Free Wifi Starts Today In Wairoa CBD

The network - called WAIROA WIFI - will be available in outdoor areas from Riverview Dairy to the Lighthouse, including parts of the riverbank reserve and potentially beyond as the network is unleashed.

The new service will see Wairoa become one of the first small towns in Australasia to provide a comprehensive free wifi network in the CBD.

The network has cost $9000 to set up and is expected to cost $1500 a year.
Wairoa Mayor Les Probert said the free wifi network would provide a great advantage for anyone living in or visiting the town, and businesses.

"Our compact CBD means free wireless is far more manageable to install than most towns. We've got a huge number of laptop and smartphone owners in this smart town of ours, and we see this as a small step towards enhancing our digital and communications reputation."

"The way people communicate, do business or simply keep in touch with the world gets a huge boost with free wifi," Mayor Probert said.

"The advantages for business are significant. People can access important information from almost anywhere in the CBD. Living in Wairoa just got even better.”

Council’s Administration Manager James Baty said the service did not have a time limit and that its implementation was a joint effort involving Wairoa District Council, the Citizens Advice Bureau, Harcourts - Wairoa Property Ltd, local property owner Jill Cameron and network service providers WASP NZ Ltd. 

It was designed to work in outdoor places and, while it was unlikely it would pass through solid walls, it could work through glass in some areas.

Advice has been taken surrounding the new law against downloading copyrighted material and the Council was happy the new service would comply, he said.

The number of people accessing the free service are expected to surge during the Rugby World Cup and technicians would be keeping a close eye on the network's performance and compliance related issues.