Winton is finally set to field a full complement of six state-of-the-art CCTV cameras after the Southland District Council (SDC) signed off on the town's final two today (28 Jan).

SDC has already approved the replacement and upgrading of the town's existing cameras.

Businesses and the local Police in the Central Southland town have been actively campaigning to upgrade and extend their town's CCTV network since 2023, after the existing cameras were deemed to be at the end of their operational life.

However the Ōreti Community Board at the time controversially declined the request, despite funds having been earmarked for the project, citing privacy issues.

SDC said its staff had worked closely with Winton Police to address the previous board's concerns and consequently entered into a new district-wide Letter of Agreement to reflect the CCTV sharing arrangements with police.

Today's decision will see all cameras and supporting systems completed in three stages before becoming fully operational by 30th June 2026.

The $105,110 price tag would be funded from the Winton Property Sales Reserve.

SDC said the original budget for the entire project had been $65,000, but the tender process identified the additional cost to complete stage three.

Stage one relates to the upgrade of the three existing cameras located in the centre plots on Great North Road and on top of the local police station, as well as upgrading operating hardware for the cameras. The cost for this stage is $45,400.

Stage two relates to the installation of a new camera system overlooking the John Street playground/carpark. The cost for this stage is $10,000.

Stage three would involve the installation of two new camera systems – one outside Night ’n’ Day and the other outside Mitre 10 – at a cost of up to $27,000.

SDC Mayor Rob Scott said it was satisfying to have the hard work of at least two community boards endorsed by Council.

“It’s a great outcome for Winton.”

“There’ll be people in the community giving each other high-fives."

Ōreti Community Board chair Margie Ruddenklau welcomed today’s decision.

“The Ōreti Community Board was unanimous in supporting this investment, which delivers a comprehensive CCTV system and strengthens safety for Winton and the wider district,” she said.

“The additional cameras will provide real benefits for crime prevention, public safety, and community confidence."

“I want to acknowledge everyone who has backed this project from the beginning."

"This reflects our shared commitment to keeping our community safe.”

Senior Sergeant Peter Graham, the Southern Police District sub-area response manager, said police were elated the Ōreti Community Board had supported renewing the town’s CCTV public safety cameras.

Winton had prevention cameras in place since the early 2000s and they had proved invaluable for deterring and resolving crime, he said.

“The current cameras are at the end of their functional life, and I began the process pre-Covid to upgrade the system and add additional cameras to give better coverage around the town."

“I applaud the hard work of those who fought for the cameras and the current community board’s decision to make their community safer.”