The Christchurch City Council plans to cover up parts of New Brighton's war memorial, which have been graffitied, in time for ANZAC Day.

The cenotaph was vandalised for the first time three years ago.

Council staff don't know how to remove it without damaging the stones of the memorial.

Specially made coloured panels will cover the graffiti before the end of next week.

New Brighton RSA president Bill Lochrie says he's pleased something will be done in time for this year's service.

"Last year a lot of people were coming up and shaking their head in disgust...a lot of elderly people were actually very emotional about it and upset about it because of what it meant to those that have gone before us."