Kia Ora

 

I refer to your request below. 

 

I advise that the Council does not hold any information on this topic.
  The installation and use of telco equipment is provided for by
Government regulations, see

 

[1]National Environmental Standards for Telecommunication Facilities |
Ministry for the Environment

 

The streetlight network, provides light and there are no other
capabilities beyond  illumination.

 

Kā mihi

 

 

Jennifer Lapham

LGOIMA Officer
Governance Group           

P  03 477 4000  |   E [2][email address] 

Te Kaunihera a Rohe o Ōtepoti - Dunedin City Council

PO Box 5045, Dunedin 9054

New Zealand

[3]www.dunedin.govt.nz

 

 

 

 

 

[4]DCC Main Page

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From: Greg <[FOI #33965 email]>
Sent: Thursday, 5 March 2026 5:08 a.m.
To: Official Information <[Dunedin City Council request email]>
Subject: Official Information request - Telecommunications Infrastructure,
Smart City Systems, and Ownenership

 

Dear Dunedin City Council,

I write pursuant to the Official Information Act 1982 to request
information concerning the deployment of 5G telecommunications
infrastructure and smart street lighting systems within Dunedin.
Given that telecommunications infrastructure constitutes critical national
infrastructure, and noting that publicly listed operators such as Spark
New Zealand have significant institutional shareholdings including global
asset management firms such as BlackRock, Vanguard Group, and JPMorgan
Chase, transparency regarding governance, oversight, and operational
control is plainly in the public interest.
Accordingly, I request:
All health, safety, and environmental assessments undertaken prior to the
approval and rollout of 5G infrastructure in Dunedin, including RF
exposure modelling and compliance documentation.
Confirmation of compliance with NZS 2772.1 (Radiofrequency Fields
Standard) and details of any independent compliance audits.
Identification of the legal entities responsible for ownership, control,
operation, and maintenance of:
5G macro and small cell installations;
Telecommunications equipment mounted on street lighting infrastructure;
Any associated smart-city hardware.
Clarification of the functional scope of “smart” street lighting
installations, including whether they incorporate sensors, data collection
capabilities, environmental monitoring, or other networked technologies
beyond illumination and telecommunications.
Documentation outlining:
The governance structure of the relevant telecommunications operators;
The extent of foreign institutional ownership;
Where ultimate decision-making authority resides for infrastructure
deployment within New Zealand;
The regulatory mechanisms ensuring that operational decisions remain
subject to New Zealand law and public oversight.
Copies of any council meeting minutes, public consultation documents,
contracts, or memoranda of understanding relating to the rollout of such
infrastructure in Dunedin.
Given the increasing integration of telecommunications systems into
broader “smart city” frameworks, and the globalised nature of capital
ownership in critical infrastructure sectors, clarity regarding
accountability, regulatory safeguards, and democratic oversight is of
legitimate public interest.
I look forward to your response within the statutory timeframe.

Yours faithfully,
Greg

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