However, Senior Sergeant John Fookes and intelligence analyst Constable Sean Drader's appeal for a camera network, in their submission to the Queenstown Lakes District Council's draft town centre strategy, is a case of history repeating itself.
Retailers, police and the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce set up a trust to operate CCTV in the centre in the mid-1990s, but the trust ran out of money and the cameras fell into disrepair by 2003.
The security camera issue came up again at the council last year.
Project manager Insignis Ltd reported that a seven-camera system would cost $301,500, plus $43,690 in ongoing costs per year.
Nevertheless, Good Group Ltd, which owns six licensed premises in the resort, plus Destination Queenstown, the Liquor Liaison Group and Cr John Mann said they strongly backed the police's proposal.
Good Group chief executive Russell Gray said yesterday liquor licensing group members, who include licensing Sergeant Keith Newell, all agreed a CCTV system was "paramount".
"We definitely want it," Mr Gray said.
However, he said statistics showed two-thirds of alcohol was likely consumed elsewhere before people headed into town.
"In terms of contributions to [CCTV] . . . all retailers and ratepayers in general would benefit from a safe and secure environment, and if CCTV can contribute to that, then I'm sure some form of rate or levy would be appropriate and the costs shared by all stakeholders."
DQ chief executive Stephen Pahl said he "wholeheartedly" supported the use of security cameras, a proven and effective tool in managing public safety.
Mr Pahl said he had feedback from some older visitors who had felt intimidated by late-night activities at times.
"The main issue for us is to ensure every visitor to Queenstown, whatever their age or reason for holidaying, has the opportunity to enjoy our streets safely."
Cr Mann, a member of the working party on the QLDC's draft town centre strategy, said he favoured cameras, but the system would work as part of a package of measures to "normalise" the CBD at night.
"The capital cost of putting them in is one thing, but the ongoing commitment is quite another . . . I don't think the community is in a position to fund this project.
"The LTCCP [Long Term Council Community Plan] recognises that there are other priorities."
