Oreti Community Board Votes Against CCTV Cameras in Winton

• Oreti Community Board votes against replacing CCTV cameras despite community and police backing.
• Community survey showed strong support for CCTV, but board voted against installation.
• Councillor Darren Frazer and community express disappointment over the board’s decision.

The Oreti Community Board has voted against replacing ageing CCTV cameras in Winton, despite strong support from the community and police. The decision came last month, ending a six-month debate on the matter.

The board voted against upgrading four existing cameras and adding two new ones, despite a significant push from the community and police support. Councillor Darren Frazer, who has served on the board for seven years, noted the high level of community feedback on this issue. “I haven’t seen as much community feedback on any issue on a community board as this one, in seven years on council,” he said.

The issue began in December when the board decided to remove the CCTV project from the long-term plan, saving a budgeted $40,000. However, in April, a chairperson’s report revealed that the cameras were generating significant feedback, prompting the board to reconsider the project. A community survey presented the same month showed overwhelming support, with 198 people in favour, five opposed, and one willing to split the costs.

Despite this, the board voted against the upgrade, five to three, with Frazer expressing the community’s disappointment. “It’s obviously not what the bulk of the community want. It’s disappointing … but it is what it is. [We] have to move on and talk about the next issue,” he said. He acknowledged that while Winton is not a major crime hub, issues like graffiti still exist.

Frazer, along with board chairman Colin Smith and deputy chairman Philip Dobson, supported the installation of the cameras. However, members Dave Diack, Chris Herud, Karen Maw, Katie Allan, and Tracy Kennedy opposed it. Council staff had estimated the cost of installing CCTV to range between $16,000 and $44,000, excluding GST.

Senior Sergeant Peter Graham, Western Southland sub area response manager, supported the upgrade, stating that crime prevention cameras are valuable for keeping residents and businesses safe. They help prevent incidents and aid in identifying offenders and vehicles.