2024 AWARD WINNERS

Security Professional of the Year

Steve King, Advanced Security Group (NZ) Ltd

Pictured above L-R: Steve King and Nicole McKee, Associate Minister of Justice

Steve’s nomination recognises his outstanding delivery of a technically challenging electronic security project that he has led for the customer, Hutt Valley District Health Board.

The project involves upgrading the access control system (over 250 doors), CCTV system (220+ cameras) and an array of intercom systems, duress systems and interfaces to the NURSE CALL ANNUNCIATION SYSTEM.

As the Technical Account Manager leading the project, Steve has played a pivotal role in helping coordinate a multitude of key stakeholders and their individual needs.

Customer references include:

“Steve has a “can do” approach and attitude to get the job done.

He is excellent in his communication within the wider team and will go the extra step to ensure everybody knows what’s happening” and…

“Steve can be relied upon to deliver whatever task is scheduled and programmed and is able to accommodate last minute changes to minimise disruption in a very demanding environment.

He is a valued member of our team”.

Customer Champion of the Year

Joint winners:

Dee Wakelin, Red Badge Group

Jemima Briggs, FIRST Security

Pictured above L-R: Jemima Briggs and Dee Wakelin

Dee Wakelin, Red Badge Group

As Head of Customer Success, Dee has played a key role in the substantial growth of Red Badge Group.

Not only has she led the strategic expansion of the company, she also manages the key customer relationships where she has achieved 100% retention of key customers.

Customer references include:

“Our best indicator of when things are working well with a key Account Manager, is limited noise.

Minimising disruptions is critical for us as an employer, as poorly managed services can divert attention from other essential business needs.

With Dee as our key account partner, we have experienced minimal disruptions and outstanding outcomes and look forward to our ongoing partnership with Dee and the Red Badge team.”

And “It is, at times, difficult to achieve being strategic and operationally focused simultaneously while growing your own people as well as managing customer expectation, but Dee has demonstrated this ability on numerous occasions for the benefit of not only her staff, but also the quality-of-service delivery provided for customers”.

Jemima Briggs, FIRST Security

Jemima (Jem) Briggs, First Security’s GM Sales, is a dedicated people centric and versatile member of the Senior Leadership team who possesses over two decades of strategic relationship management experience and expertise.

She has not only empowered a high-performing sales team at First Security but has become a critical initiator, enabler, sustainer, innovator, and force-multiplier in our key client relationships.

Again, as a key customer notes:

“From day one working with Jem, I have found her to be approachable and honest and her customer service has been exceptional.

Nothing is ever a problem, and requests have always been responded to promptly and if there was ever a delay, I would receive an email or phone call to let me know she hadn’t forgotten.

I am always kept in the loop.

Great service goes a long way, and it does make a difference”.

Design and Support Electronic Sector Professional of the Year

David Robertson, Matrix Security Group

Pictured above L-R: Scott Carter (on behalf David Robertson) and Lawrence Zhang, Dahua Technology

David is the General Manager of Technology Solutions for Matrix Security Group and sets incredibly high standards for himself and his team, which is reflected in the service provided to clients.

David is responsible for conducting risk assessments for high value customers and concept design of security technology solutions.

He then costs the project, presents proposals, then manages the contract and provides technical leadership for staff.

He has recently worked on projects for three prominent schools, providing expertise on design and implementation of alarms, access control and video surveillance systems that protect thousands of students and staff, and multi millions of dollars in assets.

The nomination for David included glowing letters of support from a number of high-profile customers.

Electronic Security Trainee of the Year

Bhavik Sohaliya, Optic Security Group

Pictured above L-R: Bhavik Sohaliya and Bill Sole, ETEC

Bhavik commenced his apprenticeship with Optic in May 2022, and it didn’t take long before his team was singing his praises.

In the space of two years, Bhavik has made a significant and positive impact on the Wellington and Central Region operations.

Bhavik has impressed those around him, and he inspires those around him to be better at what they do.

Not only is he now most of the way through his apprenticeship, he is also adding real value to the projects that he is working on.

He is a true asset to the Wellington Optic team, and his nomination was supported by all of his managers and colleagues.

Guarding Sector Trainee of the Year

Lacey Hart, FIRST Security

Pictured above L-R: FIRST Security representative (on behalf of Lacey Hart) and Ashleigh Frank, Watchful

Lacey embarked on her journey with First Security in 2021, initially uncertain in her role as a young casual security officer at the Mangere Refugee Centre in Auckland.

As the sole female amidst a predominantly male team, she faced challenges and self-doubt.

However, Lacey’s unwavering determination and effort soon earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues.

Completing an NZQA Certificate Level 3 in Security, this gave Lacey the encouragement to undertake the following courses with training consultancy Upskills:

Introduction to LeadershipAssertiveness and ConfidenceLeadership Confidence

Lacey has demonstrated exceptional growth and commitment.

Her journey and achievements have not only been inspiring for those she works with but also for senior management.

Install and Service Electronic Sector (Corporate) Technician of the Year

Steve King, Advanced Security Group (NZ) Ltd

Pictured above L-R: Steve King and Brad Small, Gallagher Security

Steve’s nomination recognises his outstanding delivery of a technically challenging electronic security project that he has led for the customer, Hutt Valley District Health Board.

As the Technical Account Manager leading the project, Steve has played a pivotal role in helping coordinate a multitude of key stakeholders and their individual needs.

Customer references include:

“Steve has a “can do” approach and attitude to get the job done.

He is excellent in his communication within the wider team and will go the extra step to ensure everybody knows what’s happening” and…

“Steve can be relied upon to deliver whatever task is scheduled and programmed and is able to accommodate last minute changes to minimise disruption in a very demanding environment.

He is a valued member of our team”.

Install and Service Electronic Sector (SME) Technician of the Year

Andy Chan, BC Security Ltd

Pictured above L-R: NZSA CEO Gary Morrison (on behalf of Andy Chan) and Graeme McKenzie, Alarm Watch

Andy has over five years of industry experience, the last two years with BC Security, where he has demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication and professionalism overseeing installations, service jobs and maintenance.

Andy stands out for his professionalism and technical acumen, ensuring smooth project execution and providing effective support.

The judges noted the quality of recent projects completed by Andy as evidenced by supporting documentation and photos.

Michael Pepper Award for Outstanding Security Training Initiative

FIRST Security, NZ Certificate in Business Introduction to Leadership

Pictured above L-R: Michelle Martin (on behalf of FIRST Security) and Duane Mackwood, Ringa Hora

FIRST Security’s NZ Certificate in Business (Introduction to Team Leadership Level 3) program is designed to give new team leaders, or those wanting to move into leadership, the practical skills and knowledge to contribute to effective team performance and be effective in a leadership role within a team.

It provides organizations with team members who can contribute effectively to team objectives and develop team leadership skills.

By providing tools and techniques for increased efficiency, conflict resolution, and effective collaboration - the training has enhanced both day-to-day operations and overall team morale.

Monitoring / Communication Centre Operator of the Year

April Tanga and Antony Wellington, Watchdog Security

Pictured above L-R: Antony Wellington (on behalf of April Tanga) and Brad Small, Gallagher Security

Watchdog’s Monitoring and Call Centre offers a comprehensive range of services, including alarm monitoring and after-hours phone answering for local councils and customers.

The Centre is also responsible for despatching operational staff and monitoring the welfare of all field personnel.

Given the diverse nature of the service range, the centre requires staff who possess a broad understanding of client needs and with the ability to multi-task, triage, and prioritise tasks ranging from sewerage leaks or noise complaints to critical alarm events, such as medical emergencies, burglaries and duress situations.

April and Ants exemplify excellence in their respective roles.

They maintain composure and professionalism in dynamic and potentially stressful situations while delivering exceptional customer service as primary contact points for customers.

As senior operators, they set the service standards for the team and provide comprehensive on-the-job training for new and junior staff.

Their expertise is complimentary, with April focusing on setting and monitoring customer service delivery standards and Ants bringing extensive knowledge of alarm systems, enriched by his prior experience as a security patrol officer.

Outstanding MSD Placement Candidate of the Year

Richard Agar, Armourguard Security

Pictured above L-R: Richard Agar and Sunny Kaushal, Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime

Richard is an excellent worker and is a shining example of someone who has pulled himself up from a desperate and challenging position to being a star of the team.

Richard was living in Melbourne when Covid hit, and his business collapsed.

He returned to New Zealand to start afresh, and his first job was with Armourguard Security.

“We initially trained him in animal control work then he quickly sought additional training and work, progressing to static roles, followed by patrol work and then training him as a library guard.

He takes every opportunity in his stride and continues to over-achieve.

He always makes himself available for out-of-town and weekend work, for extra shifts and to be our trusted jack-of-all trades.

His flexibility and versatility has proved invaluable, customers love him and he is very vested in doing a good job.”

Outstanding New Product or Service of the Year

Gallagher Security, Controller 7000

Pictured above L-R: Ellyse Walker representing Gallagher Security, and Nik Boeinghoff, Optic Security

As cyber-physical attacks grow, organisations must reassess their physical system’s cyber preparedness.

The Controller 7000 (C7000) delivers strong cyber protection and unmatched functionality to prepare organisations for the unknown threats of the future.

The C7000 has powerful cybersecurity functionality.

Only Gallagher-approved firmware can run on the device;

Software with known vulnerabilities cannot be installedIt is impossible to clone or counterfeitAnd industry-leading security infrastructure generates, processes, and stores cryptographic keys and certificates, preventing supply chain attacks.

The C7000 supports:

Two million cardholders256 alarm zones2,000 access groups400 time schedulesAnd unlimited access zones.

It also stores one million offline events for continuous operations if the server connection is lost.

The result is a trusted device with baked-in security that removes the burden of maintaining cybersecurity while ensuring up-to-date protections.

Outstanding Staff Retention/Staff Development Programme

Alarm Watch

Pictured above L-R: Damien Hegley representing Alarm Watch, and Ruth Tongotongo, Beca

Alarm Watch is an alarm monitoring business with call centre services based in Whanganui. They currently have in excess of 70 staff and protect over 30,000 customers.

The company places the highest importance on staff retention and satisfaction, and this was evidenced by their comprehensive nomination detailing a wide range of initiatives, including free gym membership through to staff rewards and celebrations.

The success of these initiatives is captured via their own custom software that provides arrange of “success” features including staff tenure and satisfaction.

Patrol Officer of the Year

Enid Braddick, FIRST Security

Pictured above L-R: Enid Braddick and Matthew Johns, Mobilcard

Enid shows a professionalism and commitment to the Electronic Monitoring Services (EMS) team, which is a nationwide mobile patrol team specifically trained and deployed to respond to alerts triggered by monitoring devices worn by people (wearers) serving non-custodial sentences, bail and orders in the corrections system.

She carries out her electronic monitoring duties with great care and respect for the wearer.

Having worked within the Prison system for years, substance-based behaviour doesn’t tend to phase Enid, but it did surprise her in the early hours one Sunday to see a naked man on the Grafton overbridge above the Auckland motorway.

Enid was on her way to a job when she saw the man hanging over the railings and at risk of falling. Instinctively, she stopped her vehicle and in her rear mirror she could see that the man was walking towards her vehicle.

He seemed very distraught and started banging on the passenger window and yelling for help.

Enid had already called Emergency Services and kept them on the line. They advised her not to get out of her vehicle, so she put the window down partially so she could talk to the man.

It was apparent that he had taken some kind of substance, and his behaviour was very erratic.

She kept talking to the man, trying to calm him down, but he was becoming more aggravated and started shaking the car.

She told him calmly that she was about to exit the vehicle and that she was there to help him.

As Enid emerged from the vehicle, the man ran back to the railing and leant over the side. Cautiously approaching him, and using a calming voice and tone, Enid asked him to come away from the railing and come back to her car.

He eventually responded and moved back to the vehicle where he stood shaking.

It took 12 minutes for the first Police vehicle to respond and during this time Enid kept talking calmly to the man.

As Police arrived she informed them that the man had calmed down, but suggested it would be a good idea to handcuff him and get him into their vehicle before he became agitated again.

She explained that he had likely taken drugs and wasn’t making much sense, was acting erratically, and needed to be taken somewhere safe to be checked medically – and quickly.

So as not to alarm the man, Enid approached him and ushered him to the waiting Police officer, who handcuffed him and took him to the Police vehicle, whilst Enid provided a statement to other attending Officers before resuming her shift.

Security Administrator of the Year

Claire Moore, Red Badge Group

Pictured above L-R: Ben Wooding (on behalf of Claire Moore) and Justin Billie, Simpro

Claire provides a critical role for Red Badge Group.

She has successfully led the organisation through a transformational centralisation project, significantly improving administrative operations and debt collection practices.

The nomination for Claire provides detailed references and supporting reports that verify her outstanding technical skills, customer focus, commitment to innovation and ability to inspire others and set the highest standards.

As her CEO noted, despite Claires busy schedule, she consistently makes time for her colleagues, fostering a positive and supportive environment.

Her leadership is invaluable, and we are fortunate to have such a dedicated and high-performing leader in our team.

Security Consultant of the Year

Chris Proctor, Beca Applied Technologies Ltd

Pictured above L-R: Chris Proctor and Brad Small, Gallagher Security

Chris is a highly experienced security practitioner with over 35 years of extensive and diverse experience in the fields of protective security and security intelligence.

He is recognised for his broad expertise gained through roles in the Military, Central Government, and the private sector.

Chris is an exemplary ambassador for the New Zealand security industry, continually driving best practices, mentoring future leaders, and delivering high impact security solutions for clients.

He fosters unity and a collaborative work environment at Beca, aligning perfectly with its client centric approach.

Chris strengthens relationship and development opportunities, consistently driving security excellence.

He helps customers understand the “Why” behind their security needs, taking a holistic approach to threat and risk assessment.

He builds enduring partnerships and is known for challenging the status quo to provide effective security solutions.

His commitment and expertise have positioned him as a critical friend and trusted advisor for clients, significantly enhancing security practices within the organisation he serves.

Security Integrator of the Year

Advanced Security Group (NZ) Ltd

Pictured above L-R: Hayden George (representing Advanced Security Group) and Matthew Zhang, HikVision

The nomination from Advanced Security Group references multiple projects and including a number of classified and commercially sensitive customers and sites.

It is very apparent that solutions are designed to meet the complex and high security needs of the customers.

Customer testimonials talking in glowing terms about the technical expertise, smooth implementation plans, exemplary customer service, and delivery that exceeds expectations.

Security Officer of the Year

Tom Beddall, Red Badge Group

Pictured above L-R: Tom Beddall and Nick Dynon, NZ Security Magazine

The nomination for Tom highlights a high performer who sets the highest possible standards and leads by example.

In one incident Tom demonstrated exceptional leadership and compassion in managing a highly intense situation, where a customer was actively attempting self-harm in a public space.

Responding swiftly with his team, Tom ensured the safety and welfare of both the individual in distress and the surrounding public.

His quick thinking, calm demeanor, and ability to establish trust with the individual allowed him to effectively de-escalate the situation while providing critical support until professional help arrived.

Tom’s actions went beyond his role, showcasing his dedication to the well-being of others in the most challenging circumstances.

A key retail customer says it best:

“I am writing to enthusiastically nominate Tom due to his unparalleled dedication, exceptional leadership, and extraordinary commitment to excellence in his role.

Tom has consistently demonstrated a level of professionalism and integrity that not only sets a benchmark for his peers but also elevates the standards in our organisation.”

Security Supervisor/Operations Manager of the Year

Jade Johnston, Alarm Watch Ltd

Pictured above L-R: Jade Johnston and Jack Alpe, Guardhouse

Jade is one of Alarm Watch’s loyalist employees, having been with the company for 12 years.

Her role is diverse, and her knowledge of Alarm Monitoring, Staff and Station needs, Monitoring and Security Processes and what’s required to get the job done is second to none.

Jade has been instrumental in many of the successes for Alarm Watch including achieving ISO9001 Accreditation and exceeding all requirements and expectations within the Quality Management System, ensuring the annual Telarc review goes smoothly.

Jade has also worked hard with internal stakeholders to develop uniform and standard operating procedures that are second to none, ensuring a high-quality service delivery that exceeds the requirements of Standard AS2202.2.

As her manager states:

“Jade is a pleasure to work with, she brings me solutions and not problems and is always aiming to be better each day.

She self-manages her role and duties and communicates with myself and our team exceptionally.”

Security Trainer or Workplace Assessor of the Year

Michelle Martin, FIRST Security

Pictured above L-R: Michelle Martin and Jude van Wichen, Skills

As the National Training Manager for First Security, Michelle has pioneered innovative educational initiatives, particularly focusing on leadership and succession opportunities within the workplace, with a particular focus on leadership pathways for Māori and Pasifika.

Her work has been instrumental in boosting both confidence and competence across the First Security workforce.

Staff don’t just receive training they experience transformative learning that advances their careers and enriches their lives.

Specialised Security Services Professional of the Year

Farish Khan, FIRST Security

Pictured above L-R: Farish Kahn and NZSA CEO Gary Morrison

FIRST Security is extremely fortunate to have Farish managing the day-to-day running of the EMS team.

His responsibilities include helping to ensure all First Security branches and external contractors comply with the Department of Corrections EMS contract and policy, as well as the Department’s policies and processes.

He oversees more than 150 Field Officers nationwide.

Farish is well respected by the Department of Corrections, subcontractors, and the entire First Security EMS team.

He is a true expert on everything EMS.

References refer to Farish as a value-based, operationally astute person with a calm demeanor, which has been instrumental to his success in building a strong team around him and in exceeding customer requirements and expectations.