CCTV boost to monitor waterfront pier

The pier has become a popular place for locals and tourists this summer. Photos: NIkki South.

Tauranga City Council is looking to beef up CCTV coverage around the pier and tidal stairs on the city's waterfront after ongoing issues with the life preserver going missing.

The pier, pontoon and tidal stairs have been hugely popular with locals and tourists since they opened in April last year, and have been particularly busy in recent weeks as people look to cool off from the summer heat.

Paul Muller, team leader facilities, says there have been issues with the life preserver going missing but it was important to strike a balance between it being accessible when needed, and it being secure.

'We're looking to beef up the CCTV coverage in that area so we can better identify who's responsible when this does happen,” says Paul.

'We'll be putting signage on the cover to make sure people know there are cameras operating and that it is for emergencies only, and will have a security firm undertake random daily patrols to check for damage or unruly behaviour.

'We are also investigating installing a monitored alarm on the life ring so when it is removed a silent alarm sounds and guards are alerted.”

Another issue for council has been the green slime build-up on the lower tidal stairs, which is causing numerous slips and falls, resulting in cuts and bruises to users.

Paul says the initial waterblasting regime for the tidal stairs was three-weekly, but this has been ramped up to fortnightly with daily checks in between in recent weeks.

Options are being looked at to improve the grip on the bottom stairs, including sandblasting or matting.

Councillor Larry Baldock, chair of the City Transformation Committee, says it is 'fantastic” to see the council's vision for the waterfront coming to life.

'We have been working on a number of initiatives to create a vibrant, safe and successful city centre, and the tidal stairs, pier and pontoon have certainly become a wonderful place for people to enjoy and make the most of on these summer days,” says Larry.

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7 comments

Waterfront Stairs and jetty safety

Posted on 26-01-2018 12:20 | By Dave_P

I reckon the waterfront is awesome, but concerns there is no life guards on duty as strong currents around the jetty have resulted in un supervised kids being swept away as well has too many kids bombing on top of each other. also a install of a slide would be great


Agree - lifeguards needed.

Posted on 26-01-2018 13:17 | By Brenda-cyclemax

My kids have also nearly been pile driven under the water by other reckless people bombing without any caution or care. Many times its a free for all, and if you step in as a parent then things can get nasty ending up with the hoodlums taking "ownership" of the facility. I have seen the saftety ring being played with and that current can be too strong for some young ones. A mature lifeguard will bring both saftey and order. Love the slide idea too.


Basic

Posted on 26-01-2018 13:50 | By clingon

I dont find them particularly attractive, they could have had some paving or tiles to bring some colour to the area: what about some LED lights shining up from the bottom steps? Have a look at some swimming pools for ideas council...


Some commenters...

Posted on 26-01-2018 15:07 | By Border Patrol

...on this site had previously mentioned concerns around slime build up on the new stairs leading to falls, plus other concerns around children and water safety due to the current, but were called miserable. These concerns were real and appear to have come to fruition given the article and some comments here. One would suspect that the life ring has been used to play with in the water (what a surprise!). Hopefully these issues can be sorted so everyone can enjoy safely.


Slippery

Posted on 26-01-2018 15:32 | By peecee09

When the steps were first proposed I indicated the danger of the surfaces becoming slimy and suggested Council have a rough finish on the steps and that provision be made for daily cleaning.Not listened to and now you could face being charged with creating a dangerous play environment without due care and attention.


Brenda

Posted on 26-01-2018 16:38 | By maildrop

Yeh, we need some rate funded nanny to supervise your kids so you don't have to.


So which COUNCIL clown - thought that

Posted on 27-01-2018 20:41 | By The Caveman

these NEW attractions would be all OK and that they would be SAFE for the general public to use ????? More (UN-budget) COSTS for the RATEPAYERS to pick up !!!!!


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