The Christchurch City Council Information Network already has 15 sensors located across Bottle Lake Forest, Naval Point and the Port Hills using smart technology to help with early fire detection. Twelve new sensors are being added to the network in public spaces, such as suburban parks and reserves along the Heathcote and Avon Rivers, and at Little River, as part of a three-year trial.
Smart Christchurch Manager Grace de Leon says the sensors will provide localised real-time data about weather conditions, flood monitoring and visual imaging.
“This data will be available to Council staff and emergency services, such as Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) to help them respond effectively to emergency situations, manage community safety and issue timely public warnings.”
“During the trial period we can assess the benefits the sensor network provides, and what potential there is for us to build on it. The network is adaptable and future-proofed, so it can continue to meet Christchurch’s monitoring needs as new technologies are introduced.”
Two of the sensors are being located specifically to help with flood monitoring on rivers.
“This is especially timely as extreme weather events are increasingly affecting the city and Banks Peninsula. The sensors will allow us to monitor water levels via the visual imaging, a helpful tool in conjunction with staff on the ground and information from the public,” Ms de Leon says.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s Community Risk Manager for Canterbury Dean Harker says, “the sensor network provides real time information and situational awareness that can be used in response to emergency incidents”.
Work is planned to start installing the new sensors in mid-October, with work due to be completed by November 2025.