Who should pay for Napier’s central city CCTV?

Napier's inner-city on a busy night. The city council's annual plan proposes a change in how CCTV monitoring is paid for, whether it comes from a parking fund, or a targeted rate for businesses.

Businesses and residents in the Napier CBD could be asked to cover the costs of monitoring CCTV coverage aimed at deterring criminal and anti-social behaviour in the area.

The night-time monitoring, currently costing about $240,000 a year, is funded from the council’s parking reserves.

As part of the Napier City Council’s 2026-2027 Annual Plan, it is proposed the cost be borne by a targeted rate to CBD businesses and residents.

Businesses in the Napier CBD can pay in excess of $20,000 a year in rates, including general rates exceeding $12,000.

Mayor Richard McGrath said the new rate for the CBD targeted those who benefited the most.

“Monitoring the CBD at night helps to protect businesses and residents from break-ins and anti-social behaviour and gives police better information to work with.”

The council proposes an average rates rise of 8.8%.

The plan is up for consultation; submissions close on April 24.

Hearings will be held on May 27-28, and the council will make its final decisions by June 30.

The council’s focus remains on the essentials that keep Napier running well, including important water supply projects, upgrades to stormwater systems, and essential infrastructure.

“Focusing on the basics isn’t glamorous, but it’s what we need to do,” McGrath said.

“I want Napier to have safe public spaces, resilient infrastructure and efficient ways of doing things. This plan will help us along that path.”

Residents are invited to an “Open House” at 5.30pm on April 20, at the Municipal Theatre, to learn more about the plan.

“There’s a lot to be proud of in what’s being planned and it’s important the community understands how their rates are spent,” McGrath said.

Doug Laing is a Hawke’s Bay Today reporter based in Napier, with more than 50 years in the news industry, mostly covering news, events, and issues in Hawke’s Bay.