed to combat graffiti vandalism in New Zealand. The strategy includes a range of initiatives to address graffiti vandalism. Included as part of the Strategy, the Ministry of Justice's Crime Prevention Unit has produced information material for retailers, retail staff, local government agencies and the public. This material explains the aspects of the strategy, and responsibilities under the law for retailers, local government agencies and consumers.  Click here for more information on the STOP Strategy.

How to Beat Graffiti – The North Shore Model, has been produced by North Shore City Council and published in 2010.  North Shore City has reduced illegal graffiti from about 1500 incidents a month to about 100 incidents a month, many done by youth from outside the city.  Of the 100 incidents, none survives more than 24 hours – many much less than that.  This means that the perception for all but a few residents is that there in now no graffiti in North Shore City.  To all intents and purposes North Shore has beaten tagging.  Click here to download a copy of How to Beat Graffiti – The North Shore Model.

Successful Initiatives:

South Waikato District Council 0800 NO TAGS - Launched in 2008, South Waikato District Council has had amazing success in creating and keeping a graffiti free community using a toll free hotline, database recording system and prompt paint-out service.  Click here to learn more about the how it works in Tokoroa!