Winton’s long-debated CCTV upgrade is finally moving ahead, with Southland District Council approving the final stage of the project. The decision clears the way for two new cameras to be installed in the town centre, completing a six-camera system aimed at boosting public safety and supporting crime prevention.
The full upgrade, which had been split into three stages, will now be delivered by local company South Tech, following a procurement process through the Government Electronic Tenders System (GETS). The total cost of the project has risen to $91,400 (excluding GST), funded from the Winton Property Sales Reserve. Originally budgeted at $65,000, additional costs were identified during the tender process to complete stage three.
Stage one included replacing three older cameras on Great North Road and atop the Winton Police Station, along with upgrading supporting hardware. This stage cost $45,400. Stage two saw a new camera installed to monitor the John Street playground and car park for $10,000. The newly approved final stage will see two more cameras go up—one near Night ’n’ Day and the other outside Mitre 10—costing up to $27,000.
Council staff worked alongside local police to resolve privacy concerns raised by the former Ōreti Community Board. A new district-wide agreement will be signed to formalise how police can access CCTV footage, addressing past calls for clearer privacy protections and ensuring footage is handled responsibly.
Winton Business Association and Winton Promotions Group both backed the plan, citing the benefits of a modernised system for crime prevention, peace of mind, and wider community wellbeing. Businesses have expressed strong support for the move, even if it means a potential cost impact on rates.
Southland District Mayor Rob Scott said the outcome was a reward for community persistence. “It’s a great outcome for Winton,” he said. “There’ll be people in the community giving each other high-fives.”
Ōreti Community Board chair Margie Ruddenklau echoed this view. “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.
Police also welcomed the news. Senior Sergeant Peter Graham 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.”
After years of delays, changes in leadership and tension over privacy, Winton’s surveillance upgrade now has clear support and a path forward. The cameras are expected to be fully operational by 30 June 2026.