9 September 2024
Media: TVNZ - Breakfast
Topic: Graffiti
Enquiry
We are planning to get someone on the show to chat about the spike in graffiti reports in Rotorua.
I see there has been an Herald article about this already with some interesting statistics.
Are you able to provide a statement to us regarding the number of reports to council + the cost.
- How many reports of graffiti in the past financial year + what was the cost for council?
- How much have reports increased from the 2021/22 financial year?
- How much does council expect the cost will be this financial year + how much has been spent so far?
- What is your process for addressing graffiti + are you concerned with the increase?
I see these stats are all listed in the herald article - so if they could be provided to us - that would be great.
If I could have this information by 5pm today - that would be fantastic.
Response
From RLC spokesperson:
How many reports of graffiti in the past financial year + what was the cost for council?
For the 2023/2024 financial year council received 629 reports of graffiti with a removal cost of $102,332.
How much have reports increased from the 2021/22 financial year?
Council received 186 reports for the 2021/2022FY
How much does council expect the cost will be this financial year + how much has been spent so far?
Council has received 135 reports of graffiti to date this financial year with a removal cost of $75,998, ending at an estimated total cost of $110,000.
What is your process for addressing graffiti + are you concerned with the increase?
Community safety is a key priority for council and graffiti impacts negatively on how a place looks and affects how people feel about it. It’s always disappointing to see public buildings, playgrounds and other areas damaged or defaced by people who choose to do the wrong thing. Our public spaces are meant for everyone to enjoy, and vandalism or graffiti ruins this experience for everyone.
RE: How we address graffiti
We, like many businesses address it promptly whenever we spot it or it’s reported. We refer the reports to police and lodge it with our contractors to be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Where able council takes a proactive approach, working with local community or school groups to create murals. These artworks add to local character and foster community pride as well as helping to deter graffiti.
