Living in a rural community, the Deane family of Waimauku were concerned about unwanted visitors and burglary.
Looking for more than a traditional alarm could offer, John Deane, who works in the city as a digital business manager for Spark, wanted the ability to see what was going on while he was away from home.
"I was after a system where I was able to get video of our house and view that from any device I happen to be using."
He found that with Morepork, a 'smart' home security system from Spark which allows John to monitor his home remotely through his Smartphone.
A series of cameras and sensors set up around his home send information directly to his Smartphone or iPad.
The Morepork will also send him an alert if it picks up any movement in the house.
"Something's wrong, I can take some other actions, phone the Police phone the neighbours. Whatever I need to do."
Users can 'peek in' during the day via the Morepork app, arm and disarm the alarm remotely, check whether the doors and windows are closed or whether the kids got home from school safely.
"The difference really with Morepork versus a standard house alarm, if you think of a standard house alarm, it's hard wired to your house. You need to access your house, or be home to know what's actually going on."
Smart home technology is a growth area; General Manager of Smart Living Gemma Croombs says being able to provide a smart home security system which gives users the freedom to keep an eye on the things they love via a smartphone was a natural fit for Spark.
"We designed Morepork to give people piece of mind through smart simple technology which means they can always keep an eye on what is going on at home. And take action if something is not right." Croombs says.
Morepork has already helped another Spark employee solve a burglary, Thomas Patterson of Hamilton was driving home when he got an alert on his smartphone that a sensor in his home had been triggered.
It was an intruder, who was still in the house when Patterson arrived. He called the Police, but the intruder had already fled taking with him a play station and other valuables.
The Police dog was able to track the offender and photos from the camera provided valuable evidence clearly showing the offender and stolen property.
"I got my gear back," Patterson says. "Which means the system basically paid for itself. So often people don't think about security until after a burglary but it's a bit late then."
Gemma Croombs says the burglary series being run by the New Zealand Herald has highlighted the concern that people have around burglary and how you can help prevent it.
"We'd like to offer readers who are concerned about protecting the things they love our Morepork security starter system, worth $999, for the reduced rate of $198. This is only available for the first 500 sold or until midday 21 March.
Morepork have offered for the next 500 customers they will sell their Morepork home security starter kit for just $198.
Morepork is a no fixed term contract subscription service that for a small monthly charge you can self or professionally monitor, and you can stop at any time. Good news is that we know customers are using it for some much more than a security product.
Morepork terms and conditions apply
Limited to first 500 sold or until midday 21 March
Go to www.morepork.co.nz