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Services
Graffiti
IntroductionGraffiti vandalism (tagging) is a community issue which can lower property values and encourage more vandalism and other types of crime. It suggests that the neighbourhood doesn't care and isn't able to cope with the problem. Tagging left intact attracts more tagging. You can take action against tagging by cleaning it up as soon as it happens. A strong community response sends the clear message to those involved that tagging will not be tolerated.
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| Graffiti removal |
Background
Auckland City is currently offering a free graffiti removal service for residential and small business property owners unable to cope with the problem themselves. This service is aimed at delivering a 'Zero Tolerance' approach to graffiti.
The programme is fully endorsed by the Auckland Police and is modelled on many other successful anti-graffiti campaigns around the world.
If the graffiti appears to be an artwork ie permission was given for the work to be done, it will not be removed.
Eligibility criteria
This service is available to residential and small business properties that have tagging on a wall, fence, structure or garage door which is immediately adjacent to the road.
Important: due to budget constraints the following are not included in this programme:
- the back of premises and areas not immediately adjacent to the road
- surfaces higher than 3 metres or on top of verandas/awnings
- houses/buildings within private properties
- Housing New Zealand Corporation properties as they have their own graffiti removal programme.
- large business organisations eg banks, petrol stations, supermarkets, shopping malls
- infrastructure owned by utility providers eg Telecom, Vector, Enerco, Tranzrail
- school structures eg. fences, accessways
- glass etching
- poster removal
- where the building is graffiti guarded with a special graffiti protection coating. Graffiti guard coatings require the use of special chemicals that our contractors do not carry.
Removal
If your residential and small business property meets the above eligibility criteria you can either
- fill in the online request removal form or
- contact us to arrange removal.
Note: if the graffiti is offensive ie is racist or contains foul language please call us immediately so we can arrange for it to be removed as quickly as possible.
Colour range
The colours we use to paint out graffiti are limited to the following eight:
 - dark green |
 - cedar brown |
 - light green |
 - grey |
 - black |
 - lemon |
 - redwood |
 - white |
Please be aware that these colours are an indication only, and that the final result may be lighter or darker depending on the surface being painted. If you require a colour outside this range, Auckland City will supply the labour if you supply the paint.
If tagging is on an area considered dangerous or where access is difficult, it is up to the discretion of the removal operators if removal will or will not take place. The removal operators may contact you to discuss the action required to remove the graffiti.
How to deter tagging
Tagging affects neighbourhoods whenever it is not promptly removed. Taggers love to add their mark to existing graffiti. If your property is continuously being hit there are some steps that you can take to prevent tagging:
- plant a hedge, some shrubs or a hanging plant in front of a fence or wall
- increase visibility at night by installing lighting. Lights with motion sensors are a popular choice as they only activate when a person approaches
- install video surveillance cameras. The possibility of being caught on film is a good deterant
- tagging is wilful damage and therefore a crime. If you see any suspicious activity, report it to the Police. Take a note of the car license plate if possible
- if you know someone involved in graffitti crime inform your local Police
- remove graffiti as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. One tag tends to attract other tags
- form or join your local Neighbourhood Watch Group and become involved in local initiatives to protect areas targeted by taggers
- consider painting a mural on a communal area being targeted - it has worked to deter graffiti in other areas and could become a community project. Your local community board may be able to help and advise you regarding this option
- protect exposed walls and fences with a graffiti protection product. Check the Yellow Pages for suppliers.
Removal tips
How you tackle the graffiti on your property will depend on:
- the material used by taggers (usually oil-based spray paint or felt-tip pen)
- the type of surface 'tagged' (discuss removal with the supplier or manufacturer before starting)
If you are removing graffiti for the first time, try different methods on a small test area first. Check, before you proceed to a larger area, that the removal method is not causing more damage.
- try to remove tags when they are fresh by using methylated spirits, turps, paint-stripper, dishwashing liquid, branded graffiti removal products or oven cleaner
- paint your walls or fence in dark colours. Colours that will cover in one coat are most effective eg. green or brown. If the surface is a lighter colour than the graffiti, you may get a ghosting effect.
- a painted wall is easier to keep graffiti free because any further tags can simply be painted over
- clean unpainted wall or fence by sanding or waterblasting
- keep any unused fence paint and a brush handy in case you need it to cover over tagging
- protect the driveway and footpath from paint drops and spills when painting out tagging
- the chemicals in graffiti removal products can be hazardous so always wear protective clothing including a mask. Store out of childrens reach.
Protected surfaces
Graffiti protection coatings are painted on top of natural or painted surfaces to form a protective shield. Graffiti will stick to the protective coat instead of the normal surface.
Many different products are available and are usually either clear or sacrificial coats. Clear coat is a long-life, hardened cover similar to a clear varnish or paint, from which the graffiti can be wiped. Sacrificial coats are totally or partially removed with the graffiti.
Before purchasing a graffiti protection coating, we suggest you consider the cost and what product best suits your situation. You may require professional advice.
Warning: the manufacturers directions should be observed when working with solvents, chemicals or machinery. Normal safety procedures should be followed. If you are removing graffiti for the first time, try different methods on a small test area first. Check, before you proceed to a larger area, that the removal method is not causing more damage.
Graffiti programmes
Auckland City has introduced two new graffiti initiatives as follows:
- volunteer graffiti programme
- graffiti awareness education programme.
Volunteer graffiti programme
This programme has four levels of involvement, from customers simply making a commitment to report graffiti to being actively involved in removing graffiti tags. Auckland City will supply the paint and brushes to individuals and groups that want to take responsibility for specific streets and/or neighbourhoods.
Graffiti awareness education programme
This two week programme, developed by Auckland City for use in primary schools is widely recognised as a valuable component of the curriculum. Fifty three schools are now involved.
The programme
- aims to make children aware of the consequences of tagging and rewards them for adopting areas in their neighbourhood or street to keep clean and
- also acts as a deterrent to younger vandals by making them aware that they will be held accountable for damage they cause.
Contact us if you are interested in taking part in either of these programmes.
Reporting graffiti
To report graffiti refer as follows:
- on power poles and transformers. Contact Vector on 0508 832 867
- on Adshel bus shelters. Contact Adshel on 0800 802 999
- on the motorway. Contact Transit NZ on 368 2000
- on bus shelters (excluding Adshel), litter bins, street furniture and in Auckland City parks - please log an Action request.
