Crime Prevention Unit

Graffiti Vandalism Funding 2008

(STOP Strategy)

Graffiti vandalism is the intentional unlawful defacing of property with writing, markings or graphics. Tagging, a form of graffiti vandalism, is the writing of a stylised signature on a wall or other property and is the most common form of graffiti vandalism in New Zealand.

On 15 February 2008 the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Helen Clark, announced the development of the STOP (Stop Tagging Our Place) strategy to target graffiti vandalism in New Zealand.

In conjunction with the STOP Strategy the Government has established a funding pool to support local communities and councils in their efforts to reduce or eradicate graffiti vandalism in New Zealand.

In the 2007/08 financial year these funds were allocated by way of:

• a Graffiti Vandalism Small Initiatives Grant (for one-off grants up to the value of $20,000 excluding GST) which closed on Friday 11 April 2008

• a Graffiti Vandalism Contestable Fund (for three year funding up to the value of $200,000 excluding GST per annum) which closed on Friday 16 May 2008