NAENAE locals have taken to run-down buildings and eye-sores with paintbrushes for a second year – and finished in time to watch the rugby.

The Big Splash event, held on a pristine Saturday morning, saw a diverse range of about 40 volunteers pick up where others left off last year to help rid their community of graffiti and to tidy up dilapidated shops.

Local personality Billy Graham, a key figure behind the event, has noticed a marked improvement since last year, with less graffiti defacing the walls.

“It’s good to have all these people attend – we’ve got mums, dads and kids,” says Billy.

The initiative came after community consultation when locals expressed interest in brightening up their town centre.

The colours were decided by the shop owners and Hutt City Council provided the paint.

Hutt City Council retail co-ordinator Joanna van Walraven says this year’s Big Splash was slightly smaller, but still maintained the great atmosphere.

“We painted 12 shops. I’ll return to paint the red stripe on the butcher’s head, otherwise we’re all done,” says Joanna.

All were eager to finish in time for the Air New Zealand Cup final later that night between Wellington and Canterbury, which they did.