Farmgate pledges free solarpowered security cameras for cyclone victims

Farmgate is donating free security cameras to victims of Cyclone Gabrielle in the Hawkes Bay region who have been feeling unsafe in their own homes.

The Waikato-based company’s Director Andrew Sing says the recent natural disaster events that have wrought devastation on the North Island provide an opportunity for his business to do the right thing and help some fellow Kiwis by donating free security cameras.

Partnering with Vero Insurance, Farmgate pledged twenty 4G solarpowered cameras to vulnerable rural properties in the Hawkes Bay region plus a high-tech road side license plate camera connected to the Police stolen vehicle database to a total value of $60,000.

“By providing some tools for increased visibility on those unseen or hard to see places around the home or business we hope it will help provide some peace of mind for rural property owners dealing with the aftermath of the devastation and loss,” Mr Sing said.

On 27 February, over 200 Hawkes Bay locals attended a community meeting with officials to voice their frustrations over excessive looting and crime. According to Radio New Zealand the overall message from the evening was articulated by the meeting organiser, Louise Parsons of Whirinaki; “we are all feeling unsafe.”

“Watching the events unfold following Cyclone Gabrielle has been quite unsettling for me and the team and our hearts go out to those affected,” Mr Sing stated. “We felt a strong pull to do something on hearing stories of those in isolated Hawkes Bay communities feeling unsafe on their own properties be it day or night. It was then we knew we had to do something.”

The cameras on offer work anywhere with 4G reception and communicate directly with one’s phone to provide real time updates on any security needs around property and entrances.

“The license plate camera system to be supplied provides an essential extra layer of security for any isolated rural community” said Mr Sing “as anyone in the community connected with the Farmgate APP will be notified of when a stolen vehicles arrives in the area”. Farmgate estimates that up to 60% of rural crime happens in a stolen vehicle.

“We hope the cameras will help provide some peace of mind for property owners dealing with the aftermath of the devastation and loss,” he said.

Farmgate supports authorities in their efforts to reduce crime and partners with communities to provide strong theft deterrents. They will be offering ongoing support where they can to the recipients of the cameras.