Murals - Not Advertising Signage

Readers will be painfully aware of the visual pollution evident throughout Auckland streets - where there is commercial activity - because of our city's highly permissive rules on advertising and signage. It's not until you visit cities which regulate instead in favour of architecture and street art that you see what might be possible in a repainted Auckland.

I've just included here 3 street scenes each from Austin Texas and New Orleans Louisiana. Please note that each set of these pictures is from a single street. Cesar Chavez Street in Austin, and St. Claude Street, New Orleans.

First: Cesar Chavez Street in Austin...

(I am aware these don't do justice to Austin's street art, but they give a flavour.)

And, St Claude Street, New Orleans...

In Auckland, an enlightened street art policy would enable its Pacific and Polynesian culture to be much more on display than at present. Many benefits can be envisaged. The current dominance of international brands would be slowly replaced by imagery reflecting local culture.