STAFF
GARY MORRISON
CEO
Gary Morrison has spent most of his working career in the security industry.
A qualified accountant by trade, Gary joined Armourguard Security as a junior accountant and during his 20 plus years with the company progressed through a number of roles including Group Accountant, Company Secretary and Cash Services Manager before being appointed General Manager for New Zealand and Fiji. During this time Gary led the company through significant growth and was recognised on several occasions as one of the parent company (Tyco International) outstanding leaders.
On leaving Armourguard, Gary established Icon Security Group, which over a ten year period became New Zealand’s leading privately owned security operator and featured in the reality TV series, Noise Control.
Having sold Icon Security in 2013, Gary spent sometime providing specialised consulting services before accepting the position of CEO for the New Zealand Security Association. The association provides representation for the New Zealand security industry and it’s members provide some 80% plus of industry revenues and employees.
TACIA STRAWBRIDGE
Finance + Operations Manager
Lucy Nichols
Membership and Content Manager
Lucy has 20 years of experience working in senior marketing communications and client development roles for global professional services and membership organisations.
She loves building strong relationships with people and designing communications and events programmes that tell their stories and address their needs.
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DON MACKINNON
Independent Chairperson
Don Mackinnon is one of New Zealand’s leading employment lawyers and is a very experienced company director, particularly in the sport and the not-for-profit sectors.
He is currently Chair of Super Rugby club The Blues and also Chairs the Sport Integrity Commission (formerly Drug Free Sport NZ) and the Integrity Vetting Panel for World Athletics. Don has previously served as a director of NZ Cricket (and Chair of its High-Performance Committee), Sport NZ, High Performance Sport NZ, was Chair of Netball NZ, and chaired the Sport and Recreation Integrity Working Group. He’s also held several commercial directorships.
He has previously acted for several companies in the security industry and has worked with a number of private investigators. He has detailed experience working with Central and Local Government and was made a Companion the New Zealand Order of Merit (CMNZ) for his services to sport governance in NZ.
ABDUL RASHID
Abdul Rashid is the Managing Director of Simply Security and a highly experienced security professional with more than 25 years of experience spanning law enforcement, security operations, risk management, investigations, compliance, and executive leadership. Beginning his career with the Fiji Police Force, Abdul developed a strong foundation in public safety and community engagement before transitioning into New Zealand’s security industry. Starting as a security officer, he progressed through a wide range of operational and leadership roles across manned guarding, monitoring, electronic security, investigations, and risk management, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of the industry from the ground up.
Throughout his career, Abdul has successfully led security operations, workforce development initiatives, technology integration projects, and business growth strategies. As Managing Director of Simply Security, he is committed to delivering innovative security solutions while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and service excellence.
Beyond his executive responsibilities, Abdul is an active contributor to the advancement of New Zealand’s security profession. He has supported NZSA initiatives, participated in industry consultations and Special Interest Groups, contributed to career development programmes, and continues to mentor emerging security professionals. His leadership, governance experience, and commitment to industry collaboration help strengthen the security sector and support the development of future security leaders.
ANDY GOLLINGS
Andy Gollings is a seasoned security professional with over 30 years of experience at Red Badge Group, where he currently serves as Executive Director and Shareholder. While serving in the NZ Air Force, Andy joined the security industry as a casual event security officer in 1994. Since then he has held various key roles in the business from operations manager to CEO, demonstrating his deep understanding of security operations from the ground up. As Executive Director, Andy focuses on strategic impact and service capability development, supporting Red Badge to understand and exceed our customers’ expectations across diverse sectors such as retail, tertiary, healthcare, government, and events and venues. His influence extends beyond Red Badge, serving on the Board of the NZ Security Association, Vice-Chair of ASIS NZ, chairing the NZSA Special Interest Group for Training and Career Development, and is an active participant in the Retail Security Leaders forum. His leadership and expertise significantly benefit both the security industry and the diverse sectors Red Badge serves.
DAMIEN HEGLEY
With nearly 30 years in the security industry, Damien brings unmatched expertise and a deep understanding of every corner of the field. His career began as a fire technician with Wormald, before expanding into monitoring and guarding roles at Armourguard. He went on to hold management and monitoring positions at Chubb and Signature, and later spent a decade in wholesaling with National Fire & Security and Intek Security Group.
Damien’s journey didn’t stop there—he honed his technical skills as an alarm technician and elevated his leadership as Technical Manager at Simply Security. This breadth of experience, from hands-on technical work to high-level management, equips Damien to expertly lead Alarm Watch as General Manager. He is passionate about supporting both the Alarm Watch team, its bureau partners and the security industry with the knowledge, guidance, and leadership needed to succeed.
Joel Walsh
As Tauranga Regional Manager for Watchdog Security Group, Joel brings both management and frontline experience, regularly working alongside his staff.
As a Māori leader of a predominantly Māori workforce, he combines a Te Ao Māori perspective with practical and corporate experience.
Joel is passionate about raising standards and capability across the sector, creating clear professional career pathways and building a more skilled, respected security industry.
JP Dignon
JP has been in the New Zealand security industry for 20 years with a background in accounting. He served as a security moderator for the Skills Organisation for a decade, actively contributing to industry standards. Since 2011 JP has owned a company providing security services for government departments, schools, commercial, and residential clients. He is dedicated to upskilling and improving industry standards and creating career paths for employees. He was awarded the overall winner of the NZATD Awards for Workplace Trainer of the Year. Focused on better outcomes for New Zealanders in the industry, he is a passionate advocate for the security sector’s growth and development.
Lloyd Richardson
Lloyd is the Managing Director of ACCESS X Oceania and an experienced business leader in the access control and security technology sector. He brings a broad strategic perspective to governance, market development and commercial decision-making, supported by detailed industry knowledge across automated perimeter systems, intercoms, hostile vehicle mitigation and AI-powered weapons detection.
Holding a Bachelor of Commerce, Lloyd combines a strong macro view of the market with the ability to delve into operational detail when required, helping guide sound decisions, sustainable growth and positive outcomes for clients and stakeholders. His experience spans multiple industries, from senior corporate roles and start-ups to building and leading his current business over the past 12 years, giving him a diverse and practical skill set.
Mark Knoff-Thomas
Mark Knoff-Thomas is an experienced business leader, advocate and communicator with a strong background in organisational leadership, stakeholder engagement and community representation.
Since 2014, he has served as Chief Executive of the Newmarket Business Association, representing around 3,100 businesses and 20,000 employees in Auckland. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Management, specialising in business transformation and change.
Mark is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors and the current Deputy Chair of the NZ Crowded Places Business Advisory Group. He brings extensive governance, media and public affairs experience, alongside a longstanding commitment to championing diversity, economic development and community safety. He is well-known for his practical leadership, collaboration and clear strategic thinking. In 2025 he was chosen by the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand as the NZ Communicator of the Year.
NICK GIBBS
Nick has worked in the security industry for more than 25 years, building a career that has taken him from frontline officer to business owner and senior executive. He began as a security officer while completing his university studies, later contracting with Chubb Protective Services, before owning and managing Masterguard Fire & Security Ltd for 12 years, delivering intrusion, access control, and fire protection solutions across Canterbury.
Since joining First Security in 2019, Nick has held several senior leadership roles and is now the Chief Operating Officer, with oversight across the company’s nationwide operations, spanning guarding, electronic security, and monitoring. This role provides him with valuable insight into how security is delivered and the unique challenges across New Zealand, from major metropolitan centres to smaller regional communities.
Nick is passionate about raising professional standards in the industry. He believes in strengthening training and qualifications, greater recognition of security as a career, and ensuring frontline staff are properly supported and valued. With a broad perspective and commitment to positive change, he is dedicated to strengthening capability and credibility across the security sector.
NIK BOEINGHOFF
Nik is Optic Security Group’s Auckland-based New Zealand General Manager and is a highly experienced commercial manager having held senior leadership roles in several large companies prior to joining Optic Security Group in early 2022 including Bosch, Signature Security Group, Bunzl, Sebel and Rentokil Initial.
Passionate about innovation and continuous improvement, Nik is committed to building resilient organisations that grow through empowered teams, operational efficiency, and a sharp focus on customer value.
Nik holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and has spent over two decades in senior management, team development, sales leadership and strategic planning roles, consistently driving growth, improved efficiency, and building high-performing teams.
TERESA SEUX
Teresa is the General Manager Human Resources for the Advanced Group, including Advanced Security. She has significant senior executive experience in human resources management across a diverse range of service industries. These roles include establishing the human resources function as for publicly listed NZX top 50 Arvida Group as General Manager Human Resources for 6 years. Teresa has also led HR within as a number of top tier professional services firms, as well as local government and hospitality. She is a generalist practitioner with depth and breadth of experience across the full range of human resources specialties including organisational development, employment relations and health & safety. A Chartered Member of HRNZ, Teresa is a past President of the Auckland Branch. Teresa is passionate about the power of good people management to unleash the potential within the business, for the benefit of the business as well as those working there.
Ella Macdonald
Board Cadet
Ella is truly humbled and grateful for the opportunity to serve as a Board Cadet with the New Zealand Security Association and give back to the industry that has been a part of her life for the past 12 years.
She has progressed through a range of operational and leadership roles and currently work as an Operations Controller for Armourguard Security.
Passionate about safety, people development, and community wellbeing. Ella believes the security profession plays a vital role in public safety, prevention, and positive community outcomes.
She is a strong advocate for the recognition, protection and professional development of security officers, and is committed to elevating industry standards.
Empathy, authenticity, and strong relationships are values that guide her leadership and decision-making.
She is proud to contribute to an industry that plays a vital role in creating better outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Ruth Tongotongo
Board Cadet
Ruth is a dedicated Pacific leader with a deep passion for her community and a strong commitment to supporting others in every way possible. Although her career in the security industry spans just five years, she has held a variety of roles across the sector, each contributing to her expertise and well-rounded perspective. Currently, Ruth serves as a Security Consultant at Beca Applied Technologies within the Security & Risk Team, where she provides specialist advice and solutions to clients facing complex security challenges. Driven by a desire to foster positive change and promote innovation, Ruth is particularly focused on nurturing the next generation of leaders within the security profession. Her approach combines forward-thinking strategies with practical experience, ensuring that her work delivers meaningful and lasting benefits to both clients and the wider industry. In recognition of her professional achievements and leadership potential, Ruth was recently named Outstanding Young Security Professional at the OSAPS Awards for 2025. She continues to build on this success by actively contributing to sector-wide initiatives aimed at enhancing standards, improving outcomes, and empowering communities throughout New Zealand.