Four new locations get CCTV cameras thanks to fund

Four new locations, including two near schools, will benefit from added security thanks to the latest round of Western Bay’s CCTV fund.

For the last two years, residents have been invited to apply to Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s CCTV fund for purchasing new CCTV cameras to help secure shared spaces across the district. This is the second of the $150,000 fund that runs for three years, with $50,000 allocated each year. The council’s operations manager, Kerrie Little, sat on the decision-making panel. She says the fund is designed to help keep people feel safe.

“Two of the newly approved CCTV locations are near schools in Katikati and Waitangi, so we’re putting some of this fund toward giving these wha¯ nau, their tamariki and the wider school community a little more security and confidence.”

The new cameras will be installed at:

■ Te Puke Highway and Rangiuru, Waitangi

■ Te Puke Highway bridge over the Kaituna River, near Rangiuru Rd, Te Puke

■ Bell Road Boat Ramp, near the intersection of Bell Rd and Tauranga Eastern Link

■ Intersection of Beach Rd and Park Rd, Katikati, across from the school

Kerrie says the group had to make some difficult decisions about who would get funding this year.

“With a small pot of money and a long list of applications, we wanted to make a big difference with every dollar spent and support the existing camera network.

“The level of applications was really impressive and is a good indicator how much the community value this fund. We hope the people who missed out will reapply in 2023.”

The CCTV fund is an outcome from council’s most recent Long Term Plan 2021-2031. Community boards have also strongly supported this initiative. Applications were considered by a panel featuring councillors Allan Sole, Margaret Murraybenge and Monique Gray, Kerrie Little and a NZ Police representative. Applications to monitor private property/ land were not eligible.