Everything On Track For New City Camera Technology

Invercargill’s CBD should have new security camera technology by Christmas, but the council has warned the timelines to get the work done will be challenging.

Manager of strategy, policy and engagement Erin Mooghan told the Infrastructure Committee today that nothing was guaranteed, “but there is also nothing that has jumped out and said we won’t meet it.”

The initial budget was increased several months ago from $250,000 to $450,000 for stage one, and the remaining $1 million will be funded through the long-term plan.

The priority has always been for the CBD to be started on first and then ‘hot spots’ around the city, such as Stead St and Otatara, followed by South City and Bluff.

Councillor Grant Dermody asked about whether other areas identified by the strategic working group around the wider CBD would be included, but it was all dependent on the network and the budget.

A report to council said external consultants have been commissioned to do a scoping and planning exercise and to help implement the new system.

Mayor Nobby Clark said business owners in the CBD had been asking when the cameras would be installed, particularly around high risk areas, and there were also concerns about privacy.

“There’s this thing about ‘Big Brother’ is watching us, and some people will like it and others will think there is a conspiracy theory that we’re trying to watch everything.”

Council staff said it was hoped the new cameras will offer more enhanced features and will be great for security, but there would need to be a more robust policy in terms of privacy.

Police currently have access to some of council’s live CCTV cameras, though it is understood that this footage is of low quality in some cases, and of limited use.

The potential for an upgraded system to enable better access to live footage for police is something that is currently being explored.

Council would then enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Invercargill Police regarding the use of the cameras and footage.

Community consultation on the draft policy will take place between September 8 to November 10, as part of the wider consultation on other aspects of the cityscapes and development.