Auckland City Council
Media release

5 September

Volunteers recognised for anti graffiti efforts

Auckland City Council last night recognised a number of volunteers helping to make the city graffiti-free at its Volunteers against graffiti vandalism awards.

The annual awards acknowledge the efforts of individuals that are part of the council’s volunteers against graffiti vandalism programme.

More than 600 volunteers are currently working with the council to keep their communities graffiti-free.

Individuals were recognised with certificates of merit for making a valued contribution to the city's campaign against graffiti vandalism and going beyond the call of duty to make a difference to their community.

Councillor Paul Goldsmith, chairperson of the Community Services Committee, says Aucklanders are recognising that the council is serious about tackling the graffiti problem and are more willing to be proactive.

“Graffiti vandalism is everyone’s problem, not just the council’s. The community based volunteer programme helps to get the community actively involved in managing the graffiti problem in their neighbourhoods. It’s great to be able to recognise the hard work of these volunteers who are helping the city’s fight against graffiti vandalism,” says Mr Goldsmith.

Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks, who presented the awards, says the council recognises that graffiti is an issue of concern for Aucklanders and is encouraged by their enthusiasm to be actively involved in the battle. “The council values the dedication of these individuals in helping us to address the problem of graffiti vandalism.”

Since October 2000, the council’s zero tolerance to graffiti vandalism programme has helped apprehend more than 500 graffiti vandals, and has seen graffiti removed from more than 142,000 sites.

The volunteer programme offers Aucklanders the chance to get actively involved in the council’s battle against graffiti vandalism and involves four levels of involvement, from simply making a commitment to report graffiti to being actively involved in removing graffiti vandalism.

The council supplies the paint and brushes to individuals and groups that want to take responsibility for specific streets and/or neighbourhoods.

People interested in finding out more information about the volunteer programme can contact the council on 379 2020.

Ends

© Scoop Media