The Feilding & Districts Community Safety Camera Programme is a long-term, community-led initiative designed to enhance public safety, support crime prevention, and strengthen partnerships between the local community, businesses, NZ Police, and Manawatū District Council.
Across New Zealand, coordinated Community Safety Cameras (CSC) (also known as CCTV Cameras) networks have become a standard component of town centre safety strategies. Provincial and metropolitan communities alike are investing in monitored public-space camera systems to deter offending, support Police investigations, and strengthen community confidence. The Feilding & District programme aligns with this established national approach and reflects recognised best practice in community safety infrastructure.
The project is being delivered by Feilding & District Promotion Incorporated (FDP) rather than directly by Council. As an incorporated society, FDP is able to:
This structure enables the programme to progress without creating additional reliance on ratepayer funding. It allows the community and business sector to proactively invest in local safety infrastructure, while still working in partnership with Council and NZ Police.
Through collaborative funding, structured governance, and annual performance review, the programme supports FDP’s commitment to building a vibrant, connected and resilient Feilding & District, strengthening both community wellbeing and economic vitality.
The concept of a CSC Network within Feilding’s CBD has been discussed within the community for more than 20 years.
In 2022, the project was formally reactivated with the establishment of a dedicated CSC Network Sub-Committee comprising representatives from FDP, NZ Police, Manawatū District Council, local businesses and community stakeholders.
In late 2024, a dedicated Project Manager was appointed to review progress to date, refine the project framework, and lead the structured rollout of Phase 1.
The CSC Programme operates under a formal Terms of Reference and governance structure. The CSC Sub-Committee provides governance oversight and strategic recommendations to the FDP Executive Board.
The Sub-Committee is responsible for:
• Finalising governance documentation
• Ensuring privacy compliance
• Overseeing stakeholder approvals
• Liaising with NZ Police and MDC
• Strategic planning for future expansion including State 2 of the project.
All final decisions relating to budget, legal structure and public communications remain with the FDP Executive Board.
Governance documentation includes:
• CSC Policy
• Privacy Impact Assessment
• Data access and retention protocols
• Signage standards
• Incident and audit processes
• Annual reporting
Governance Review Committee
To ensure the CSC network continues to deliver on its intended outcomes, a Governance Review Committee will undertake an annual review of the programme.
This review will assess:
This structured review process ensures the programme remains responsive, proportionate, and aligned with community expectations.
Community Consultation & Feedback
Community input has been, and will continue to be, an important part of the CSC programme.
The establishment and expansion of the network has been informed through engagement with:
• Local business owners and retailers • Property owners • Community organisations • Event organisers • NZ Police
• Manawatū District Council
Feedback received has helped identify priority locations, areas of concern, and practical considerations such as lighting, line-of-sight, and signage.
Ongoing Engagement
The programme is not static. As part of its governance framework:
• Stakeholders will have the opportunity to provide feedback annually • Businesses can raise concerns or suggestions regarding camera placement • Community members may provide input on safety priorities • Police insights will continue to inform operational effectiveness
This feedback is considered alongside data and performance reporting during the annual Governance Review Committee assessment.
Transparency & Communication
FDP is committed to maintaining open communication regarding:
• The purpose and scope of the CSC network • Governance arrangements • Privacy protections • Programme outcomes
Where appropriate, high-level updates on the programme’s performance and any proposed changes will be shared with the community.
Phase 1 focuses on the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at key entry and exit corridors into Feilding.
Planned locations include:
1. Halcombe Road
2. Sandon Road
3. Awahuri Road
4. Waughs Road (near Feilding Golf Course)
5. Kimbolton Road / Colyton Road
6. Makino Road
ANPR cameras capture number plate data only and assist NZ Police with vehicle-related crime prevention initiatives. They do not provide facial recognition capability, nor are they point to point speed safety cameras.
Once Phase 1 governance, approvals and deployment are complete, the project will move to Phase 2.
Phase 2 will involve:
• Expansion of cameras within the CBD
• Review of technology platforms
• Assessment of previously installed but uncommissioned equipment
• Development of budgets and funding pathways
• Community consultation
Privacy and data security are foundational principles of the programme.
Key safeguards include:
• Compliance with the Privacy Act • Controlled access to footage • Defined retention periods • Secure data storage
• Clear signage informing the public • Formal NZ Police access frameworks
You can also view the Skyhawk Process Diagram BELOW.
The Sub-Committee is reviewing the most appropriate long-term legal structure for ownership and oversight of the CSC network. This includes consideration of charitable trust models, district-wide governance options, long-term funding sustainability, and liability management.
A structured, well-governed CSC network:
• Supports NZ Police investigations
• Acts as a deterrent to criminal behaviour
• Strengthens business confidence
• Enhances perceptions of safety
• Aligns with broader community resilience initiatives
• Governance documents being finalised
• Stakeholder approvals underway
• Legal structure under review
Discover friendly Feilding and Manawatū District NZ; a great place to stop, shop and eat while you play and explore our spectacular landscape from the mountains to the sea.
Community spirit is alive and well in friendly Feilding’s events. Our events help us to celebrate, encourage cultural and community interaction, enrich lives, and build memories.
Discover friendly Feilding and Manawatū District NZ; a great place to stop, shop and eat while you play and explore our spectacular landscape from the mountains to the sea.
If you need any more information about an event or have a question please feel free to contact us from the details below.
CONTACT US: 06 323 3318
