CEO’s REPORT
Welcome to our May 2022 newsletter.
It has been a very busy couple of the months for the association. We completed our annual membership renewal and are very pleased to advise that despite difficult economic conditions, our membership has continued to grow and in fact we have seen a 70% increase over the last six years.
Hopefully this, plus the high proportion of members who have confirmed their renewal via prompt payment, provide evidence of value in membership. We certainly appreciate the support of our members and will continue to strive to deliver services commensurate with member needs and expectations.
Last month we also launched the initial Literacy and Numeracy Modules that we are making available to industry use on a no cost basis. The launch covers the first five modules with the remaining three to be added over coming months.
The modules have been designed to support those who have supervisory or managerial responsibility for security staff and recognise that some 20% to 25% of workers in our industry are impacted to some degree by literacy and numeracy challenges.
The initial modules cover:
- Leaders Introduction Module
- Effective Communications
- Time Management
- Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Customer Service and Professionalism
Those that are currently in development are:
- Working Shift Work
- Behavioural Awareness and Self Awareness
- Identifying Learner and Training Needs
The modules have been designed so that members can download them onto their own internal LMS (Learning Management System). We do appreciate that some companies do not utilise a LMS and we are currently making alternative arrangements so that they can access via the NZSA platform – we will have an update on this within the next week or two.
Fair Pay Agreements
The Bill to introduce FPA’s (Fair Payment Agreements) has progressed through its first reading and is now in the Select Committee process, with submissions closing on 19 May. It is safe to assume that the legislation will be passed by government however even when Royal Assent is granted, the timelines for the process mean that it is likely that the actual bargaining process for those industry sectors first involved will not commence until late this year or more likely, early next year.
Whilst it is up to unions to initiate the bargaining process, it seems very likely that the security guarding sector will be one of the first to be initiated and that the NZSA will be the nominated party representing/coordinating employers given our position as the Peak Body representing security providers.
Our HR Advisory Partner, Success Group, have provided a detailed overview of FPA’s later within this newsletter that can be downloaded and the NZSA will ensure that we maintain regular communications and updates for our members, particularly those with staff who will be covered by an FPA.
New Zealand OSPA’s (Outstanding Security Performance Awards)
The OSPA’s are an international awards programme that celebrates excellence in various security categories.
The NZSA is proud to support the OSPA’s (including sitting on the judging panel) and views the programme as supporting, rather than competing with the New Zealand Security Awards event, hosted by the NZSA and to be held at the Hilton Auckland on 19 September this year (refer later in the newsletter).
Our congratulations to the following OSPA finalists:
Outstanding In-house Security Manager/Director
- Rehan du Toit, Auckland University of Technology
- Dean Kidd, Auckland Unlimited
- Brent Mirfin, Evotek Technologies
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
- Gareth Bacon,First Security Guarding Services
- Nathan Cray, Global Security Solutions
- Stu Leith, Platform 4 Group
- Pete Mason, Optic Security Group
- Dion Neill,Protective Services (acquired by Platform 4 Group)
- James Ngatai-Blyth, First Contact
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
- First Contact
- First Security Guarding Services
- Platform 4 Group
- SLS Security
Outstanding Security Consultant
- Lee Ashton, Optic Security Group
- Nick Gibbs, First Security Guarding Services
- Jo Lloyd, Straif Security Specialists
- Dion Neill
- Lincoln Potter
- Ashley Quensell, Platform 4 Group
Outstanding New Security Product
- Welfare First, First Security Guarding Services
- My Vaccine Pass Integration, Gallagher
Outstanding Security Partnership
- Evotek Technplogies and Visual Networks
- Focus Digital Security Solutions and NZ Police
- The Precinct Security Model created by Alan Young
Outstanding Security Officer
- Jodi Lomax, Bank of New Zealand
- Sione Tusini-Rex, Platform 4 Group
Outstanding Female Security Professional
- Tracey Gattsche, Optic Security Group
- Zoe Grant, First Contact
- Jill Priest, First Security Guarding Services
- Raviana Ram, Matrix Security Group
- Sherilyn Tasker, Gallagher
- Trish Thompson, Gallagher
- Karen Timpson, Bank of New Zealand
- Jennie Vickers, Zeopard Law and Consultant to Fortinet
Outstanding Young Security Professional
- Stella Donachie, Red Badge Group
- Pascale Howell, Gallagher
- Soul Lauvi-Johnson, Optic Security Group
- Kyle Nu’uali’itia, Evotek Technologies Ltd
Winners will be announced at a gala dinner taking place at Aotea Centre on 27 May.
MBIE Evaluation – BQT Solutions Cobalt Locks
In March 2021 MBIE launched an investigation in relation to concerns raised about the Cobalt lock range manufactured by BQT Solutions.
MBIE have advised that based on their evaluation, the complaint will be closed and that they do not a consider a ban of the product is warranted at this time. They will however continue to monitor this matter for a period and will update the market with and developments as required.
BQT fully supports this decision and to further support MBIE, requests that any customers who have Cobalt locks installed carry out a fail-safe operational test on the lock within the next 3 months. To do this, they recommend testing the normal locking operation first, then carrying out an emergency door release (EDR) test. If the lock fails this test, or fails to unlock at any stage, customers should contact their distributor or BQT directly on 09 441 7640 for assistance.
As always, we welcome all comments and feedback on NZSA or industry issues and activity.
Keep safe and well.
Kind regards,
Gary Morrison
CEO
Fair Pay Agreements
The Success Group, our NZSA HR Advisory partner, have provided a document with information about Fair Pay Agreements, who is affected and how the process works.
Please download the Fair Pay Agreements.
New Zealand Security Awards 2022
Save the date!
We are pleased to announce that this year’s annual New Zealand Security Awards will be held on Friday 16 September 2022 at the Hilton, one of Auckland’s iconic and premier function venues.
As it is the 50th anniversary of the NZSA we would love to showcase some security memorabilia at the awards event. If you have anything that might be of interest from 1972 onwards please contact n[email protected].
International Security Officers’ Day 24/7

International Security Officers’ Day, celebrated on 24 July, is an opportunity to say thank you to Security Officers for keeping us safe 24/7. The NZSA are seeking interest in producing a badge, as pictured, for security companies to give to their staff. We have a minimum order for the production run and will only go ahead if we reach this threshold.
The cost is $100 + GST plus postage for a minimum order of 50 badges. If you are interested please email [email protected] with the number of badges you would like to order.
Keeping your team up to date
Like many organisations we are constantly looking for ways to ensure we can communicate effectively with our members and their teams. The best way to stay up to date on NZSA and industry news is via our newsletter. The more people from each company who receive our newsletter, the higher the chance of updates being communicated within the industry.
With this in mind, we welcome you to send us any company contacts who would like to receive our newsletter and we will add them to our distribution list.
Please email any contacts to [email protected].
NZSA member referral – strength in numbers
NZSA’s membership has grown strongly over the past year and each new member not only strengthens the Association and the security community, it also enables us to provide you with more benefits and services and a greater voice for the industry. So help grow your community and strengthen your Association by referring a prospective new member.
To refer a prospective member please email details to [email protected]. For details on member benefits please see the NZSA website.
Face masks available
The NZSA has obtained from the Ministry of Health face masks from government stocks. These masks are Ministry of Health approved for essential services. The masks are available to order in boxes of 50 and the cost is $37.50 + gst per box ($0.75 per unit) for members and $50 + gst per box for non-members.
If you would like to place an order can you please email us at [email protected] with your requirements.
Member Benefits
Building Networks Compliance Guidance
Building Networks are the leading authority on building compliance and they are offering a 20% discount for members: Building Networks website.
For industry news, updates, tips and opinions from the frontline, sign up to the Building Networks newsletter or visit their YouTube channel.
First Aid and Refresher Training
Life Care Consultants have extensive experience with first aid training in the security industry and are offering NZSA members a 10% discount on all first aid and refresher training.
For further information please email Russell Taylor [email protected].
Mobilcard
NZSA have an agreement with Mobilcard offering members fuel discounts
Key Benefits:
- Up to 16 cents per litre (including GST) discount off the pump price for all diesel and petrol purchased at a discounted Mobilcard acceptor sites. Minimum discount of 12 cents per litre (including GST).
- Available at 330+ sites nationwide. View www.mobilfuelfinder.co.nz to find an acceptor site near you.
- No card or transaction fees.
- No need to manage receipts for tax purposes, all managed under one account.
- Costs can be tracked easily with one monthly invoice. You can also have online access to multiple reports including the fuel consumed by individual vehicles.
- PIN number and purchase restrictions for added security.
- You must be a member of the NZSA to qualify for this offer.
A vehicle consuming 100 litres per week using a discount of up to 6 cents per litre = $6 discount per week.
A vehicle consuming 100 litres per week using the NZSA MOBILCARD discount of up to 16cents per litre = $16 discount per week
For a company fleet of 20 vehicles that’s potentially an annual saving of over $10,000 per annum.
The discount level is dependent on volume of fuel used per annum.
For further information please email [email protected].
simPRO
simPRO is a leading operations management solution for service, maintenance and project contractors. Connect the office to the field, delivery exceptional customer service and gain invaluable insights with automated processes, streamlined workflows and in-depth business reporting.
NZSA members are eligible to receive a 20% discount on initial implementation costs of simPRO and for the month of November two months free!
For further information visit the simPRO website.
NZSA Speak Up Line
The NZSA Speak Up Line is free to members and provides access to a confidential service where staff can report issues such as bullying, sexual harassment, poor employment conditions, illegal practices such as theft or drug dealing and other matters of concern that may be occurring in the workplace and not being reported.
Phone 0800 775 775
Online reports www.integrityline-nz.org/nzsa
The NZSA will provide posters, business-sized card to go into wallets, stickers and introductory letters for your staff. They are designed for members to include their own corporate branding prior to distribution.
The service is particularly valuable where employees may be reluctant to speak up or report matters due to fears that by doing so it may affect their employment or risk further victimisation.
It is also important to note that such services meet government procurement requirements around providing a voice for staff.
This service is provided by Crimestoppers who obviously have considerable experience in handling sensitive calls in a confidential manner. They log the calls or online reports and forward to the NZSA for further investigation if required. The staff member can remain anonymous if they wish to do so.
Register for the NZSA Speak Up Line by emailing [email protected]. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
NZSA HR Advisory Service
NZSA is partnered with Sucess HR to provide access to free HR advice as well as templated key documents and policies.
This is a fantastic offering for our members and their management staff, in particular those smaller companies who do not have access to in-house or contracted HR expertise. Please share this with your line managers, supervisors and staff who may have a need for this great HR service.
Services and documents available include:
- HR advice and guidance
- Employment Agreements:
permanent, fixed term, casual
- Position Descriptions
- Policy Documents
- Updates on legislation and
best practice
For members requiring NZSA HR Advisory services please contact:
[email protected] or 021 918 331
Membership
We welcome the following new Corporate Members:

Ross Galt Lock & Alarm Ltd

Vertex Security Solutions Ltd
and the following new Corporate Partner Members:

Begg Security Group Central Otago Ltd

Begg Security Group Ltd

Eastern Bays Mobile Locksmiths

LSC NZ Limited
and the following new Associate Company Member:
POP Training Co. Ltd
and the following new Associate Individual Member:
Desai Link
Events
NZSA CEO regional visit programme
The regional visit programme was introduced four years ago as a way to ensure our members and non-members had the opportunity to meet with the CEO on a regular basis, to keep up with industry developments and to provide feedback on pertinent issues. The regional visits originally comprised breakfast or After 5 collective meetings but have evolved to the current one-on-one meetings at the member, or non-members, place of business. If you would like to meet with Gary please contact him on 021 122 9606 or [email protected].
12-13 May – Christchurch
8-9 June – Whangarei and Northland
14-15 July – Hamilton and Tauranga
Conflict Management – Train the Trainer and Refresher Training
As the industry peak body, the NZSA has appointed Bespoke Security and Hard Target to deliver the Conflict Management Train the Trainer and Refresher Training programmes around the country. These providers are subject matter experts in their own right and will ensure that those who are approved to deliver the Conflict Management Training meet necessary standards.
For further information and to register please email [email protected].
NZISF breakfast meeting
Topic: Use of graphs in managing information security
Organisations worldwide are leveraging the power of graph data platforms, helping them assess the risk and cybersecurity threats they potentially face accurately. Graphs allow organizations to understand their environment and defences logically, helping them make decisions quicker. In the battle for more robust cybersecurity, organizations need to know how their enemies may try to compromise and move through their network.
When: 8:00am Thursday 12 May 2022 via zoom
For further information and to register please see the NZSA website.