Some days, you see news that just runs completely counter to everything you try to work towards. We do try to steer clear of “opinion” here as much as is possible, but every so often we feel the need to do so. At the end of the day, we’re huge advocates of art and culture, especially when it comes to street art and graffiti, and we have no compunctions in expressing that – its no big secret.

This morning, when we saw Cinzah Seekayem post up the gorgeous image of a wall he painted recently we were stoked – it looks amazing. Then, we read the caption.

“I recently completed this mural on the side of a small local business in Beach Haven, was a great little wall, had permission from the business owners who had permission from the landlord also. Locals loved it, kids hung out while I painted it, stoked to see something vibrant and a little different popping up in their community! All round good responses!

Just received a phone call from the Hairdresser’s which this mural is on the side of, they had just had a visit from 2 police officers, saying one individual had complained about the mural, gone to the council and it is to be painted over, as apparently now to create a mural you have to go through the AK city council to get consent, even if the business and locals love it? WTF.

Zen hairdressers are setting up a petition which will soon be circulating, who know’s wether it will be too late or not!”

So, this is a legally painted wall, that has both the owners consent, as well as the businesses consent, the community loves it – so why, exactly, is that not enough? Why is it that a council feels the need to be Big Brother not only over the artists, but the businesses, the property owners and the local community? Is that really what council is for? What happens to freedom of expression? The mural doesn’t harm anyone, indeed, it has brought colour and vibrancy to the area, and even inspired some younger people along the way. Now, from one single persons complaint, the council feels the need to destroy it?

At a time when art on the streets is exploding into mainstream consciousness, when those who use a spray can are finally being taken seriously and exhibited in major galleries across the globe, we are absolutely gobsmacked. That such a large city council in ones of the most freedom loving, open, creative and friendly countries we know is playing the recalcitrant card, stifling the arts and washing the cities walls with deplorable grey, well, what can you say? First it was Poynton Terrace, now its this – and who knows how many more in the future.

(Image via Rimoni Photography via Cut Collective)

So, Auckland Council – why so recalcitrant? Why not support the artists amongst you, instead of destroying their work and acting provocatively? Why not come to terms with the fact that the artists are there to stay, and work with them to bring colour and beauty to your city, instead of proliferating archaic, late 20th century policies that never worked in the first place? You realise that if it gets buffed, it will get bombed, and then you’ll have to keep spending your rate payers money to have it constantly cleaned – don’t you want to break the cycle rather that propagate it? Do you want a repeat of the negative reactions that the buffing of Poynton Terrace engendered?

Perhaps its time for those of you in the council to seriously contemplate your cultural legacy. World Cup is over, isn’t it time to start thinking about your community again instead of trying to impress tourists with sterilised streets?

Remember – once it’s buffed, its gone forever.

InUrban is our community section, where we cover items of interest happening in your area – if you have any news or items of interest from your ck of the woods, new art going up, community projects or the like, then just send it through to us – we’re more than happy to support!