CEO’s Report
Welcome to our May 2025 newsletter.
I trust that you had an enjoyable and relaxing break over Easter and Anzac Day and are ready for what is always a busy time of the year.
Hopefully you will find the information below and within the Newsletter of value and remind the importance of circulating within your organisations and networks.
SGM (Special General Meeting) Vote Outcome
I’m pleased to advise that we received unanimous support from those members who voted and the proposed changes to our constitution (rules) were approved.
The key change involves our Membership classes, and the introduction of an annual Self-Audit for Corporate and Accredited Corporate Members.
With immediate effect, approved applicants for NZSA Corporate Membership will now be recognised as Provisional Corporate Members and must, within the period of six to twelve months following acceptance, successfully complete the NZSA Self-Audit as evidence of operating in compliance with Good Practice Guidelines and NZSA Codes of Practice. On completion they will be recognised as NZSA Corporate Members but those who fail to complete the Self-Audit may have their membership terminated.
The requirement to complete the Self-Audit on an annual basis will now also be a requirement for current Corporate Members and Accredited Corporate Members (being those who have been audited by the NZSA).
The Self-Audit will take members approximately one to two hours to complete and is supported by the attachment of evidential documents. The self-audit comprises core elements and requirements from the NZSA Codes of Practice and is intended to encourage and support continuous business improvement for NZSA members. On completion, members will be required to submit the Self-Audit document for review by the NZSA independent auditors and where applicable, the auditor may provide feedback or guidance to the member.
Another important change to the constitution is the recognition of Probationary Applicants. This applies to businesses who have been referred to the NZSA by the Registrar of the PSPLA as needing guidance and support in meeting good practice guidelines as a condition of retaining their company security license. This recognises that the removal of a licence by the PSPLA may result in the loss of employment for workers within that business and that there may be genuine reasons for the business failing to meet licensing conditions. The NZSA will work with and assist these businesses in addressing identified shortfalls and in lifting their standards, and potentially acceptance as a Provisional Corporate Member.
Ministerial Advisory Group Retail Crime – Powers for Security Officers
Since our last report the government has announced that it will be amending the Crimes Act 1961 to give all citizens greater ability to arrest or detain thieves stealing from retail stores and committing other crimes.
As noted in the media at that time, the NZSA is fully supportive of updating the Act and the intent behind the proposed changes, however it is critical that the legislation is carefully drafted and provides clear definitions and protections specific to security officers, retailers and the general public.
Consistent with this, it is the NZSA’s position that security personnel entrusted with utilising enhanced security powers must have completed advanced training delivered by qualified and approved trainers and possess a “Specialist or Advanced Security Officer” endorsement on their CoA (this approach has been supported by the PSPLA).
Whilst MoJ (Ministry of Justice) has commenced work on the amendments to the Crimes Act, there will be the need for ongoing consultation with stakeholders (including the NZSA and our members) and it is unlikely that there will be any changes to the legislation until mid-2026.
In the meantime, we have maintained regular engagement with the Ministerial Advisory Group and provided input and guidance into the use of FRT (Facial Recognition Technology) and suggested changes to the Trespass Act.
NZSA Board Cadet Appointment
The Board Cadet programme was launched last year and provides an exciting opportunity for an employee of one of our members to join the NZSA Board as a Cadet for a two-year term.
As a Cadet they will be fully immersed in board activity, but their role is non-voting.
The programme allows the candidate to gain knowledge and experience on the operation of boards and to upskill themselves for future board placements. The NZSA board also benefits from increased diversity and having a pathway for future board membership.
Following recent advertising we are currently interviewing five short-listed candidates and expect to announce the successful candidate within the next few weeks.
NZSA Independent Board Chairperson Appointment
As announced in our last newsletter, our current Independent Chairperson, Gray Paterson, will be standing down at the upcoming AGM after five years in the role.
Gray has been instrumental in lifting the performance and professionalism of our board, and in ensuring a strong and robust approach to governance and strategy, so finding a worthy replacement will be a challenge.
Our listings on the Appoint Better Boards and Institute of Directors sites have now closed and we will be working through the thirty plus applicants over the next few weeks, with the intent of interviewing shortlisted candidates through May and having the successful candidate confirmed and in place for the AGM on 19 August.
As an observation, the quality of the applicants for the position has been exceptional and provides a resounding vote of confidence from skilled board directors into both the governance and financial position of the NZSA, it’s Executive and Board.
New Work-Based Learning Model
In late April the Minister for Vocational Education announced the government’s decision to introduce an industry-led independent work-based learning model as outlined on the Tertiary Education Commission’s website here.
The industry-led independent model was consulted on earlier this year, but has a modified transition phase, designed to give industry a greater role in determining the future of the work-based learning system.
To enable the transition to this new model, Industry Skills Boards (ISB’s) will be established on 1 January 2026 to ensure the qualifications needed by employers across the country are available to all providers. The ISB’s will replace the WDC’s (Work Development Councils) and from 1 January, all apprentices and trainees currently enrolled with EarnLearn will transfer to an ISB for up to two years.
We appreciate this is all very confusing and continues the uncertainty that has resulted from the Labour governments ROVE (Review of Vocational Education) with the disestablishment of the ITO’s and creation of Te-Pukenga (EarnLearn) and WDC’s.
There is still a lot of detail to be provided but the potential outcomes look positive.
For learners in the Electronic Security sector, we envisage minimal change with training continuing to be provided by ETEC whereas for the Protective Security Sector, the Level 3 and 4 training will over time move from EarnLearn to industry-led PTE’s (Private Training Enterprises).
Through our Special Interest Groups, we will continue to engage with our existing WDC’s (Ringa Hora and Waihanga Ara Rau) and look to influence the best possible outcomes for security industry apprentices and trainees as the new ISB’s are set up.
Updates will be provided as we receive further information.
Partnership with ShopCare
We are pleased to announce a partnership with ShopCare that will allow our members free access to their respective expertise and resources.
ShopCare is a Charitable Trust that is dedicated to improving the health, safety and wellbeing of retailers and their supporting supply chains across New Zealand, including security providers to the retail sector.
Particularly of relevance to NZSA members, ShopCare provides a number of free online training modules addressing violence and aggressive behaviour (VAB), managing the psychosocial impacts of VAB, and building cultural competency in the workplace.
NZSA members can access these training modules on shopcare.org.nz/training or join the ShopCare community on shopcare.org.nz/join-us.
NZSA Submission re Government Procurement
We recently submitted a paper to MBIE as part of the government’s consultation process for proposed changes to the Government Procurement Rules, including removal of requirements for contractors to meet the Living Wage.
Our submission was largely supportive of the proposed changes however we did recommend placing additional weighting on the importance of industry body membership and also for the retention of requirements to meet Living Wage.
The issue of Living Wage is somewhat contentious and members I talked to had differing views, however most supported retaining the requirement for contractors to government to meet Living Wage given the risk of driving prices down if removed.
Our submission did however also recommend significant changes to how the Living Wage is calculated, and importantly having responsibility sit with MBIE (currently a function of the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit) and using pre-determined measures.
New Zealand Security Awards – Nominations and Event
Details of this years’ awards event are covered later in this newsletter but a reminder to lock the date into your diary (Friday 26 September at Grand Millennium Auckland) and to start giving thought to worthy candidates under the various award categories with nominations opening 1 July.
2G and 3G Network Shutdown
We remind members of the pending 2G and 3G network shutdowns and the impact on communication devices that more than 7 years old.
Devices affected include:
- 2G Radionet Falcon and Enterprise modules
- 3G Permacon modules (white PM45 devices but not the white PM24 CATM1 devices)
- 3G T4000 modules
- 3G Paradox PCS modules
- 3G DSC TL modules
- 3G AJAX alarms (early modules)
- 3G Bosch 3000 and 6000 modules
- 3G Connect module
- 3G Arrowhead module
If uncertain, we recommend talking to your supplier to get manufacturer model numbers.
NZSA Membership Renewals
Thank you to all of our members who have renewed their membership for the 25/26 year.
Whilst we have a small number of members yet to confirm payment, it looks like our renewal rate will be in the high 90% range which is consistent with previous years and very high when compared to other industry associations.
Hopefully that reflects positively on our focus on providing value for our members.
As always, we welcome all comments and feedback on NZSA or industry issues and activity.
Keep safe and well.
Kind Regards
Gary Morrison
CEO
NZSA / Security Industry updates
New Zealand Security Awards
The New Zealand Security Awards 2025 is being held at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland on Friday 26 September – please save the date!
Nominations open – 1 July
Nominations close – 15 August
Nominations are open to everyone working in the security industry. We will provide further information about awards criteria and nominations closer to the date.
COA Conflict Management Training
Train the Trainer and Refresher Training for Trainers
Call for registrations
The CoA training provides a critical role in giving new entrants into the security industry knowledge of the legislation impacting onto security officers, the essential knowledge and skills to keep them safe in their roles, including de-escalation techniques, and an understanding of expected professional standards.
It is imperative therefore that those who deliver the training have the necessary qualifications and experience, and are confident in delivering the course content.
In the absence of a Standard Setting Body holding responsibility for this, the NZSA has provided a Good Practice Guideline for the provision of Train the Trainer Instruction – a copy can be downloaded from the NZSA website. The Guideline sets clear expectations around pre-requisite training and competency, completion of the Train the Trainer course, and undertaking bi-annual refresher training.
We have also contracted subject matter experts to deliver the Conflict Management Training in accordance with the Guideline standards and to ensure the trainers of the CoA unit standards possess the necessary skills and competence.
For further information and to register please email [email protected].
Please note: the Conflict Management Refresher course includes assessment activity.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
Security Consultants
The Security Consultancy Special Interest Group (SCSIG) continues to have strong representation and enjoy good discussion. The group has recently been focussed on the New Zealand Crowed Places Strategy and how best NZSA can support this initiative as was the original plan. As a result, NZSA have co presented a number of Crowded Places training sessions with NZ Police and will be sponsoring an up-and-coming national training event. The SCSIG is also assisting NZ Police with strategy for implementation.
It’s been great to see such good attendance at these meetings, working together we can achieve great things!
The group has also discussed a range of other topics and will shortly be developing a plan to ensure effort is placed into areas which will best benefit NZSA and its member.
If you have any Security Consultant areas of interest which you feel deserves NZSA focus please contact Jonathan Howe on [email protected] or Gary Morrison on [email protected].
Security Training and Professional Development
One of the key work workflows in progress within the Training SIG is the development of training resources and assessment material for use with the three new NZQA Skill Standards that will be used as part of the Certificate of Approval (CoA) mandatory minimum training requirements.
These Skill Standards will eventually replace the current unit standards that a new guard must have as part of their CoA application with the PSPLA.
We have established a project team led by Arnie Tulloch and made up of interested parties drawn from security companies, security training providers, security trainers and relevant subject matter experts.
The project goal is training material that meets the national curriculum and a common set of assessments. This will ensure consistent outcomes for new guards and their employers, irrespective of where they completed their training or who provided it.
The project is well underway, and we are hopeful of having the resources and assessment materials ready for use by the third quarter of this year.
We welcome enquiries from industry participants who would like to participate in the STPDSIG contact Andy Gollings on [email protected].
Electronic Security
As part of the NZSA Electronic Security Special Interest Group (ESSIG), a working group was formed to present key Electronic Security topics in 2025 to the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand (IBANZ). IBANZ is New Zealand’s leading professional association, representing the interests of insurance brokers, risk managers, and their clients nationwide.
With over 100 participants in attendance, the ESSIG team delivered a presentation titled “People, Technology, and Best Practices for Electronic Security in 2025.”
This online session was educational in nature, providing an overview of the role of NZSA and highlighting the core pillars of the security industry:
- People – the importance of skilled advisors and installers.
- Technology – the evolution of security systems, with particular focus on the emerging impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity considerations.
- Best Practices – Working with standards and specifications in mind, and where to find these.
The session was very well received, and future collaborative events between NZSA and IBANZ are planned to continue promoting best practices and industry alignment.
Into the month of May we are looking at topics such as privacy associated to Biometrics and AI.
We welcome member participation and invite those who may be interested to contact either Mike McKim on [email protected] or Gary Morrison on [email protected] for further information.
Partner updates
Ringa Hora
Ringa Hora have created an infographic (see link below) providing a summary of information relating to workforce, training, qualifications, business and the economy are related to the security sector. Please share any feedback to Duane Mackwood at [email protected].
Ringa_Hora_Security_Infographic
Waihanga Ara Rau
Waihanga Ara Rau are excited to announce that we’ve begun work towards developing a coherent set of skill standards that recognises core, transferable and specialist skills (from entry to qualified tradesperson and beyond) across electrotechnology trades.
Six qualifications across electrotechnology are due for review in 2025. Several more are due next year. This, along with the introduction of skill standards, provides a good time to undertake work to achieve coherence across the qualification pathway.
A consistent set of standards that supports all credentials in the pathway will provide transparency about learner progress and what people who have completed electrotechnology qualifications and credentials know and can do.
At the same time, there is an opportunity to address feedback we have received about opportunities to make sure the qualifications pathway:
- provides a strong pathway from first entry through to trade qualified and beyond
- allows learners to increase their specialisation without “having to start again”
- aligns with EWRB licencing (where it exists)
- provides for consistent regional delivery
- allows for flexibility to respond to the way industry works and responds to emerging needs.
How you can help
We’re seeking industry feedback to contribute to the development and refinement of Phase 1. Your input is key to making sure the correct skills are captured across the industry, and we would love to hear from you.
You can contribute by:
- Completing a short online survey on the proposed electrotechnology skills framework – open until Friday, 15 May.
- Staying informed as the project progresses and/or registering your interest in attending an industry-specific consultation online meeting. Register here.
Please email [email protected] to provide feedback or any pātai/questions.
NZSA Membership
We welcome the following new Corporate Member:
RSS Communications Ltd
and the following new Corporate Partner Member:
Paragon New Zealand.com Ltd
and the following new Associate Individual Member:
Laura Goodwin
Events
Exhibit at Facilities Integrate 2025
Enquiries are open to exhibit at Facilities Integrate 2025 (15-16 July), New Zealand’s largest trade event for the Facilities Management.
Take this opportunity to put a face to your brand and make essential, in-person connections with the nation’s decision makers.
Facilities Integrate welcomes 1000s of visitors over 2 action-packed days, showcasing the latest in facilities management technology and services, as well as insightful seminars from industry experts.
Enquire with their team today and secure your stand among industry leaders here.
Learn more about Facilities Integrate here.
SecTech Roadshow NZ
SecTech NZ is a new one-day touring tradeshow that brings the latest security products and technologies to security installers and integrators, security consultants and security managers in 3 New Zealand cities in June 2025.
Current exhibitors include NZSA, Aiphone, HID, Inner Range, Architectural Hardware & Security, Motorola Solutions, CIC Technology, Dahua Technologies, Openeye, Permaconn, ASSA ABLOY, Net Alarms, Geutebruck, ICT, ECOS Systems, CRK, Traka, Hikvision, PowerStack, Stentofon, Gallagher, Dicker DAS and TP-Link, giving attendees a broad spread of access control, alarm, CCTV, automation and software solutions to get their teeth into.
All venues been carefully selected for ease of access and ease of parking – SecTech Roadshow New Zealand will open at the Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland on June 10, at Sky Stadium event space in Wellington on June 12, then ferry over to Picton for the drive to Te Pae in Christchurch, opening on June 17.
SecTech NZ is a compact, affordable pop-up event, with the action generated by the opportunity to develop and build quality business relationships and get hands-on with the latest product and technology releases – SecTech is not about the glitz of hugely expensive corporate booths.
Organised by the publishers of SEN, who also organise SecTech Roadshow and Security & Government Expo in Australia, SecTech NZ will be the first time Kiwi distributors and manufacturers have had an opportunity to exhibit at an independent event, with past roadshows typically organised by industry suppliers.
“SecTech NZ is based on SecTech Roadshow in Australia, which was launched in 2015 and trucks around 5 cities every May,” said organiser, Monique Keatinge.
“Now in its 10th year, and thoroughly bench-tested in the wide-open spaces of Australia, SecTech Roadshow is a concept that really works.
“We have a close connection with New Zealand – our editor and co-director John Adams was born in Dunedin and grew up in Hawkes Bay before migrating to Australia with his family. We’ve honoured that connection over the years through unstinting support of NZ security technology companies and we’re looking forward to extending that support with SecTech NZ.”
SecTech NZ will be vigorously promoted via SEN’s respected sen.news website and twice weekly EDMs, as well as via direct mail, social media and more. SEN, first published in 1998, is ANZ’s oldest security publication through acquisition of its forebear, Security Australia, first published in January 1981.
You can contact Monique on 61 2 9280 4425 or email [email protected] for more information about exhibiting. You can keep an eye out for registration opening and learn more about SecTech NZ here, see some scenes from SecTech Roadshow Australia here, and keep up with the latest SecTech news on SEN website here.
NZISF breakfast meeting
Topic: IoT Emerging Trends, Security Concerns and Australia Cyber Security Act
The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to evolve, driving innovation across industries. Key trends include the adoption of edge computing for real-time analytics, the integration of AI to enable smarter decision-making, and the deployment of 5G networks to support large-scale IoT ecosystems like smart cities and connected vehicles. Additionally, IoT is playing a critical role in promoting sustainability, with devices optimizing energy usage and reducing environmental impact.
However, these advancements bring significant security concerns. Many IoT devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks due to weak passwords, outdated firmware, and insufficient security protocols. The massive data collection by IoT devices raises privacy risks, and the lack of standardized security measures complicates network protection. Furthermore, scaling security across expansive IoT networks, like those in industrial or urban settings, remains a challenge.
Mitigating these risks requires stronger device authentication, timely updates, encryption, and adherence to recognized security standards. While IoT presents transformative opportunities, addressing its vulnerabilities is essential for building trust and ensuring long-term adoption. As a result, Australia government has enacted Australia’s Cyber Security Act 2024 which is a mandatory security standard for both manufacturers and suppliers of IoT devices in Australia to ensure IoT devices manufactured and supplied are secured.
Speaker: John Ayoade
When: 8:00am Thursday 8 May 2025 – via Zoom
To register please click here.
Member Benefits
Barker Business Brokers
Barker Business Brokerage are pleased to offer NZSA Members free, no-obligation business appraisals and if facilitating a sale, substantial discounts on up-front costs (marketing and AML checks) and commission.
For more information please contact Mike Ray, Business Broker, on 021 670818 or [email protected].
Rothbury Insurance Brokers
Rothbury are committed to developing a strong relationship with members and are introducing Todd Mountford, Regional Manager, as the main point of contact for NZSA members.
Todd and his team look forward to working with NZSA Members to review their current insurance arrangements, ensuring they have the right cover in place to protect their business and assets, and providing financial security following an insurable event.
Rothbury can also offer tailored solutions for employees, providing health and wellbeing benefits which increases both engagement and retention, as well as showing they are valued.
For more information or to discuss your insurance requirements please contact Todd Mountford on 027 4406935 or [email protected].
Guardhouse
Guardhouse case study – Watchdog Security
Guardhouse have published a case study about NZSA Member Watchdog Security, and the benefits of using the Guardhouse system. To read the case study please click here.
Guardhouse is an end-to-end workforce management system custom built for NZ security companies. Founded in Australia, Guardhouse is Australia’s leading security specific workforce solution, bringing our product innovation and unique workflow optimisation to the NZ market saving our clients both time and money. Our values that drive your success are customer obsessed, developing unique partnerships, simple yet powerful product design and consistent innovation and R&D.
Some of the funcationality includes, Rostering, Time & Attendance, Payroll & Invoicing + integration to accounting and payroll systemts, Welfare Checks, Incident Reporitng, Compliance Management, Company and Site SOPs with digitial signiture, Customer Portal Access, Tours and Patorls module and much more.
For more information see the Guardhouse website.
NZSA HR Advisory Service
A reminder to members that SuccessHR are human resource consultants available for any employment support regarding your employees.
Support offered at no expense to our members is telephone communication support eg. disciplinary, performance. You also have access to individual employment agreements. Any additional support would be charged to you accordingly.
For any support or further information please contact:
Susan Beange
Human Resources Team Lead
[email protected]
021 929 528
Strategic Defence
Strategic Defence provides specialist protective products to members of the security industry. These products include stab/ballistic vests, boots, fog-free protective eyewear, hand-held metal detectors, flashlights, and many more. NZSA members qualify for between 10-20% discount. Expert advice, support, and unmatched service.
For more information see the Strategic Defence website.
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.
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].
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].
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.