CCTV and ANPR Cameras
Emilia Sharp made this Official Information request to New Plymouth District Council
Response to this request is long overdue. By law New Plymouth District Council should have responded by now (details and exceptions). The requester can complain to the Ombudsman.
From: Emilia Sharp
Dear New Plymouth District Council,
I am writing to request the following information (for a total of 4 requests):
1. A list of all public facing CCTV cameras owned or operated by New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs) where possible.
2. A list of all Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras owned or operated by NPDC and CCOs where possible.
For each camera identified by requests 1 and 2, please include in a spreadsheet the GPS coordinates, a description of the location, and the brand and type of camera (e.g. Axis PTZ 360).
3. A list of all planned public facing CCTV cameras to be installed by or on behalf of NPDC and CCOs where possible.
4. A list of all planned ANPR cameras to be installed by or on behalf of NPDC and CCOs where possible.
For each camera identified by requests 3 and 4, please include in a spreadsheet the GPS coordinates of and/or a description of the planned location, the brand and type of camera (e.g. Axis PTZ 360) to be installed, and the planned installation date or timeframe if known.
Yours faithfully,
Emilia Sharp
From: Enquiries
New Plymouth District Council
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From: Catherine Croot
New Plymouth District Council
Hello Emilia
New Plymouth District Council acknowledge receiving your request for
information pertaining to CCTV cameras. Your request and Council’s
response is as follows:
1. A list of all public facing CCTV cameras owned or operated by New
Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and Council Controlled Organisations
(CCOs) where possible.
CCTV cameras are in the buildings/facilities listed below:
New Plymouth Airport
Aquatic Centre
Bell Block Library and Service Centre
Civic Centre
Crematorium
Dog Pound
Govett Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre
Hobson Street Parks Depot
Inglewood Library and Service Centre
Inglewood Pool
Pukekura Park Fernery
Pukekura Park Tea House
Puki Ariki Library
Puki Ariki Museum
TSB Showplace
TSB Stadium
Waitara Library and Service Centre
Waitara Pool
James Lane
Yarrow Stadium
New Plymouth CBD area and Waitara CBD area - CitySafe Network CCTV cameras
are owned by NPDC and operated and monitored by NZ Police.
2. A list of all Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras owned
or operated by NPDC and CCOs where possible.
There is one camera at Hobson Street carpark (area known locally as “Pig
Out Point”). Installed by NPDC, operated and monitored by NZ Police.
For each camera identified by requests 1 and 2, please include in a
spreadsheet the GPS coordinates, a description of the location, and the
brand and type of camera (e.g. Axis PTZ 360).
Council has safety and security concerns regarding your request for GPS
coordinates of cameras, the location, brands and types of cameras. This
request is refused under section 7(2)(j) of the Local Government Official
Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) to prevent the disclosure or use of
official information for improper gain or improper advantage.
3. A list of all planned public facing CCTV cameras to be installed by or
on behalf of NPDC and CCOs where possible.
Downtown Carpark
4. A list of all planned ANPR cameras to be installed by or on behalf of
NPDC and CCOs where possible.
Downtown Carpark
For each camera identified by requests 3 and 4, please include in a
spreadsheet the GPS coordinates of and/or a description of the planned
location, the brand and type of camera (e.g. Axis PTZ 360) to be
installed, and the planned installation date or timeframe if known.
Council has safety and security concerns regarding your request for GPS
coordinates of cameras, the location, brands and types of cameras. This
request is refused under section 7(2)(j) of the Local Government Official
Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) to prevent the disclosure or use of
official information for improper gain or improper advantage.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]Ombudsman New Zealand | Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata or freephone
0800 802 602.
Regards
Catherine Croot
Manager Property
New Plymouth District Council | Liardet St | Private Bag 2025 | New
Plymouth 4340 | Ph 06-759 6060
[2]www.npdc.govt.nz| [3]Facebook | [4]Twitter
-----Original Message-----
From: Emilia Sharp [5][FOI #29151 email]
Sent: Tuesday, 12 November 2024 12:32 am
To: Enquiries [6][New Plymouth District Council request email]
Subject: Official Information request - CCTV and ANPR Cameras
Dear New Plymouth District Council,
I am writing to request the following information (for a total of 4
requests):
1. A list of all public facing CCTV cameras owned or operated by New
Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and Council Controlled Organisations
(CCOs) where possible.
2. A list of all Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras owned
or operated by NPDC and CCOs where possible.
For each camera identified by requests 1 and 2, please include in a
spreadsheet the GPS coordinates, a description of the location, and the
brand and type of camera (e.g. Axis PTZ 360).
3. A list of all planned public facing CCTV cameras to be installed by or
on behalf of NPDC and CCOs where possible.
4. A list of all planned ANPR cameras to be installed by or on behalf of
NPDC and CCOs where possible.
For each camera identified by requests 3 and 4, please include in a
spreadsheet the GPS coordinates of and/or a description of the planned
location, the brand and type of camera (e.g. Axis PTZ 360) to be
installed, and the planned installation date or timeframe if known.
Yours faithfully,
Emilia Sharp
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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[7][FOI #29151 email]
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For more information about New Plymouth District Council, visit our
website at [8]www.npdc.govt.nz
Are you a ratepayer? Did you know you can get your rates notices by email?
Sign up now at [9]www.npdc.govt.nz/home-and-property/rates-information/
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From: Emilia Sharp
Dear NPDC,
As the locations of these cameras are able to be ascertained by observation while in public, the argument that there is a security or safety concern regarding disclosing their locations seems unsubstantiated when the concerns myself and others have for privacy are considered. I realise this may sound oxymoronic to expect privacy in public spaces, but even so - I would argue there is no improper gain or advantage under section 7(2)(j) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) for the reason stated prior and, as this correspondence is being published on the FYI website and thus available to anyone, there is no improper advantage. As there seems to be no clause under section 7(2) that supports the withholding of this information, I kindly request that the information is provided as requested.
Yours sincerely,
Emilia Sharp
From: Catherine Croot
New Plymouth District Council
Dear Emilia
Thank you for your follow-up regarding the CCTV and ANPR information request.
We carefully consider the balance between transparency and the security of public infrastructure. While it’s true that some camera locations may be observable in public spaces, disclosing technical specifications - such as the brand and type of camera - can significantly increase the attack surface for malicious actors. We believe that publishing this information can expose systems to targeted hacking attempts.
Similarly, providing precise GPS coordinates and descriptive location data makes these assets more accessible for vandalism or takedown attempts which has informed our decision to withhold this information under section 7(2)(j) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA), which allows for withholding information to prevent improper gain or advantage.
We appreciate your interest in privacy and public accountability, and we remain committed to ensuring our systems are used responsibly and securely.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at Ombudsman New Zealand | Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata or freephone 0800 802 602.
Ngâ mihi
Catherine
Catherine Croot
Property Manager
New Plymouth District Council | Liardet St | Private Bag 2025 | New Plymouth 4340
DDI: 759 6112 Phone: 759 6060 Cell: 027 317 0677
http://www.newplymouthnz.com/ | Facebook | Twitter
-----Original Message-----
From: Emilia Sharp <[FOI #29151 email]>
Sent: Sunday, 17 August 2025 7:52 pm
To: Catherine Croot <[email address]>
Subject: Re: Official Information Request - Emilia Sharp - CCTV and ANPR
[EXTERNAL EMAIL] CAUTION: This email is from an external sender. To minimise cyber security risks, do not click on any links or open any attachments unless you are certain that the sender is legitimate. Please note that no legitimate sender will ever ask you for password details.
Dear NPDC,
As the locations of these cameras are able to be ascertained by observation while in public, the argument that there is a security or safety concern regarding disclosing their locations seems unsubstantiated when the concerns myself and others have for privacy are considered. I realise this may sound oxymoronic to expect privacy in public spaces, but even so - I would argue there is no improper gain or advantage under section 7(2)(j) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) for the reason stated prior and, as this correspondence is being published on the FYI website and thus available to anyone, there is no improper advantage. As there seems to be no clause under section 7(2) that supports the withholding of this information, I kindly request that the information is provided as requested.
Yours sincerely,
Emilia Sharp
-----Original Message-----
Hello Emilia
New Plymouth District Council acknowledge receiving your request for information pertaining to CCTV cameras. Your request and Council’s response is as follows:
1. A list of all public facing CCTV cameras owned or operated by New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and Council Controlled Organisations
(CCOs) where possible.
CCTV cameras are in the buildings/facilities listed below:
New Plymouth Airport
Aquatic Centre
Bell Block Library and Service Centre
Civic Centre
Crematorium
Dog Pound
Govett Brewster Art Gallery and Len Lye Centre
Hobson Street Parks Depot
Inglewood Library and Service Centre
Inglewood Pool
Pukekura Park Fernery
Pukekura Park Tea House
Puki Ariki Library
Puki Ariki Museum
TSB Showplace
TSB Stadium
Waitara Library and Service Centre
Waitara Pool
James Lane
Yarrow Stadium
New Plymouth CBD area and Waitara CBD area - CitySafe Network CCTV cameras are owned by NPDC and operated and monitored by NZ Police.
2. A list of all Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras owned or operated by NPDC and CCOs where possible.
There is one camera at Hobson Street carpark (area known locally as “Pig Out Point”). Installed by NPDC, operated and monitored by NZ Police.
For each camera identified by requests 1 and 2, please include in a spreadsheet the GPS coordinates, a description of the location, and the brand and type of camera (e.g. Axis PTZ 360).
Council has safety and security concerns regarding your request for GPS coordinates of cameras, the location, brands and types of cameras. This request is refused under section 7(2)(j) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) to prevent the disclosure or use of official information for improper gain or improper advantage.
3. A list of all planned public facing CCTV cameras to be installed by or on behalf of NPDC and CCOs where possible.
Downtown Carpark
4. A list of all planned ANPR cameras to be installed by or on behalf of NPDC and CCOs where possible.
Downtown Carpark
For each camera identified by requests 3 and 4, please include in a spreadsheet the GPS coordinates of and/or a description of the planned location, the brand and type of camera (e.g. Axis PTZ 360) to be installed, and the planned installation date or timeframe if known.
Council has safety and security concerns regarding your request for GPS coordinates of cameras, the location, brands and types of cameras. This request is refused under section 7(2)(j) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) to prevent the disclosure or use of official information for improper gain or improper advantage.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at [1]Ombudsman New Zealand | Tari o te Kaitiaki Mana Tangata or freephone
0800 802 602.
Regards
Catherine Croot
Manager Property
New Plymouth District Council | Liardet St | Private Bag 2025 | New Plymouth 4340 | Ph 06-759 6060
[2]http://www.npdc.govt.nz/ [3]Facebook | [4]Twitter
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Please use this email address for all replies to this request:
[FOI #29151 email]
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-------------------------------------------------------------------
The content of this email is confidential and may contain copyright information and/or be legally privileged. The information contained in this email is intended only for the recipient named in the email message. If this email is not intended for you, you must not use, read, distribute or copy it. If you have received this email message in error please notify the sender immediately and erase the original message and any attachments from your system. Thank you.
Statements in this email and any attachments do not necessarily reflect the views of New Plymouth District Council.
For more information about New Plymouth District Council, visit our website at http://www.npdc.govt.nz/
Are you a ratepayer? Did you know you can get your rates notices by email? Sign up now at http://www.npdc.govt.nz/home-and-propert...
hide quoted sections
From: Emilia Sharp
Dear NPDC,
I intend to contact other councils that have released this information to ascertain whether the release of location and model information did in fact result in an increase in vandalism. This information can inform ratepayers, residents and visitors of the capabilities of cameras that are intended to promote safety in public spaces, the possible quality of the footage held, the areas in which they are protected by said cameras, and what areas are not covered by cameras for their own safety, and privacy if applicable. I believe these causes outweigh the concerns you've stated and other councils have yielded this information without relying on section 7(2)(j) of the LGOIMA, which demonstrates the risk has been considered by other councils to be minimal, as there are already measures in place to ensure cameras are well protected from vandalism and improper access. Having access to camera model information allows security professionals to ascertain whether council is spending money on cameras with hardened security features, and that the cameras used are not known for relaying information to overseas centralised servers. I believe it's important that ratepayers are able to understand what technology is being used to provide surveillance of them in public spaces, to be able to ascertain that this technology is safe to use, and to be able to have their say if we believe this is not the case - some cities and government agencies have policies against certain brands being used because of security risks, I and others would like to ensure councils are following the same principles.
Given the above reasons, I still hold that the risks here do not outweigh the public interest in releasing this information. I have reviewed the Ombudsman guide to Improper gain and advantage and I would argue that, quoting part 6, "in the circumstances of the particular case, the public interest in disclosure of the information, in whole or in part, outweighs the need to withhold the information" - as demonstrated by other councils and NZTA releasing this information.
Yours sincerely,
Emilia Sharp
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