Graffiti-free scheme aims to develop pride

The unveiling of urban art mural boards designed and painted by a group of ‘at risk’ students from Manurewa High School helped launch graffiti prevention scheme Tag Free Kiwi earlier this month.

Tag Free Kiwi is an education programme for Years 7-8 and Years 9-10 developed under the sponsorship of the Auckland Region Graffiti Free Project (ARGF).

The launch of Tag Free Kiwi at Manurewa High School. Photo: Tony Crampton, Auckland City Council

Curriculum Development Officer at PNHQ, Gill Palmer says the programme aims to reduce graffiti vandalism by encouraging young people to develop pride and respect in themselves and in their community.

“Tag Free Kiwi engages children and young people to explore a range of alternative creative expression including urban art, drama and role play,” she says.

“It raises young people’s awareness of the difference between graffiti vandalism and urban art through a series of local and international photographs and DVD presentations by Auckland urban artists.

“The consequences of graffiti vandalism on victims and the community are explored and the consequences for those caught are explained.”

Gill says it’s important to educate young people about these consequences. “During the pilot phase, we were surprised by the numbers of students who were unaware that graffiti vandalism is a crime, and the penalties shocked them.”

ARGF aims to prevent graffiti vandalism by eradication, education and enforcement, and is a partnership between the Auckland Police Board of Management and the Chief Executive Forum, representing the seven regional Territorial Local Authorities.

Assistant Commissioner of Auckland, Steve Shortland and Councillor Dick Quax of Manukau City Council launched Tag Free Kiwi at Manurewa High School, which is known to manage graffiti vandalism well and has embraced Tag Free Kiwi as a tool to use.

Tag Free Kiwi will be available to all intermediate and secondary schools throughout Auckland and is available through the Police Education Officers.