Mt Eden business joins graffiti battle
Thursday, 13 May 2004, 11:46 am
Press Release: Auckland City Council

MEDIA RELEASE
13 May 2004

Mt Eden business joins graffiti battle

Auckland City is pleased to see local businesses contributing time and effort to winning the war on graffiti.

Mt Eden based Omron Electronics is dedicating Saturday 15 May to muck in and go on a campaign to stamp out graffiti tags around the neighbourhood.

Fifteen keen staff members are donning their overalls and paintbrushes to ‘spruce up’ their area, and send out the message that graffiti eradication is manageable with a little bit of effort from the community.

Organiser Paul Borawski, Administration Manager at Omron Electronics, says the initiative is part of a global company policy, dubbed Omron Day, under which each office dedicates one day a year to helping out local communities.

“This is our chance to give back to the area we operate in. Removing unsightly graffiti is one very positive and rewarding way to do that,” says Mr Borawski.

Auckland City’s zero tolerance on graffiti programme is supporting the project and will provide the paint and equipment.

Councillor Noelene Raffills, chairperson of the council’s Law and Order Committee, says companies such as Omron Electronics are a great example of how the community can play their part in making the city a better and more enjoyable place to live and work.

“Graffiti is everyone’s problem. Auckland City recognises that graffiti is an issue of concern for Aucklanders and is encouraged by the willingness of businesses to be actively involved in the battle.

“Efforts such as this, combined with our zero tolerance on graffiti programme, result in considerable tangible benefits for the city,” says Mrs Raffills.

Currently there are over 300 volunteers in the city helping with graffiti eradication. Auckland City will supply free paint and brushes to any individuals, businesses, schools or community groups who wish to “adopt” certain streets to keep them graffiti-free.

For more information about how to become a volunteer, please contact Auckland City on (09) 379 2020.