PlaceMakers supports healthier waterways 

A new campaign aimed at preventing paint contamination in streams and stormwater networks is being rolled out across Auckland’s Hibiscus and Bays area, with support from PlaceMakers and paint industry partners 

The No Paint In Drains campaign has been developed by environmental charity Restore Hibiscus & Bays following growing concern about paint entering streams through stormwater systems. The initiative aims to educate paint users about safe paint disposal and equipment cleaning practices. 

Campaign information, including flyers, point-of-sale material and QR-code-linked guidance, will be available at PlaceMakers Albany, Glenfield and Silverdale. PlaceMakers has also provided funding to support the initiative. 

Restore Hibiscus & Bays Catchment Activator Viv Walker said concern about paint pollution had grown in recent years. 

“One of the worst paint pollution incidents I witnessed occurred in Mairangi Bay on Auckland’s North Shore,” Walker said. 

“When I inspected the damage caused by paint entering the waterway, I was confronted by the sight of eels and other native fish floating dead in the water.” 

Walker said pollution events appeared to be increasing as urban development intensifies and awareness of proper disposal methods remains limited. Local residents living near waterways regularly reported incidents to the organisation. 

The campaign emerged after Restore Hibiscus & Bays observed increasing reports of paint contamination in waterways throughout the region. Similar concerns were also raised by water quality monitors from other parts of Auckland during discussions at the 2025 Wai Care Convention. 

The organisation said environmental monitoring had identified paint pollution as a visible issue where changes in behaviour could have an immediate impact on water quality. The campaign was also motivated by concerns about the state of New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems. 

Focus on education 

Rather than relying on enforcement alone, the campaign focuses on education at the point of purchase. 

Twelve paint retailers are participating in the initiative, with campaign materials explaining best-practice methods for cleaning paint equipment and disposing of waste safely. The information also highlights that outdoor stormwater drains typically discharge directly into streams and coastal environments.
Walker said builders, painters and merchants all had a role to play. 

“We hope painters will think more carefully before washing equipment and choose the correct techniques by following our step-by-step instructions.” 

“These actions will decrease paint pollution events, protect our streams and the taonga species that exist in them.” 

PlaceMakers support 

Walker said support from PlaceMakers would help the campaign reach a larger audience. 

“We’re incredibly pleased to have PlaceMakers supporting this campaign and helping share this important message with painters and DIYers at the point of purchase in-store.” 

According to Restore Hibiscus & Bays, the funding will help expand the visibility and reach of the campaign while supporting the trust’s wider stream restoration and habitat protection work. 

The Albany, Glenfield and Silverdale stores were selected because many customers live or work within the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board area. 

Walker said the support would allow the organisation to engage directly with more painters and DIY renovators and increase education efforts beyond what would otherwise have been possible. 

Restore Hibiscus & Bays hopes success will be measured through a reduction in reported paint pollution incidents, fewer Auckland Council compliance callouts and greater public understanding that stormwater drains connect directly to streams and the sea. 

The organisation plans to expand the campaign into other regions if opportunities arise to work with community conservation groups facing similar issues. 

Head to the No Paint In Drains website to find out more about this campaign.