Some of Hastings' most well-known taggers were caught in the act today as they spray-painted over a public bridge - but not a single one was arrested.
Quentin McKelvey has turned from a graffiti vandal into a graffiti artist thanks to the Hastings District Council, who allowed Mr McKelvey along with other taggers, bombers and graffiti artists a free legal space to display their work on a bridge between Napier and Hastings.
Earlier this year, Mr McKelvey went on an illegal tagging spree throughout Hastings and was then infamously tagged himself when he was caught by a Havelock North publican.
The government launched its stop tagging our place strategy this week committing $6 million over three years to help communities and local authorities prevent and clean up graffiti vandalism.
The government has also toughened up the law, so it will be illegal to sell spray cans to under 18-year-olds. Retailers will also have to secure cans or risk being fined up to $1,500.
Jacqui Barnes from the Hastings District Council has the arduous task of cleaning up after taggers, which costs $100,0000 a year. She says the government's stop strategy is helpful, but combating tagging is a never-ending battle.
Ms Barnes says not everyone will approve of giving convicted taggers a free legal space to work on, but at least it will keep some off the streets.
3 News