The Challenge
New Zealand King Salmon’s hatchery in Takaka presented a genuinely remote technology challenge. The site’s isolated location in Golden Bay meant standard network connectivity options were unavailable, yet the hatchery required reliable CCTV surveillance and wireless coverage — including out to remote pond areas some distance from the main building. Delivering a modern, cloud-connected security and monitoring solution to a site this remote demanded creative thinking and the right technology partners.
The remote pond areas posed an additional layer of complexity — they needed to be connected to the main network without the luxury of existing infrastructure to build on. A point-to-point wireless link was required to bridge the gap, with all equipment needing to be rated for outdoor exposure in a working hatchery environment.
The Solution
Teltrac’s Nelson team designed and delivered a complete connectivity, CCTV, and wireless solution for the Takaka hatchery. Starlink was deployed to provide the site’s primary internet connection, which was then extended to the remote pond areas via a point-to-point wireless system supplied by Datacom. An externally rated network cabinet housing a managed switch powered an Avigilon 360-degree cloud camera and an Aruba access point, providing surveillance and wireless coverage across the site.
Key Elements
- Starlink satellite internet connection providing reliable primary connectivity to the remote hatchery site
- Point-to-point wireless system extending network connectivity from the main building out to remote pond areas
- Externally rated network cabinet housing a managed switch, providing weatherproof equipment protection on site
- Avigilon 360-degree cloud camera delivering comprehensive, remotely accessible CCTV surveillance
- Aruba wireless access point providing WiFi coverage across the hatchery site
- Point-to-point equipment supplied in collaboration with Datacom
Why This Solution
- Starlink is uniquely suited to remote New Zealand locations where no fixed-line or viable cellular connectivity exists, providing reliable broadband regardless of geographic isolation
- A point-to-point wireless link is the most practical and cost-effective way to extend network connectivity across a large outdoor site without trenching cable
- Avigilon’s 360-degree cloud camera provides maximum coverage from a single device, reducing the number of cameras required while enabling remote monitoring from anywhere with an internet connection
- An externally rated cabinet protects sensitive network equipment from the elements, ensuring reliable operation in an outdoor hatchery environment
- Partnering with Datacom for the point-to-point equipment ensured the right hardware was specified and procured for the application
Installation
The project ran from April to August, with a five-person Teltrac team delivering 215 hours of on-site labour across the installation. The extended project duration reflected the lead time required for Datacom’s point-to-point equipment to be procured and delivered — once on site, all systems were installed, configured, and commissioned by the Teltrac team. Working in a remote, operational hatchery environment required careful planning to minimise disruption to New Zealand King Salmon’s day-to-day operations throughout the project.
Outcome
The feedback from New Zealand King Salmon has been overwhelmingly positive. The hatchery now has reliable internet connectivity via Starlink, full CCTV coverage through the Avigilon cloud camera, and wireless access across the site — including the previously unconnected remote pond areas. This project is a strong example of Teltrac’s ability to solve complex logistical and technical challenges in remote locations, delivering high-quality outcomes where others might not have the capability or experience to succeed.