Covid-19 graffiti, Hopper St, Wellington

This photograph of graffiti in Wellington was taken during the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown when New Zealand was in Alert Level 4 (11.59pm on 25 March to 11.59pm on 27 April 2020). It was one of many scenes captured by Te Papa photographers who took their cameras with them when they went on local walks during lockdown.

‘Washing and drying your hands kills the virus’ was one of the key official messages disseminated through the media and posters seen in city streets during this period. This graffiti delivers the message in an effective vernacular way.