12 October 2020

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Okareka security cameras

Enquiry

I'm doing a story today, for deadline today, about the Okareka community getting new security cameras.

I'm going to see them at 9.30am today but they mentioned they will be monitored by the council.

If that's the case, I was wanting to get some comment from the council but also don't want to leave too late get a response in time and I'm not likely to be back from seeing them until before 11am.

I don't need much, but just confirmation the cameras are part of the council's network, how it can benefit the area and if you can tell me where other cameras are around the district monitored by the council (I think most people think they are just in the central city but that might not be the case).

Response

From Operations Group Manager Jocelyn Mikaere:

As part of Council's work partnering with various communities we have extended our CCTV network to five community locations across the district - Mamaku, Kaingaroa, Reporoa, Ngakuru and now Ōkareka.

Lake Ōkareka Community Association approached Council to install CCTV in the area. Council and the community association entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the commitment to work in partnership in the extension of the CCTV network. Like many of the recent upgrades in their area, this initiative was co-funded by Lake Ōkareka Community Association.

The CCTV network is an important part of Council's role in creating thriving neighbourhoods, assisting with community safety, crime prevention and the deterrence of antisocial behaviour. Continuous monitoring of CCTV footage enables a quick response to incidents as they are happening and allows Council to work in collaboration with the Police in response to serious incidents.

Further information:

• Council also operates CCTV cameras at its satellite locations such as transfer stations, the landfill and the dog pound.
• In terms of Ōkareka, Council is responsible for the monitoring, review and follow up of footage.
• All CCTV footage, including community locations, is subject to the Privacy Act and Council's CCTV policy*Additional note for reporter noted that sharing specific details about the number of cameras and their specific locations would defeat the purpose of the CCTV network as a crime prevention tool.

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Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Kiwis returning home

Enquiry

I am looking at doing a story about Kiwis returning from overseas to live in the Bay of Plenty this year, and wondered if the Rotorua Lakes Council has any data or info about new residents that have moved into the region this year during the pandemic? If so, I could send some questions about it today.

Response

This is not information that RLC holds - you may want to try Immigration New Zealand or the Department of Internal Affairs.