CEO Report
Welcome to our July 2022 newsletter.
I have enjoyed being on the NZSA stand at the MEGA/Facilities Integrated show at the Auckland Showgrounds last week.
After two years of Covid cancellation, it was great to see this year’s show proceed and a great turn-out from security providers – both as exhibitors and visitors/customers. As per normal there was a wide range of new product launches and technological advancements on show and the security stands were heavily patronised.
Discussion topics with our members reinforced what I’m hearing during the regional visits – most security providers are extremely busy but facing continued margin pressure with supply chain difficulty, on-going cost increases and stretched labour resources. Without a doubt, the ability to recruit and retain quality staff ranks as the greatest challenge facing the wider security industry currently.
This was a key focus area at a recent NZSA Board strategy session and we will be rolling out a number of initiatives later this year and into next year that we are confident will lift awareness of career opportunities and pathways within the security industry and hopefully assist in attracting new entrants to the industry.
Look out for more information on this in coming months.
Literacy and Numeracy Modules
We are pleased to advise that the final three modules that form the Literacy and Numeracy resource are now available for access and downloads via the NZSA website.
The full resource covers the following modules:
- Leaders Introduction
- Effective Communications
- Time management
- Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Customer Service and Professionalism
- Working shift work
- Behavioural awareness and self-awareness
- Identifying and delivering learner development needs
Whilst intended to be used as a package, the individual modules can also be used on a stand-alone basis to address specific business needs.
Fair Pay Agreements (FPA’s)
As most of you will be aware the Fair Pay Agreement legislation is currently going through the Select Committee phase and will in all probability be passed into law before the end of this year. Security Guards have been publicly mentioned by the government and unions as one of the first industry sectors likely to be involved in bargaining under the FPA legislation and whilst dependent on a ratification process, it is almost certain that the NZSA, as the peak industry representative body, will be appointed as the negotiating party for industry employers.
Given that the legislation is yet to be finalised or passed into law and that we have yet to formally consult with impacted industry providers, we need to be careful that we do not prejudge our position whilst remaining sympathetic to ensuring fair pay (not minimum pay) for our workers.
However the NZSA Board has significant concerns with regards to the proposed legislation. We will outline these concerns in detail in upcoming communications to employers who are likely to be impacted by the introduction of FPA’s however in general they cover the following:
- The compulsory nature of the agreements where a small group (10%) can mandate bargaining.
- The potential to impact on to the 24/7 operations of businesses required to meet customer needs.
- The risk of promoting a “contracting model” where contracted workers are exempted from the legislation.
Our communications will also cover our proposed approach in ensuring that all impacted security providers can have their say and indicative timelines as they currently stand.
Fair Trading Act
The NZSA Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct includes the requirement that members shall be factual and accurate when providing information about their services and the services of any company that they represent.
This places an onus on our members to be cognisant of the requirements of the Fair Trading Act 1986, and to ensure their business is compliant with those requirements.
In conjunction with this, we would like to remind members of the importance of regularly checking their company websites and marketing/promotional materials to ensure that contents are both factual and accurate.
As an example, we have been made aware of several security providers (members and non-members) who have decided to close their monitoring centres and move to a bureau service provider however their websites and promotional materials still refer to owning and operating in-house Monitoring and Communication Centres.
Our legal advisor has reviewed these scenarios and has stated that such claims, even if inadvertent, would fall within the prohibitions as set out in the following sections of the Fair Trading Act 1986:
- Section 11. Misleading conduct in relation to services,
- Section 12A. Unsubstantiated representations, and
- Section 13. False or misleading representations.
This also extends to any wording used in company websites and promotional materials that seeks to infer services are provided in-house or internally when in fact the service is subcontracted to a specialist provider.
This may relate to any service and examples that may be deemed as misleading statements when the service is subcontracted include:
- “We monitor security alarms nationwide from our dedicated monitoring centre”
- “Our patrol staff will respond immediately”
- “Our security technicians are highly trained and experienced”
The NZSA will adopt a proactive approach in raising this issue with members, including as a requirement within the Member Accreditation process, however we strongly recommend that members ensure they understand the requirements of the Fair Trading Act and implement regular checks within their business to ensure compliance.
2022 New Zealand Security Industry Awards
Planning is well underway for the New Zealand Security Awards event to be held at the Hilton Hotel on Auckland’s waterfront on Friday evening 16 September.
This year will be a special event as we celebrate the NZSA’s 50th Anniversary given the Covid-related cancellation of the last two live events and the necessity to move to streamed broadcasts. We have 20 awards categories that are strongly focused on the individuals at the coalface rather than the employer, our favourite MC Te Radar is back, and we will close the night with a live band. Details on the event, including award categories, the nomination process and booking details are covered later in this newsletter.
I’m also pleased to announce that this year’s judging panel comprises:
- David Tomoana
- Ngaire Kelaher
- Wayne Black
- Gary Morrison
PSPLA Complaints Process
As members may have seen in the press recently, the Registrar for the PSPLA has made several determinations with regards to the granting of conditional licences to individuals who are, or have been, gang members.
Whilst we do not necessarily endorse some of the outcomes, it is important that we recognise that our current Registrar, Trish McConnell, has been extremely proactive in improving processes and processing timelines, and in lifting the level of professionalism and licensing enforcement within the PSPLA.
One of the initiatives introduced by Trish is the publishing of complaint outcomes on the PSPLA website.
A quick review of the cases and resulting decisions provides an interesting insight into our industry and the increasing effectiveness of the PSPLA and the CIPU (Complaints, Investigation and Prosecution Unit) team within the Department of Internal Affairs that investigates issues concerning the licensing of private security personnel.
For those who wish to make a complaint about a security operator (company or individual) or too object to people applying to work in this area, the process is on-line and very simple. Please see the PSPLA website.
We would also like to remind our members of the importance of submitting a complaint if you have cause to dismiss a staff member for serious misconduct (particularly if involving theft or assault).
Unless a complaint is lodged, it is quite probable that the individual will find alternate employment with another security provider and in all likelihood, act in detriment to their employer and the reputation of the industry. As noted, the complaint process is on-line and simple to complete (takes less than 5 minutes) however as a note of guidance we would recommend that when providing your detail, you use your company name rather than personal name as details may be provided to the other party.
In a situation where you have valid reason to protect your details, we are happy for you to provide background information and supporting evidence to my attention and after verifying the information provided, I will submit the complaint through the NZSA.
Legislation Updates
Members should be aware of the impending introduction of the following legislative changes:
- New whistleblowing legislation
The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 comes into force on 1 July 2022.
The new legislation makes it easier for workers to raise concerns about serious workplace misconduct. This may include breaking the law or risky behaviour through:
- Gross negligence, such as failing to take care of people, property or the environment
- Mismanagement, such as organising or controlling things poorly
- Failing to comply with health, safety and environmental obligations.
The Act also provides protection for employees and other workers who report violations. While business owners don’t need to have whistleblower policies in place it is in your interests to be aware of what the Act covers.
Changes in the Act include:
- Extending the definition of serious wrongdoing
- Allowing people to report misconduct directly or to an authorised person other than the employer
- Improving protection for whistleblowers
- Detailing the types of retaliation and victimisation whistleblowers are protected from.
- Engaging Independent Contractors
Changes to the Fair Trading Act 1986 come into force in August 2022. They may have consequences to businesses engaging independent contractors such as Patrol Contractors. “Trade” in the new legislation includes (but is not limited to) any business, industry, profession etc relating to the supply of good or services.
Protections against unfair contract terms have been extended to cover standard form small trade contracts. “Standard Form” means “take it or leave it” contracts with no opportunity for negotiation. “Small trade contracts” are between parties engaged in trade (not a consumer contract) where the value is less than $250,000 annually, from when the relationship first starts. Unfair contract terms might include a contract that allows one party to terminate, or vary the terms, but not the other. There is also a new prohibition against unconscionable conduct and various other changes.
For security providers who utilise independent contractors, we would suggest that you review the changes and ensure compliance.
As always, we welcome all comments and feedback on NZSA or industry issues and activity.
Keep safe and well.
Kind regards,
Gary Morrison
CEO
New Zealand Security Awards 2022
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.
To book please visit the NZSA website.
We are thrilled to announce that we have received funding from Tātaki Auckland Unlimited to subsidise the ticket price for members who will be coming from outside Auckland.
Awards category criteria for this year is now available on the NZSA website.
Nominations open: 24 July 2022 (International Security Officers’ Day)
Nominations close: 5pm Friday 12 August 2022
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, photos, equipment, brochures etc, from 1972 onwards please contact [email protected].
Electronic Security Training
In recent discussions, the Training Working Group within the ESSIG (Electronic Security Special Interest Group) has identified the need for a training programme that reinforces industry good practice and provides a stepping-stone for those looking to undertake either the NZCiES Level 3 or the Security Technician Apprenticeship covering both NZCiES Level 3 and 4.
With input and guidance from the ESSIG and industry subject matter experts Rosemary Killip (Building Networks NZ) and Lincoln Potter (SME Consulting) we are pleased to launch the Access Control – Egress – Foundation “Good Practice” Workshops.
Registration: please visit the NZSA website.
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.
Celebrating International Security Officers’ Day is simple. As an individual you can acknowledge any Security Officers you see on the day by smiling and saying thank you.
For security companies and customers there is a range of things you can do, here’s a few suggestions:
- Send an email to your staff acknowledging the day and to thank them for their service.
- Organise a morning tea or make a site visit to say thank you in person.
- Mention Security Officers’ Day on your social media with a thanks to your staff.
On behalf of the NZSA team we would like to say a big thank you to all security officers and acknowledge the great work that you do keeping us safe.
Tender opportunity
Tender opportunity for the Supply of Cash Transfer Services with the Ara Poutama Aotearoa (Department of Corrections).
Ara Poutama operates 17 prison sites nationwide and cares for approximately 10,000 people in prison at any given time. Each site manages trust accounts that safely administer the personal funds of people in our care.
Part of the trust accounting process is managing cash on site and this is where we require the services below:
Services required:
- The collection of cash and its transportation and processing into Ara Poutama’s bank account as per varying scheduled frequencies
- The urgent collection of cash and its transportation and processing into Ara Poutama’s bank account on an ad hoc basis to meet our internal policy requirements
- The fulfilment and drop-off of change order requests to replenish pretty cash denominations at prison sites when required
We encourage nationwide, regional and local suppliers to respond to our tender process which will be available from today (27 June 2022) on the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS).
The tender will run until 12pm 20 July 2022 and we would like to invite all interested suppliers to respond. Please note the pre-conditions in the Request for Proposal document.
Should you wish to participate in this tender for the Supply of Cash Transfer Services, please follow the below link:
https://www.gets.govt.nz/DC/ExternalTenderDetails.htm?id=25979599
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.
Membership
We welcome the following new Corporate Members:
Beca Limited
Nurse Call Solutions NZ Limited
and the following new Corporate Partner Member:
ALCO NZ Limited
and the following new Associate Company Members:
Integrated Control Technology Limited
Terminus Consulting Limited
and the following new Associate Individual Members:
Arnie Tulloch
Eric Rudman
Warwick Barrington-Nash
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
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].
14-15 July – Hamilton and Tauranga
18-19 August – Hawkes Bay
7-9 September – New Plymouth, Whanganui, Palmerston North
6-7 October – Wellington
16-18 November – Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown
COA Conflict Management Training – Train the Trainer and Refresher Training for Trainers
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.
The following training is being conducted by Bespoke Security Group in Auckland:
Train the Trainer Training – Auckland – 14 & 15 July – $750 + GST
Refresher Training – 14 July – Auckland – $395 + GST
For further information and to register please email [email protected].
NZISF breakfast meeting
Topic: The National Cyber Security Centre’s (NCSC) response to cyber
Every day the NCSC protects New Zealand and it’s interests. NCSC offers detection, disruption, advice and deterrence functions to support public and private sector organisations. This talk will cover the role of the NCSC, how we are evolving our capabilities to keep pace with ever-changing threatscape, and some of the key things organisations can do to make sure that their information is secure.
When: 8:00am Thursday 14 July 2022 via zoom
For further information and to register please see the NZSA website.
