Artist's railway project aims to deter graffiti taggers

Dan Mills' mural is on two walls either side of the tracks under Newmarket's Broadway. Photo / Dean Purcell

An Auckland artist has completed works on two walls of the Newmarket railway corridor as part of an effort to deter graffiti taggers.

The mural, completed last week by Hibiscus Coast resident Dan Mills, was painted in an attempt to prevent graffiti which has plagued the area for years.

Research has shown taggers tended to avoid vandalising other artists' work out of respect.

"For several years the walls have been a blight on the Newmarket business and railway landscapes," said Stewart Andrews of the Auckland Region Graffiti Free group.

"Across the Auckland region, mural art projects have been very effective in beautifying otherwise shabby sites and preventing graffiti vandalism."

The artwork, on either side of the tracks which extend under Newmarket's main street Broadway, includes a crushed leather backdrop, with people dressed in early 1900-style clothing and paintings based on Newmarket's history.

Newmarket Business Association chief executive Cameron Brewer challenged other councils and associations in the Auckland area to improve their rail corridors.

"If everyone chips in, the visibility parts of Auckland's rail corridor could be graffiti-free," Mr Brewer said.