Our district’s silent guardians: The Horowhenua Community Camera Trust
Published on July 04, 2025
When street racers descended on the streets of the Levin Town Centre recently, police were praised for their quick and effective response.
A group who received less fanfare, but were equally crucial, were the Horowhenua Community Camera Trust (HCCT) volunteers who also leapt into action. They provided police with video footage from their suite of safety cameras to assist in dealing with the incident at the time and investigating it afterwards – an invaluable service when it comes to keeping the community safe.
The HCCT is a registered charitable trust established by Horowhenua District Council in 2004. The silent guardian of the Horowhenua community, the trust operates and maintains CCTV safety cameras within the policing area that covers Himatangi to Peka Peka, with cameras operating in Levin, Himatangi, Shannon, Waitarere, Foxton, Foxton Beach, and Waikawa.
HCCT chairman Ted Melton says the trust’s governance, and every aspect of its operations, is carried out entirely by volunteers.
“Every dollar required is raised or donated,” he says.
“Our volunteers offer their time and skills to expand, maintain, and monitor the cameras throughout the district, improving police response to incidents, helping to prevent crime, and monitoring trends.”
The trust values the funding and support it receives from Horowhenua District Council and Police, and special assistance from Electra. The volunteers work collaboratively with agencies, iwi and community groups.
“The trust plans and fundraises to strengthen community safety by expanding and innovating safety camera coverage in communities throughout the policing area. This enhances the help we can provide for police by recording more incidents, detecting problems earlier, and helping provide quicker responses when things go wrong.”
Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden says groups like the HCCT are essential to allowing the Horowhenua community to feel safe and thrive.
“These aren’t secret spies watching our every move. They are dedicated volunteers who help monitor and prevent crime, ultimately making our streets safer,” he says.
“As a Council, it is collaborations with people and groups like these that make this a great place to live. They truly care about our community and we’re proud to support them.”
The trust welcomes enquiries about helping, volunteering, donating, hosting cameras, or sponsoring. They are also happy to speak to community groups. You can contact the trust at askus@hcct.org.nz.