CCTV is well on its way
Business owners took a sneak peak at a CCTV camera and what they saw has exceeded expectations.
The South Waikato Safer Community Council hosted a breakfast fundraiser for Tokoroa’s long-awaited CCTV initiative.
Chairman Gordon Blake hopes the $60,000 cameras will be put in place by the end of the year.
To achieve their goal the money fundraised will be matched by the South Waikato District Council. The morning brought together 10 business owners and as well as a delicious bite to eat the guests were able to test out a camera.
The camera worth about $3000 was put on display and TACS owner Mike Hutcheson explained how it worked. As a pan tilt zoom camera ( PTZ), Hutcheson said it was an ‘‘intelligent’’ piece of equipment.
‘‘They track as you turn, police can sit there with a joystick.’’
Through all the technology jargon, Hutcheson said the highdefinition camera was top of the line.
Guests ate from the Sweet Rose Cafe for the morning but they had a look at the menu across the road as well.
‘‘You zoom in and you can look at the menu on Pockets . . . It’s quite cool,’’ Sweet Rose manager Lorraine Young said.
As the first breakfast event for the Bridge St cafe, Young said it went well, despite the 7am start and gloomy weather
To end the morning fun the early risers had the opportunity to ask Blake some questions.
Nothing surprised the former mayor but he said valid points were raised.
Blake said Tokoroa and Tirau i-Site manager Garry Brunton questioned a possibility of State Highway 1 coverage.
‘‘We would get pretty extensive ongoing coverage in that way,’’ he said.
The idea was definitely a possibility according to Blake.
As well as the in-house discussions, visits to Taupo and Rotorua will contribute to the implementation of the camera.
Blake said the visit to Taupo found the technology has changed dramatically in the past two years.
Overall the response was ‘‘ enthusiastic’’ despite the ‘‘smallish number’’ of guests.
Sponsored by local businesses New World, Anchor Milk, Otobahn coffee and Morrisseys the breakfast brought in about $300.
Future breakfast fundraisers are also being discussed.