Hello, Wellington! This is One Network Wellington Live, your go-to source for the latest happenings in our vibrant city. Today, we’re diving into a story that’s got everyone talking – a local street artist pulling off some brilliant pranks on the Wellington City Council. It’s a tale full of creativity, mischief, and a good dose of humour that’s brightening up our streets. So, let’s get into it and see how one man’s playful signs are making waves across the capital.
Cameron Hunt, a Wellington street artist, has been busy lately. He’s not your typical painter or sculptor. Instead, he uses the city as his canvas in the most unexpected way. Recently, he started putting up fake signs that look like they’re from the Wellington City Council. These signs popped up in some of our most iconic spots, catching the eye of locals and visitors alike. And, honestly, they’re hard to miss. With a cheeky twist and a nod to the council’s official style, Cameron’s creations are bringing smiles to faces all over town.
First, let’s talk about where it all began. One morning, people strolling through the Wellington Botanic Garden noticed something odd. A sign sat by the pond, warning folks not to “feed the crocodiles.” Now, if you know New Zealand, you’ll know we don’t have crocodiles lurking in our gardens. Naturally, this raised a few eyebrows. Then, people spotted the phone number on the sign. It led to the Platypus shoe store on Manners Street – Wellington’s biggest seller of Crocs shoes. Clever, right? The connection made people chuckle, and word spread fast. Suddenly, everyone wanted to see this quirky sign for themselves.
But Cameron didn’t stop there. Soon after, another sign appeared, this time at Te Aro Park. It sat proudly by the water feature, offering “free scuba diving lessons” every Saturday at 11 a.m. Again, the phone number was a giveaway. It linked to Tony’s Tyre Service on Cambridge Terrace. The idea of scuba diving in a park fountain was absurd, yet it worked. People loved it. They snapped photos, shared them online, and laughed about the sheer silliness of it all. Meanwhile, Cameron watched from the sidelines, thrilled to see his pranks sparking joy.
Now, you might wonder how he pulls this off. Cameron says it’s all about fun. “I’m just putting them there for people to enjoy,” he told us at One Network Wellington Live. He loves the whole process – coming up with ideas, making the signs, and sneaking them into place. For him, it’s not just art. It’s mischief, creativity, and a way to connect with the city. And he’s no stranger to this game. Before the signs, he turned speed cameras into robots and tweaked messages on construction boards. He even rounded up heaps of road cones once, just for a laugh.
So, what’s on these signs that makes them so special? Each one mimics the council’s style perfectly. They’ve got official-looking fonts and layouts, but with a twist. The “Absolutely Positively Ridiculous” logo is the cherry on top. It’s a playful jab at the council’s “Absolutely Positively Wellington” slogan. When you see it, you can’t help but grin. The signs look real at first glance, which is why they catch people off guard. Then, the humour hits, and it’s a double win – clever design and a good giggle.
Of course, the Wellington City Council had to weigh in. Anna Calver, the council’s chief economic and engagement officer, admitted she found them funny. “Wellington could do with a good injection of humour right now,” she said. And she’s right. Times have been tough lately, with water woes and budget debates dominating headlines. Cameron’s pranks offer a welcome break. They remind us to lighten up and enjoy the little things.
However, not everyone was on board at first. Some worried the signs might confuse people, especially tourists. Take the crocodile sign, for example. It caused a stir among out-of-town visitors, like cruise ship passengers. New Zealand’s crocodile-free status isn’t common knowledge for everyone. A few folks genuinely wondered if they’d stumbled into a wildlife zone. To avoid disappointment or panic, the council stepped in. They removed the Botanic Garden sign quickly. “We didn’t want people expecting crocodiles that aren’t there,” Anna explained. Fair enough. Safety and clarity matter, even when the joke’s this good.
Still, the council’s reaction shows they’re not total spoilsports. They could’ve cracked down hard, but they didn’t. Instead, they praised Cameron’s creativity while gently tidying up. The scuba diving sign got the chop too, just to keep things clear. Yet, the buzz didn’t die down. People kept talking about it – on the streets, in cafes, and online. Wellingtonians love a bit of cheek, and Cameron delivered it in spades. His pranks became a mini sensation, proving art can lift spirits in the simplest way.
Now, let’s step back and look at Cameron’s bigger picture. He’s not new to shaking things up. His past projects show a knack for turning the ordinary into something fun. Those robot speed cameras? Genius. The tweaked construction signs? Hilarious. And the road cone collection? Pure Wellington weirdness. Each time, he gets us thinking – about art, about our city, about what makes us laugh. This latest stunt with the fake signs fits right in. It’s bold, it’s local, and it’s got personality. Meanwhile, the city’s abuzz with what he might do next. Will he stick to signs, or try something wilder? No one knows, and that’s part of the thrill. Cameron’s keeping us on our toes, and we’re here for it.
At One Network Wellington Live, we reckon he’s tapped into something special. Wellington’s got a reputation for creativity – think film, music, and coffee. Add street art pranks to the list, and it’s clear we’re a city that doesn’t take itself too seriously. For those who haven’t seen the signs yet, don’t worry. Photos are all over social media, and the story’s spreading fast. Search “Wellington fake signs” online, and you’ll find the fun. Better yet, keep your eyes peeled around town. Cameron’s pranks might be short-lived, but their impact lingers. They’ve got people chatting, laughing, and sharing – the kind of thing that makes Wellington feel like home.
So, why does this matter? Well, in a world full of big problems, a little silliness goes a long way. Cameron’s signs aren’t solving climate change or fixing pipes. But they’re reminding us to pause and smile. They’re showing how one person’s idea can ripple out and touch a whole city. Plus, they’re pure Wellington – quirky, clever, and a bit rebellious. We need that right now, and Cameron’s delivering it with style.
As we wrap up, let’s give a shoutout to this local legend. Cameron Hunt, you’re a star. Your pranks are lighting up our days and putting Wellington on the map for all the right reasons. To our readers, what do you think? Have you spotted these signs? Got a favourite? Drop us a comment – we’d love to hear your take. And if you’re out and about, keep an eye out. You never know where Cameron’s next masterpiece might pop up.
This is One Network Wellington Live, signing off with a grin. Stay tuned for more stories from our brilliant city. Whether it’s art, news, or something in between, we’ve got you covered. For now, enjoy the laughs, Wellington – and thanks to Cameron for keeping it real.