Case Study - Protecting Ponsonby

Background

The Ponsonby Business Association (PBA) represents and supports approximately 550 businesses within the Ponsonby Business Improvement District (BID).
While many local businesses and residents operated their own private CCTV cameras, it became evident that a comprehensive, coordinated public-space CCTV system was necessary to effectively monitor and deter crime.

Like other busy Auckland precincts, Ponsonby faced growing concerns over theft, antisocial behaviour, and serious crime. The PBA recognised that an integrated security approach, supported by technology, collaboration, and community engagement, was essential to maintaining Ponsonby’s reputation as a safe and welcoming destination for visitors, residents, and business owners alike.

SaferCities Engagement

SaferCities was engaged to assist the PBA in developing and implementing a strategic CCTV system to enhance public safety and crime prevention across the area.
Our consultants first met with the PBA to understand their objectives, challenges, and long-term vision for community safety.

In February 2024, SaferCities conducted a comprehensive site visit in collaboration with the PBA and local Police. This hands-on assessment allowed us to identify high-risk areas, evaluate existing infrastructure, and plan the optimal layout for the future CCTV network.

Following a series of workshops and stakeholder discussions, SaferCities completed a comprehensive system design in March 2024. This design leveraged community assets, such as rooftops, existing poles, and power sources provided by local businesses a testament to the high level of cooperation and engagement within the Ponsonby community.

To ensure a robust and transparent implementation process, SaferCities produced detailed requirements documentation, including network architecture diagrams, device specifications, and performance standards.
By May 2024, the tender process was ready to commence. Under our guidance, the PBA selected four qualified security companies to participate. SaferCities facilitated a fair and transparent evaluation process, assessing each submission against a comprehensive set of criteria including:

• Technical competency and adherence to requirements
• Solution quality and scalability
• Cost-effectiveness and lifecycle value
• Capacity for ongoing maintenance and support

After thorough analysis and consultation with the PBA executive board, a preferred provider was selected. SaferCities then transitioned into the project management phase, providing direct oversight and support throughout implementation.
Our responsibilities included preparing project documentation, coordinating with Auckland Transport and utility partners, and assisting the PBA in securing approvals for the use of street light poles and community buildings for camera and wireless device placement.

Conclusion

By early 2025, the new Ponsonby CCTV system was successfully installed and went live comprising 21 cameras, including ANPR, PTZ, and multi-imager units providing up to four simultaneous views.
This system delivers broad coverage of key public areas, enhances situational awareness for local authorities, and supports proactive crime prevention efforts.

SaferCities helped the PBA stay on budget by providing accurate cost estimates and ensuring the project met all quality and performance expectations despite tight timelines.
The completed system represents a collaborative success story a of how the community can work together.

What we did