Raetihi free WIFI switched off

FREE WIFI SWITCHED OFF AFTERHOURS IN RAETIHI

The free WIFI at Ruapehu District Council's (RDC) library in Raetihi has been switched off afterhours in an attempt to reduced vandalism and other anti-social behaviour around the town at night.

RDC Group Manager Policy and Planning Pauline Welch said that Raetihi has unfortunately been suffering from a wave of vandalism recently with the area around Council's office on the corner of Seddon and Duncan Streets being hit particularly hard.

Because of the free WIFI at the library the location had become a focal point for young people to gather at night.

Unfortunately a minority of them have been getting up to more than just surfing the net, she said.

Vandalism around Raetihi this year has included smashed windows at the community pool and Council office, plants pulled out at the local Domain and various other acts of destruction around town such as graffiti.

In addition to the vandalism Council staff in Raetihi have also had increased levels of abuse recently which is of significant concern.

The recommendation from the Police was to switch the free WIFI off afterhours which we have done since last Wednesday (20 April 16).

Council is also looking into installing security cameras which have been very effective in Taumarunui and Ohākune at helping to curb these types of issues and in identifying offenders.

Ms. Welch said that it was unfortunate that we have needed to take these steps as the whole community is affected as well as visitors and tourists.

Ultimately this is a community issue and it will require a concerted whole of community response to resolve, she said.

End.