Speaking out against graffiti

A finalist in the Richmond Road School Short Film Festival believes the writing's on the wall for taggers. He spoke to Renee Jones.
Tearepa Kahi is sending a powerful message to taggers in his first short film with a political edge.
The 29-year-old, from Te Atatu, directed and co-wrote The Speaker, which is a finalist in the Richmond Road School Short Film Festival.
``It's simply a tale of forgiveness between two brothers and the way a tagger moves from saying a whole lot of nothing to performing one action of something. He sees himself as a political tagger who's spreading some sort of message, but all he's doing is making a noise and a mess.''
Kahi hates graffiti.
``Tagging is ugly and nasty all over. It's a social epidemic for sure. Just imagine if it was thoughtfully placed and composed.
``I love the idea of graf art. I hate the idea of vandalising someone's house or work just so you can have your little ego fed by putting up your initials or area code. In saying all that, I do understand it and what's behind it.''
Kahi made his first documentary aged 21, has been writing, directing and producing for television and film ever since, and is now busy with his newborn son and latest film, Taua.
The Speaker is co-written with music artist Savage and won best short film at the Auckland and Wairoa Maori Film Festivals last year.