Graffiti Project

Late last year the business association decided it needed to lift the game on its graffiti eradication if Newmarket was to credibly promote itself as New Zealand's leading shopping district. Over the past few years the association had been employing someone through Newmarket Security on a part-time basis to paint out graffiti, using a van supplied by Newmarket Rotary.

"We were concerned about the patchworks we were often creating and the fact that we couldn't always respond quick enough. We needed to do better. The level of service Newmarket has now signed up is a New Zealand first for any town centre. Even the annoying patchworks are painted out," said Cameron Brewer of the Newmarket Business Association. 

A contract has been signed with Auckland's leading graffiti eradicator, Graffiti Solutions, which is all about making Newmarket graffiti and patchwork free with an emphasis on tiring out the taggers by painting out their vandalism quickly. Graffiti Solutions already has a number of major clients including Transit NZ and Westfield.

Offensive or obscene graffiti will be removed the same day. Reported graffiti will be removed within 24 hours of notification. There is no limit to the number of graffiti attacks Graffiti Solutions will remove, with an eradicator’s truck in Newmarket hunting it down most days. All paint-outs are done meticulously using matching paint.

Sites like the notorious Burger King wall along side the railway tunnel on Broadway already look so much better. Those businesses with unique corporate colours are encouraged to supply the paint. 

"For sure we have to pay more for this level of service but we are determined to have the upper-hand in this ongoing battle. All international research shows that the worst thing you can do is just leave graffiti. The best thing is to wipe it out with matching paint the moment you see it. That's what we're doing and already the rate of reoccurrence is slowing," said Mr Brewer.