Community-driven CCTV project making neighbourhood safer as network expands

Pictured: CHB Community Patrol Chairman Bruce Poole (fourth from left in front row) with Lloyd Lawrence to the right, Deputy Mayor Central Hawke's Bay Kelly Annand (centre back) with project group including staff and volunteers from Central Hawke's Bay District Council, CHB Community Patrol, Centralines, NZ Police, Impact Alarms and AoNet.

Eighteen CCTV cameras have been added to Central Hawke’s Bay’s security network and are helping to make the streets of Waipukurau and Waipawa safer thanks to a community-driven project that started nearly 10 years ago. 

The project - which was championed by Lloyd Lawrence a member of CHB Community Patrol at the time - formally launched in 2016 with the establishment of the CHB Community Security Trust and saw over  $50,000 raised thanks to generous donations from the community. 

Local police say the CCTV cameras, which are attached to private businesses and premises across the two towns, are monitored at the Waipukurau Police Station and have been instrumental in helping to identify offenders. 

Neil Baker, Officer in Charge for Central Hawke’s Bay Police, says, “The CCTV project is an amazing asset for the Central Hawke’s Bay Police. We use the system every day to help solve crime and for a variety of investigations in our region.”  

A morning tea was held at the Te Huinga Wai – The Knowledge & Learning Hub in Waipukurau to mark the instalment of the 18th camera and thank the trustees (Lloyd, Gerard Minehan, John Brans and Bodie Oliver, who worked pro bono) volunteers, such as CHB Community Patrol, and businesses Centralines, AoNet and Impact Alarms who supported the project. 

Deputy Mayor Kelly Annand thanked everyone involved, “I was a brand new councillor when Lloyd came to Council to talk about his dream to have these cameras in Central Hawke’s Bay. I remember thinking – yes, this is a great idea; it’s a no-brainer. But you don’t realise until you have been involved in a project like this, how long and committed you need to be to get things over the line," she said. 

“In addition to all the people and businesses who have supported this project, we extend a huge thank you to everyone who volunteers for Community Patrol and gives up their time to help keep our streets safer. This is community development in action and part of what makes our district such an amazing community to live in.” 

Community Patrol works Friday and Saturday nights and is looking for volunteers. If you wish to volunteer or make a donation, please contact Bruce Poole on 027 244 9090.
 

7 February 2024

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