NZSA Newsletter – January 2024

CEO Report

Welcome to our January 2024 newsletter.

I trust that your Christmas and New Year have gone well and that you and your team have been able to enjoy the good weather that has finally arrived.

Unfortunately, 2023 closed on a very sad note with the murder of security officer Ramandeep Singh a week before Christmas. Ramandeep was a security patrolman working for a contractor to Armourguard and was conducting a patrol of Royal Reserve in Massey when attacked. Police have charged a 26-year-old with murder and have yet to rule out further arrests or charges.

Whilst this is a shocking incident and evidences the increased risks being faced by many security staff, it is important that we are in full possession of all the facts before determining what measures can be taken by the industry to improve the safety of our workers. This will obviously be a priority for us as the peak body for the security industry and outcomes will be included in the Security Services Good Practice Guideline document.

Armourguard have provided support to the family and friends of Ramandeep and have also set up a Give-a-Little page for his family. You can access this page here.

The lead into Christmas also saw the repealing of the Fair Pay Agreement legislation as had been signalled as policy by National, ACT and NZ First prior to the election.

We are fully supportive of this decision and in our opinion, the FPA Legislation was poorly drafted and would have negatively impacted any industry sector under coverage.

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

90-day trials are back
In an important change to employment law, the Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Act 2023 was passed by Parliament prior to Christmas and has now come into affect.

This Act amends the Employment Relations Act 2000, reversing the limitation of 90-day trials to employers with fewer than 20 employees (which was effective from 6 May 2019).

This change mean all businesses can now include a 90-day trial period in a new employee’s employment agreement, reducing the risks associated with hiring a new employee. It should also increase the opportunities available to job seekers.

So, in practical terms what does this mean for employers who have been excluded from using the 90-day trial clause since 6 May 2019?

It means a revision of any employment agreements to now include the 90-day trial period and also a review of policies that govern their operation.

It is important to remember, however, that even with 90-day trials, there are still matters of process that you need to get right – including negotiating the inclusion of a trial period clause, having adequate notice periods in place and ensuring fair and equitable treatment.

 

OSPA’s nominations open
The OSPAs are designed to be both independent and inclusive; providing an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work of those dedicated companies, individuals and teams who deliver outstanding security products and services.

The 2024 New Zealand OSPAs will take place on 5 April 2024 in conjunction with the annual ASIS New Zealand Certification Dinner.

Further details of the awards night will come in due course however get your nominations in quick!

Nominations close on 30 January 2024

For further information and to make a nomination please see the OSPAs website.

 

Partner updates

Waihanga Ara Rau
Participation in Electronic Security qualification review and skill standards development

Waihanga Ara Rau are pleased to be working with the electronic security industry representatives and providers to review the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4) and replace the existing unit standards with skill standards.

They would like your input in the electronic security qualification review and development of new skill standards.

Unit standards have reached the end of their life cycle and need to be replaced with skill standards to ensure greater flexibility in learning and assessment activities.

Documents can be found here.

Please email your expression of interest or any questions or comments to [email protected] or click here by 2 February 2024.

If you know of any else that my be interested in this review, please feel free to forward these details.

 

Events

Safe and Security Facilities Conference
The world is constantly changing, and so are the threats to our safety and security. In today’s environment, it is more important than ever for those responsible for protecting facilities, infrastructure and places to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies.

The 3rd Safe & Secure Facilities, Infrastructure & Places Conference is the premier event for security professionals from all industries and there are many reasons why you should attend:

  • Be informed of developing Government strategies
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies
  • Network with other security professionals

Date:     26 & 27 March, 2024

Venue:  Ellerslie Events Centre, Auckland

15% NZSA Member Network Discount

NZSA Members / recipients of this email are entitled to a 15% discounted rate to the 3rd Safe & Secure Facilities, Infrastructure & Places Conference to be held at the Ellerslie Events Centre, Auckland on 26-27 March 2024. To qualify, enter the promotional code NZSA15 while booking online at brightstar.co.nz/safesecure.

Free NZSA Member Offer – Planning for lock-down exit and business continuity

Whilst many security businesses have been focused on reacting to an ever-changing environment, it is critical that business owners and leaders are developing plans that will ensure their business is positioned as well as possible as we head towards a post lock-down environment.

Recent surveys of SME’s (small and medium size enterprises) indicate that some 30% do not expect to be in business by the end of this year, and should that eventuate, it will place extreme pressure on all businesses, even those that are currently financially sound.

The NZSA is very pleased to announce that we have formalised an agreement with leading financial advisors Smetric to provide Cash flow Management and Business Support services to our members.

Smetric will provide the service to NZSA members, with less than 50 staff, utilising a government nationwide support package of $2,000 per business that can be applied to businesses who employ people, were financially sound pre Covid-19, are negatively affected by the virus, and who anticipate continuing in a viable manner and hiring people post Covid-19. Please note that Smetric only offer this service to selected associations and for businesses with less than 50 staff.

Smetric’s have a team of very experienced advisors and have worked with a number of security providers in recent years.

Smetric can provide fully funded advice that covers:

Financial review and cash flow forecasting
– Actions to stabilise cash flow during the lock-down and in following months
– Scenario planning for the business post lock-down and strategies in place
– Review of customer base to keep as many customers as possible and explore any quick win new opportunities
– Review supply chain and resource continuity risks and mitigation
– Review operational and capacity requirements post lock-down.

Outcomes
– Stabilise cash flow during and post lock-down
– Prioritise risks and quick wins
– Develop a 90-day plan to execute quickly and effectively.

Businesses have to meet a clear set of criteria and apply through the Covid-19 Business Support application process which is administered by the Regional Business Partnership Network. Smetric will guide you through this process.

For more information on Smetric and the services provided please refer to their website.

If you wish to take up this offer, please email Warwick at Smetric [email protected] and request a proposal form.

Stay safe and keep well.

From the NZSA team.

NZSA Work Broker Programme

Progress in out pilot programme in association with the Ministry of Social Development is going well.

To 13/11/18, we have placed 14 MSD clients into employment with our members.  Given the contract commenced 1st October, this is a very pleasing result and one which has exceeded MSD’s expectations and targets.

There are a number of member benefits when you employ an MSD client through our programme.  These are:

  • The NZSA will complete and pay for the candidates COA application (Temporary Licence).  We will do this once the candidate has been offered employment.  (That saves your organisation $187)

 

  • Pay the member $495 + GST per week for the first six weeks of employment (Pro Rata).  This covers all training and induction costs. (That’s $2,970 worth of support that you could receive from the NZSA)

 

  • Pay the member $500 + GST once the candidate has completed 3 months and another $500+GST once the candidate has completed 6 months employment. (That’s a further $1,000 upon their continued service.

 

You can also be assured that the NZSA will complete a phone interview, allow the candidate to sit a basic reading and writing test, and where possible, have a face to face interview. This helps us better understand the candidate and provide your organisation with candidates that we believe are fit for purpose. We can also give them some coaching and support for when they come to interview with you.

 

If you are interested in registering for this programme, you can register online here, or you can email [email protected] to have a chat.

 

Awards Winners 2018!

Congratulations to all winners of the NZ Security Awards 2018!!!

Security Workplace Trainer of the Year – Peter Fillet from Red Badge Group

Outstanding Security Training Initiative of the Year – NZDF Security Training Framework and Upskilling from Contact Training Systems Ltd

Electronic Trainee of the Year – Carl Durrant from Fortlock

Manpower Trainee of the Year – Bruce Downs from First Contact Ltd

Design & Support Electronic Sector of the Year – Russell Milliken from Red Wolf High Level Security

Install & Service Electronic Sector of the Year – Stephen Wright from VIP Security Ltd

Security Consultant of the Year – Andrew Thorburn from Atlas Gentech

Security Administrator of the Year – Arlene Ahorro from Matrix Security

Outstanding New Product of Service of the Year – Just Roster from Just Roster Ltd

Outstanding Customer Service Initiative of the Year – Customer Digital Strategy from Atlas Gentech

Security Specialist of the Year – Ashley Burkhart & Alysha Smith from Armourguard

Communications Centre Operator of the Year – Nikolos Berends from First Security

Security Supervisor/Operations Manager of the Year – Felise Tamiano from Armourguard

Patrol Officer of the Year – Elizabeth Baker from Matrix Security

Security Officer of the Year – DJ Singh and Nav Singh from Guardforce

Visionary Leadership Award – Alistair Hogg from Aotea Security

Ian Dick Memorial Award for the Security Professional of the Year – Elizabeth Baker from Matrix Security

 

Photos and stories about the winners can be found on the special winners page!
Other photos taken during the evening can be found in the gallery!

Awards Finalists Announced!

New Zealand Security Industry Awards

Congratulations to our 2018 Awards Finalists

All finalists presented in alphabetical order
Manpower Trainee of the Year
Bruce Downs – First Contact Ltd
Hollis Knight – First Contact Ltd

Electronic Trainee of the Year
Joe Dewes – Red Wolf High Level Security
Carl Durrant – Fortlock

Security Trainer or Workplace Assessor
Peter Fillet – Red Badge Group
Gloria McGirr – Stratcom Security

Outstanding Security Training Initiative
Red Badge Group Gateway Training – Red Badge Group
NZDF Security Training Framework and Upskilling – Contact Training Systems Ltd

Consultant of the Year
Brent Corbett – VIP Security
Andrew Thorburn – Atlas Gentech NZ Ltd

Design and Support Electronic Sector
Russell Milliken – Red Wolf High Level Security
Daniel Tustin – Aotea Security

Install and Service Electronic Sector
Barry Meiring – Red Wolf High Level Security
Stephen Wright – VIP Security

Security Officer of the Year
DJ Singh and Nav Singh – Guardforce Security Ltd
Penny Sturgess – Red Badge Group Ltd

Patrol Officer of the Year
Braden Ashby – First Security
Elizabeth Baker – Matrix Security Group

Security Specialist of the Year
Ashley Burkhart – Armourguard
Alysha Smith – Armourguard

Communication Centre Operator of the Year
Nikolos Berends – First Security
Judy Kinsey – Red Wolf High Level Security

Security Supervisor/Operations Manager of the Year
Greg Sparrow – Red Badge Group
Felise Tamiano – Armourguard
Daniel van der Merwe – Matrix Security Group

Security Administrator of the Year
Arlene Ahorro – Matrix Security Group
Kathryn Cogan – Armourguard
Mereane (Tee) Leaegalesolo – Armourguard

Outstanding Customer Service Initiative
RJ Moka – Atlas Gentech NZ Ltd

Outstanding New Product or Service
Just Roster
Lone Worker Services Stay Safe

Visionary Leadership Award
Ian Crawford – Cityguard
Alistair Hogg – Aotea Security
Justin Moroney – Waiheke Documents & Security

Congratulations and good luck to all our finalists!

Certificate of Approval information for In-House Crowd Controllers and Bar Staff

Here’s some updated advice from the Authority on In-House Crowd Controllers and Bar Staff.

If you are a crowd controller, you must have a certificate of approval. For example, if you work as a crowd controller for a bar, rather than a private security company, you need a certificate.

If you hold a COA in the class of Crowd Controller you must work for a PSPLA Company Licence holder or PSPLA Individual Licence holder. It is best practice for all bars and restaurants directly employing crowd controllers (door staff) to hold both a Liquor Licence and a PSPLA Company Licence in the class of Crowd Controller.

Bar managers and staff only need a certificate of approval if, as part of their job description, they act as a crowd controller by:

– Screening entry
– Keeping order
– Removing people.

Bar staff who mainly make drinks and clear tables are not crowd controllers, even if they occasionally remove people from the bar.”

Click here for more information…