Camera surveillance and monitoring
Camera surveillance and monitoring operates for a number of BOPRC services and at BOPRC managed or controlled locations.
Camera surveillance is used to monitor such things as behaviour in the public facing areas of our buildings for crime prevention and to keep people safe.
We may also use fixed and mobile cameras in various locations across the region for:
- monitoring of wildlife
- monitoring of pests
- environmental monitoring
- surveying on flooding
- evidence collection under relevant legislation
- monitoring river conditions and determining river flow
Appropriate signage is available in areas where camera surveillance is in operation. Covert use of camera surveillance systems will only be considered in exceptional circumstances where the law permits it.
Surveillance footage will only be viewed by authorised people in accordance with the purpose it was collected for or to ensure the system is operational.
In the event of activity being recorded on our surveillance cameras which appears to be unlawful, we may pass that footage of the incident over to Police for the purpose of an investigation. Likewise, if the Police believe some unlawful activity was carried out, then they may view or ask us to hand over any footage that may assist in their investigation.
No attempt is made to identify individuals from footage except in relation to a reported or suspected incident requiring investigation.
Body Worn Video Cameras
Body Worn Video Cameras (BWV) may be worn by our enforcement officers (for example: our maritime officers and honorary enforcement officers) as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour towards them and to provide a clear record of events. BWV is used in accordance with BOPRC’s Body Word Video Policy.
Our employees will notify individuals that they are being recorded.
Footage from cameras may be used as part of any reported or suspected investigations, or in relation to any legal proceedings. We may disclose BWV footage to the New Zealand Police and/or to other prosecuting agencies (for example, the New Zealand Customs Service, Maritime New Zealand and / or Worksafe New Zealand).
Drones
We use drones to support the work that we do. This includes environmental monitoring and research, pest management and biocontrol application, surveying and mapping, emergency response and management, compliance monitoring and enforcement, infrastructure design, inspections and maintenance, and for communication purposes such as reporting, presentations, publications. The personal information collected may include, but is not limited to, images and videos captured by the drone, location data and telemetry information, and identifiable information visible in captured images or videos. If we fly over private property, we do so only with the relevant landowner’s consent. We do not use any footage of privately-owned properties without this consent.
Our use of drones is conducted in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority’s rules and guidance.
Buses
BOPRC’s transport operators utilise camera surveillance whilst providing services to BOPRC. Please refer to the relevant operator’s privacy statement as set out in the table below for further information about what information they collect, who they share it with and how to request a copy of footage. Only operators have access to footage captured by their cameras, however they may grant access or provide footage to relevant BOPRC staff as and when required.
Livestreaming of public Council meetings
In the interests of making our decision-making process transparent and accessible, all public meetings of Council and its Core Committees are currently being livestreamed, recorded, and are also made available to the public on BOPRC’s website after the meeting. When livestreaming is not possible, a recording will be made visible on our YouTube channel after the meeting.
Most of the filming will cover elected members as they speak and debate at the meeting, however, the filming may also include shots of the public in the background and of anyone speaking at a public forum.
Every care is taken to maintain individuals’ privacy and attendees are advised they may be recorded.
Requesting access to camera footage
If you would like to request access to BOPRC controlled camera footage you can contact us at privacy@boprc.govt.nz
Also, see the paragraph below “Your rights to access and correct personal information” for more information on your rights and how to make an access request.