Upper Hutt youth restore pride in their community
Upper Hutt City Council coordinates a restoration project in Blueberry alleyway in order to lower graffiti vandalism in
the community.
UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 05 FEB 2016—The year is off to a bright start, thanks to a restoration project for local
youth artists, coordinated by Upper Hutt City Council. The project paired local youth with well-known street artists,
Sean (Ghostie) Duffell and Ollie (Haunt One) Rennie to restore a badly defaced alleyway mural in Blueberry Grove,
Timberlea, Upper Hutt. The aim of the project was two-fold: restore the alleyway to a respectable and attractive space;
and work with the offending taggers themselves to support and encourage them to use their artistic talents in a more
positive and constructive way and to be responsible members of their community.
A group of seven young people were involved in the project from start to finish. Only part of the existing mural was
able to be saved, but the group provided new ideas and design concepts in order to restore, complement, rejuvenate, and
enhance the mural. These incorporated pictures and themes they felt represented their community from a youth
perspective.
“It’s been so awesome getting to paint our own designs in our own community,” said one member of the group. “Painting
with artist Ghostie is really cool, and he’s doing some awesome artwork around New Zealand, and it was great to be a
part of this project and learn more from Ghostie.”
The mural installation took place on 30 – 31 January, with the group of youth giving up their weekend to work alongside
Sean and Ollie to paint the mural.
“This has been a very positive experience for the young people who have now taken ownership of the space, and are
committed to ensuring it is looked after and not defaced again,” said Council’s Director of Community Services, Mike
Ryan. “By building and maintaining strong, positive relationships, you help to build a strong resilient community.”
This is the second project Upper Hutt City Council has completed working with previously offending taggers in the Upper
Hutt community.
“It’s been great to see these young men gain confidence throughout the projects and show an eagerness to learn new
skills and do work that benefits their community,” says Mr Ryan.
Upper Hutt City Council will maintain its relationship with the group with a view to collaborate on more community
projects in the future.
ENDS