Startup partners with Vero to aid Gabrielle-affected farmers

New Zealand security startup Farmgate Security has announced a partnership with Suncorp’s Vero Insurance to donate free security camera tech worth more than $60,000 to Aotearoa farmers affected by the destruction caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Farmgate director Andrew Sing said that farmers have made it clear that they want more security help, and that many are scared, sleepless, and armed. He urged farmers to contact Farmgate to get one of their free security cameras.

Reduce rural crime by 50%

The security startup’s mandate is to reduce rural crime by 50%, and its efforts start with these cameras that pick up on stolen vehicles and notify local communities through the accompanying free Farmgate app, Sing said in a statement.

“Farmgate Security cameras increase visibility in rural communities,” he said. “Our 24/7 surveillance centre reports stolen vehicles to NZ Police as well as local communities. We take care of the risk so farmers can focus on [getting] back to supplying the best of New Zealand produce to the world.”

The partnership with Vero Insurance has resulted in 20 4G solar-powered cameras provided to vulnerable rural properties in the Hawkes Bay region, plus a roadside licence plate camera that will be connected to the police’s stolen vehicle database. As part of the collaboration, the insurer will cover the first three months of 4G data to farmers who avail the free security cameras.

“The license plate camera system to be supplied provides an essential extra layer of security for any isolated rural community” Sing said in another statement. “Anyone in the community connected with the Farmgate APP will be notified of when a stolen vehicle arrives in the area.”

Interested farmers can apply for a free camera by visiting Farmgate’s website to make an inquiry.

Vero also recently offered customers in need of extra care an extended lifeline via the insurer’s Lifeline Connect community partner, providing supplementary respite following the impact of the cyclone’s social, psychological, and financial cost.

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