Crime Prevention Unit

STOP Strategy - combatting Graffiti Vandalism

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, a nationwide approach designed to combat graffiti vandalism in New Zealand. The strategy includes a range of initiatives to address graffiti vandalism.

The strategy was launched on 4 September 2008. The Ministry of Justice's Crime Prevention Unit has produced the following information material for retailers, retail staff, local government agencies and the public. This material explains the aspects of the strategy, and responsibilities under the law for retailers, local government agencies and consumers.

The STOP Strategy - a nationwide approach designed to combat graffiti vandalism in New Zealand [PDF 966KB]
Information sheet for retail shop owners or managers [PDF 279KB]
Information sheet for retail shop staff [PDF 266KB]
Information sheet for local government agencies [PDF 92KB]
Spray paint cans shelf wobbler - advertising material for retail outlets [PDF 22KB]
Spray paint cans shop poster - advertising material for retail outlets [PDF 559KB]
Spray paint cans postcard - advertising material for retail outlets [PDF 250KB]
Spray paint cans shelf sticker - advertising material for retail outlets [PDF 26KB]

Legislation

Below are links to the legislation related to graffiti offences as provided by the Summary Offences (Tagging and Graffiti Vandalism) Amendment Act 2008 and enacted in the Summary Offences Act 1981 - sections 11,11A, 11B, 14A and 14B. Section 14B comes into force on 26 September 2008. The Crimes Act 1961 also contains one graffiti-related offence - section 269(2):