EDITORIAL - Outpouring of support to tackle tagging

EDITOR, LAURA FRANKLIN
No sooner had the suggestion been made than the calls started coming in: Inspired by the depth of public feeling aroused by our series of stories on graffiti vandalism in Whangarei, we floated the idea of holding a community action day to bring people together in a practical, hands-on way to say "no" to the tagging that drags down our city's image.
The offers were quick to flow in, and tomorrow (weather permitting) the plan will come to fruition. Anyone who feels able to offer a couple of hours of their time is welcome to meet us inside the Bunnings carpark from 10am. All help will be gratefully received. Bring a roller and be ready to paint some of the city's most badly tagged fences.
The aim is to tidy up one small corner of town ... not in the naive hope that it will never be tagged again, but rather in a "first step" toward reviving pride in our environment, a united effort that will allow a neighbourhood to take positive action against the problem.
When the idea arose, we wondered whether the council, local businesses and residents would respond.
Well, respond they emphatically did.
Whangarei District Council quickly came to the party with funds, offers of labour and organising a huge donation from Resene's community project: 500 litres of recycled paint.
Bunnings offered plenty of help and materials. The Smeaton Drive Community Group, and their dynamic leader Kim Anderson, were quick to put in the man- and woman-power that would make a difference to their neighbourhood.
Cowley's Hire offered free use of spray-painting equipment, The Pulse and the D'Tag anti-tagging workers were involved right from the start, LJ Hooker donated the use of a marquee, Whangarei Police agreed to help out, Pak n Save and the Aussie Butcher came to the party with food and drink for the workers. The Chamber of Commerce lent its support, and Whangarei South Rotary offered its services. Manaia View School and First Take Krew volunteered to provide entertainment. Individual businesses, paint contractors and others have all offered support and donations. The community spirit has been incredible.
Now, we're praying for fine weather and plenty of willing hands to hold paintbrushes.
Tomorrow's action day won't end tagging in Whangarei, or even in this neighbourhood - though the plan is to equip residents with paint kits so they keep the fence graffiti-free.
But it is a start. And it's a chance for a community to take back its pride.