Community members interested in providing their thoughts about where community safety cameras should be installed have the opportunity to do so next week.
An upgrade of the community safety camera network, also known as CCTV, managed by Whakatāne District Council and NZ Police, is currently underway. Council was successful in receiving funding from the Department of Internal Affairs 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.
The project team is facilitating a series of workshops with local Community Boards and key community representatives, with two additional drop-in sessions to be held at Eastbay Reap on Tuesday, 23 May for the wider community. Anyone is welcome to attend these sessions to learn more about the project and tell the project team their thoughts.
Project Manager, Ian Morton, says feedback from the community is critical to ensure the cameras are located in the most effective areas.
“This is a district-wide project, instead of solely focused on the Whakatāne CBD or township,” Mr Morton explains. “We really want to hear from locals from throughout the rohe because you know your area best. This feedback will form a significant part of the rationale of where the cameras will go, alongside desktop research and vital input from NZ Police.”
The Mayor and Councillors will make the final decision about where the cameras will be located, based on community feedback, expert advice and key safety data. Privacy concerns will be at the forefront of key decisions, and NZ Police will be involved throughout the project to ensure the system is as useful as possible. The roll-out phase, when the cameras will be installed, is scheduled for the second half of 2023.
The two options for the drop-in sessions are 12noon to 1.30pm, or 5.30pm to 6pm, at Eastbay REAP - 21 Pyne Street, Whakatāne. Find out more on our website or call 07 306 0500 for more information.
Drop-ins sessions Tuesday, 23 May 2023
Where: EastBay REAP - 21 Pyne Street, Whakatāne
When: 12noon to 1.30pm and 5.30pm to 6.30pm