Mayor targets suppliers of spray cans to taggers

A south Auckland mayor whose turf is frequently targeted by taggers says proposed anti-graffiti legislation needs to be aimed at people who give spray paint cans to taggers.

The bill would increase the maximum fine for tagging from $200 to $2000 and ban the sale of spray cans to people under 18.

But Manukau mayor Len Brown, who supported most of the proposals, told Parliament's law and order select committee in Manukau today that the bill did not do anything about people who legally bought spray cans and then gave them to younger people.

"The concern is there may be those of the older age group that may well take the opportunity of supplying to those under age," Mr Brown said.

"We think there is a very very good argument for incorporating supply as an addendum to the legislation."

Mr Brown recommended a similar approach used in laws surrounding the supply of drugs and alcohol.

He said targeting spray cans rather than any other tools taggers might use was sensible as 95 per cent of tagging was done using spray cans.

The committee also heard submissions from Papakura, Hamilton and Waitakere City Councils today.

- NZPA