23 Nov 2023

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Smart poles which offer free wi-fi, CCTV cameras, pedestrian counters and speakers for public alerts have won a top national award.

Christchurch City Council was awarded the Geospatial and Smart Communities Project of the Year at the Association of Local Government Information Management Conference.

Two Kōtuitui Smart Poles were installed at Te Nukutai o Tapoa – Naval Point for a two-year trial during the seaside recreational area’s recent redevelopment.

Smart Christchurch Manager Michael Healy and City Initiatives Lead Grace de Leon were presented with the award with Ms de Leon also winning the Smart Communities Professional of the Year.

Mr Healy said he was pleased to see the project recognised as it has been a great collaboration of organisations with the community at the heart of project.

“The aim of the project has always been to enhance the experience of the whole community with this area through technology and connectivity and we’ve seen that it brings benefits to residents and businesses, as well as the Council.”

The trial is a collaboration with Christchurch City Council, Connetics, Orion, Enable, and Christchurch City Holdings Limited’s Emerging Technology and Innovation Hub.

The judging panel from Australia and New Zealand said the project was highly collaborative which benefitted a range of stakeholders in the community.

ALGIM Chief Executive Mike Manson said it was wonderful to recognise the achievements in customer experience in the local government sector. 

“This is a great opportunity for us all to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work of Smart Community professionals across the country.”