This is a city-wide initiative that supports communities to become involved in helping to reduce the cost of graffiti vandalism removal throughout Christchurch.
Following the successful six-month pilot project in Phillipstown in 2006, which saw a significant reduction in graffiti vandalism by involving the community, the project was adopted by Council and opened to wider Christchurch.
The programme ensures that volunteers are valued and sets guidelines and criteria to guarantee that best results are achieved. In the past, methods for removing graffiti/tagging have been inconsistent. By registering, volunteers will receive on-going support through the programme. This will ensure there is uniform and cost-effective removal of graffiti city-wide, at the same time ensuring the protection of public and private property.
What are the guidelines?
The guidelines provide consistency for the volunteer, such as ensuring intent flyers are delivered to property owners before any painting is done. This enables the owner to deny permission or supply paint. Other guidelines relate to best practice (such as taking time to do the job properly), matching up the paint colour, protecting surfaces with a drop cloth and health and safety.
Becoming a volunteer
All Christchurch residents are encouraged to take a sense of pride in their community and become involved with the removal of graffiti vandalism from their neighbourhood. Volunteers are critical to the success of keeping the city free of graffiti vandalism and creating a safe community.
You can register by picking up a volunteer information pack from your local service centre. The pack includes a registration form - which you will then return - stating the geographical area you wish to work in. Alternatively, you can call into the Graffiti Office and meet the Council's Volunteer Co-ordinator.
Once you have registered, the Graffiti Office Volunteer Programme Coordinator will visit you to assess your needs, provide support with set-up information and advice and on-going support through monitoring and evaluation of your group's work.
Even if you want to clean up one specific object, you should still register for the programme. You do not need to become part of a large organised volunteer clean-up, but registering ensures that you can access the paint needed and ensures that we know who is supporting us.
Who supplies the paint and brushes?
Christchurch City Council - through the Graffiti Office - will supply these at no cost to you and there are a limited range of colours, e.g. white, cream, green, brown, grey and black available. These are water based paints and only require cleaning with water. Protective clothing is your own responsibility.
Applications can be completed and posted to the Graffiti Office, Christchurch City Council, Linwood Service Centre, PO Box 24214, Christchurch 8642 for the attention of the Co-ordinator of the Volunteer Programmes.
Contact us
The Graffiti Office
Phone: (03) 941 8999
Email: GraffitiOffice@ccc.govt.nz
180 Smith Street
Linwood
PO Box 24214
Christchurch 8140
For graffiti/tagging removal contact the Council Action line on (03) 941 8666 or 0800 VANDAL.
Banks Peninsula: 0800 800 169 .
