Litter Pick-up
Keep Mount Cook Clean was inspired by the Keep Newtown Clean group in the neighbouring suburb of
Newtown. In Mount Cook the majority of our Keep Clean activities have concentrated on removing litter from the streets and parks. We have also organised several successful graffiti removal days, and we support residents who keep an eye on their ‘patch’ and remove tags as quickly as they occur.
Graffiti Removal
The number one thing to know about ‘tagging’ (the graffiti ‘signatures’ that appear everywhere) is that the taggers seek notoriety from their peer group. Once a tag goes up, other taggers will add their tag to also lay claim to the spot. Much like an ant colony, if the trail, or in this case the tag, is wiped out, the ants (taggers) are more likely to stay away.
Wellington City Council has established a Graffiti Management Plan, and a quick reference brochure to give homeowners a ‘go-to’ reference for dealing with graffiti. You can also find tips for removing graffiti from different surface types on the WCC site.
The paint company Resene has played a substantial role in helping communities to combat graffiti, its website also has tips for removing graffiti.
Resene collects old paint and mixes it up in 10 litre pails which are available to community groups like Keep Mount Clean to paint out graffiti.
Keep Mount Cook Clean currently has stocks of green, white and brown Resene paint for painting out graffiti. Contact us if you would like some paint to keep your patch graffiti-free!
Utility boxes are often targets for tagging. Wellington City Council has contracts in place with utility companies (electricity, phone, etc.) to have tags removed. Report tags on utility boxes by phoning Wellington City Council (phone 499 4444), or use the “Fixit” smartphone app to report them in 4 easy steps using your smartphone's camera and GPS!
The City Council has a database of tags. If you photograph a tag before you remove it, the photo and some basic information can be emailed to graffiti@wcc.govt.nz for inclusion in the database. Please include (1) size of the tag, (2) what medium has been used (e.g. crayon, paint etc.), (3) interpretation, e.g. the tag looks like it says 'SATG', (4) location of the tag, and the date and time, if known. (Don't forget to ask permission of the property owner before removing tags on private property.)
Please note - the heritage brick wall on Tasman Street is over one hundred years old. Specialist graffiti removal techniques are required to remove graffiti from this brick wall, do not attempt this yourself. Phone Wellington City Council on 499 4444 or report graffiti using the "Fixit" app.
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Keep Mount Cook Clean meets every second month (on ‘even’ months – February, April, June, etc) on the first weekend of the month (alternating between Saturdays and Sundays) The group meets at 10:30am outside the Mt Cook Kitchen and Takeaway, 75 Wallace Street.
The litter pickup is for one hour only. It is surprising how much can be collected in just one hour! Gloves and bags are provided.
Contact Peter, our Coordinator, at keepmountcookclean@gmail.com or signup to the Mt Cook Mobilised e-bulletin for reminders.
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Recent Litter Pick-up days:
Saturday 10 February 2018. The rain just held off while 11 of us set out, collecting 30 bags of litter.
Saturday 7 April 2018. The southerly arrived but no showers while 9 of us collected 22 bags of litter.
Saturday 9 June 2018. Ten of us scoured the streets in very blustery conditions and picked up 24 bags of litter.
Saturday 11 June 2018. Eight of us were there in brilliant sunny winter weather to collect 20 bags of litter. Sid Keelan from the city council was there too!
Saturday 6 October 2018. Lovely sunny day but many people couldn't attend today but we still managed to pick up 7 big bags of litter.
Sunday 2 December 2018. A warm humid day made it hard work but 10 of us collected 20 bags of litter.
Saturday 2 February 2019. Sunny and not too hot - 8 of us collected 25 bags of litter, particularly rich pickings in the long grass next to the old Council apartments on Hopper Street!
Sunday 7 April 2019. Threatening weather but 11 of us collected 28 bags of litter.
Sunday 4 August 2019. 10 of us collected 26 bags of litter in lovely Spring-like weather.
Sunday 6 October 2019. 6 of us collected 13 bags of litter.
Saturday 7 December 2019. Smaller numbers but we still managed 8 bags of litter.
Saturday 15 February 2020. Hot humid weather had us all sweating and we collected 14 bags of litter.
Mt Cook Mobilised
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