Gordon Copeland Press Release
For Immediate Release
Friday, 15th February 2008

The War on Taggers

Independent MP Gordon Copeland today expressed his delight that the Government has at long last drawn a line in the sand when it comes to graffiti.

“Tagging is a mindless activity which simply annoys the hell out of New Zealand property owners and it must be brought to an end,” said Mr Copeland.

“I would like to suggest that technology might also assist us in this nationwide campaign. Graffiti, whether from spray paint or from other permanent marking materials, is purely a mix of chemicals and I am advised that there is no technical reason why the manufacturers could not, at the same time, put together cleaning fluids which would quickly dissolve those chemicals.”

“I think this idea is worth pursuing.”

“Parliament could assist the process by stipulating, through the Graffiti Bill, that the retailers of the paints and markers used for tagging must also have for sale the necessary cleaning agents. This would enable property owners immediately graffiti appears, to buy the necessary cleaning agent and remove the tag immediately.”

“I have been told that technically it would be possible to develop cleaning agents which can simply be sprayed on to graffiti and then hosed off.”

“I’ll put this idea to the Government and would be prepared, if necessary, to work on an amendment to the Graffiti Bill to see it implemented.”

“Any and all good ideas must be pursued because quite frankly New Zealanders are sick and tired of having their property tagged. This anti-social behaviour must be brought to an end.”

ENDS

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