Web Cameras Ready To Roll In Council Chambers

Hamilton City Council will broadcast its Council meeting via the internet for the
first time this Thursday (29 September), following the installation of web
cameras in the Chamber.

Three web cameras have been positioned in the Chamber (on the back wall
behind the public gallery and on pillars on either side of the room) and have
been tested in preparation for tomorrow’s meeting.

The cameras will be controlled by an independent operator and used to
broadcast open parts of all ordinary Council meetings, excluding adjournments.
Extraordinary Council and Committee meetings will not be broadcast at this
time. The coverage will be able to be viewed on www.hamilton.co.nz, with the
capability for viewers to search for a specific item of discussion.

Councillor Angela O’Leary, who has been a driving force behind this initiative,
said the cameras will help make Council business more accessible, promote
better sharing of information about the city, and enable Council to connect with
residents in a more responsive and savvy way.

“This is a big step into the online world for Hamilton City Council, and having
the ability to broadcast council meetings will give people the opportunity to
engage with Council like never before,” she said.

Hamilton City Council is the third New Zealand council to adopt this technology
after New Plymouth and Taupo.

Signage will be positioned outside the Council Chamber to inform those
attending Council meetings when the web cameras are in operation.