As part of a community safety review, people from around the Whakatāne District identified that our communities’ perception of safety in public places was a significant concern. Research shows that community safety cameras (also known as CCTV) can act as a crime deterrent and aid in the identification process should crime take place within the scope of the cameras.
We had a community safety camera network; however, much of the network infrastructure was inefficient, ageing and/or required more resources to stay operational. While an upgrade was flagged during future planning, Better Off Funding has enabled the project to be fast-tracked.
We were successful in receiving $1 million from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Better Off Funding package to deliver and upgrade the existing network with modern cameras, add additional cameras to the network and improve system monitoring abilities. We’ve liaised with a range of community groups, including local Iwi, to ensure the upgrade meets the needs of those most affected by security issues.
Your Mayor and Councillors made the final decision in July 2023 about where the cameras will be located, based on community feedback, expert advice and key safety data. Privacy concerns were at the forefront of key decisions, and NZ Police have been involved throughout the project to ensure the system is as useful as possible. The roll-out phase, when the cameras will be installed, was scheduled for the second half of 2023 and came in on time and under budget.
Frequently asked questions
We've put together some frequently asked questions that should help explain the project. Please contact us if you have any questions or comments.
- What is the community safety camera project?
In 2022, Whakatāne District Council was successful in receiving $1 million from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Better Off Funding package to deliver and upgrade the existing community safety camera network with modern cameras, add more cameras and improve system monitoring abilities.
Community safety cameras have also been known as CCTV.
- Why is it happening?
As part of a community safety review, representatives from within the Whakatāne District identified that our communities’ perception of safety in public places was a significant concern. Research shows that community safety cameras can act as a crime deterrent and aid in the identification process should crime take place within the scope of the cameras. Council had a community safety camera network; however, much of the network infrastructure was inefficient, ageing and/or required more resources to remain operational. While an upgrade was flagged during future planning, the Better Off Funding enabled the project to be expediated.
- Who's paying?
The project is funded from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Better Off Funding package.
- Who’s involved with the project?
The project is a collaboration between Whakatāne District Council, NZ Police, security experts and our communities, including Iwi, hapū and whānau.
- When is it happening?
The planning and engagement phase, which will include identifying the most effective camera locations, concluded in June 2023. The roll-out phase was completed in December 2023.
- Where will the cameras be located?
The cameras have been installed across the district, not just in the Whakatāne township. The Mayor and Councillors made the final decisions based on community feedback, expert advice and key safety data. Privacy concerns were at the forefront of key decisions, and NZ Police have been involved throughout the project to ensure the system is as useful as possible.
- What about privacy?
We have worked closely with NZ Police to ensure privacy is at the forefront of key decisions, and continues to be a factor in the ongoing monitoring system. New technologies like facial recognition are not planned as part of this project, because we acknowledge there are wider legislative privacy issues to be addressed at a central government level.
- Will the cameras be monitored?
The Better Off Funding has provided an opportunity for improving the system management, including 24/7 monitoring by the independent security firm, Armitage Group.