Nexus news received reports that a number of the installed Security phones were out of commission or dialled to nowhere.

Given these phones were set up so that tauira could instantly contact security and give them a waypoint to their location we decided to clarify what was happening with Director of Campus Operations and Risk Lynn Bourne.

“There are 16 emergency phones around the Hamilton campus which we test periodically. We know that two phones are out of commission due to a network update and will be online once new network cabinets are installed. Following this enquiry, we brought our next tests forward and found two more phones not to be working. We are working to get these online now.” said Bourne

“While these are not highly used, it is important that they are all working and that students have several ways they can contact UniSafe if they need.”
Our problem at Nexus isn’t that four phones weren’t working and needed updating, or that the phones aren’t highly used. Our issue is that if we hadn’t asked it may not have been communicated to students which isn’t a security issue but a student safety process one.

The University’s UniSafe Team does offer other support.

“The UniSafe team have a visible presence around our campuses to ensure the safety of our University community and visitors. They operate 24/7 and are the first point of contact in responding to an incident and engaging with other lead agencies if required, such as NZ Police, and Fire & Emergency NZ.   The team is also available to walk staff, students and visitors to and from their vehicles if they feel vulnerable – this service, Safe Walk, is available with 10 to 15 minutes’ notice.”

While the safety phone network is being repaired the Unisafe team can be reached on –
07 838 4444