After years of allowing them to exist on the Moray Place side of Countdown, the supermarket has finally decided to purge the wall of its posters.
Posters promoting local events and gigs, activism and art were common here. The postering spot was the largest stretch in the city, as well as the most heavily foot trafficked. There was also an increase of tagging in this spot over the last few months. Countdown painted it over about a fortnight ago. Street posterers have attempted to paste up posters since, however Countdown continues to swiftly remove these overnight.
A street posterer and student (who wished to remain anonymous due to fears of Big Supermarket) expressed their disappointment at this spot being destroyed as it was “really important space for artists, musicians, people who want to express themselves.” Though billsticking is illegal, as it is loosely enforced and extremely cheap, it’s been a popular form of promotion for the community. “I think I’ll be even more disappointed if Phantom [Billstickers] ends up taking over that space,” they said of the possibility the wall may be converted to a space for paid advertising. “It’ll just go to show they’re prioritising profits over community - which is pretty symbolic of the situation with supermarket profits in New Zealand.”
Though local events promoters could advertise their gigs on Countdown’s instore community board, it may be somewhat inappropriate for bands with names like Erectile Dysfunctioners or Cuck. Countdown have been approached for comment on whether they are going for a monopoly on community expression in addition to their grocery duopoly.