As a sign of technology playing a bigger part in our lives, the Kōtuitui smart pole as designed and constructed by Christchurch company Connetics, is the latest plan to future proof and keep New Brighton abreast of the most efficient services available.
A smart pole is a simple light pole that is highly equipped with intelligent LED lighting, a CCTV camera, an electric vehicle/e-bike charging system, and high-speed internet Wi-Fi network, pedestrian counters and speakers for public alerts.
There could be a cry of “big brother” but products like the smart pole show a continuing desire for cities to increasingly use technology for the wellbeing and safety of residents.
For instance, in key spaces like New Brighton’s retail mall and foreshore where people gather, smart poles could be a very useful aid for them to link to wi-fi, check out an app providing enlightenment about where they are and information to toilets, particular shops, restaurants, maps or entertainment – even historical stuff.
To improve services and information for retailers might come from pedestrian counts and where and how visitors are moving around the central area.
The lighting and cameras help improve security particularly for late night pedestrians, suffice to say Kōtuitui smart poles could help connect the local community, gathering important insights for the Council and businesses to use for future planning.
It is intended the installation of one or more of these in the New Brighton central zone is part of the LONG-TERM PLAN upgrade of the commercial hub (and more details of this in a separate post).
https://newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/smart-poles-bring-free-wi-fi-and-security-tonaval-point-users
Reminder next Tuesday at St Faiths Church from 7pm the revelation of plans detailing the Pages Rd Bridge project and detailing changes in some linking roads.
From 6.30pm at same venue is the New Brighton Resident Assn AGM new members welcome.