News

NZSA Newsletter – November 2023

CEO’s REPORT

Welcome to our November 2023 newsletter.

Congratulations to all the finalists and award winners at this year’s New Zealand Security Awards held on 15 September at Te Pae in Christchurch.

We had close to 200 attendees and whilst I was unable to attend due to contracting Covid, the feedback has been fantastic with many saying it was the best event yet. Whilst the venue, the food, and our MC Doug Kamo all got rave reviews, the standout was undoubtably the calibre of the category winners, and in particular the Security Professional of the Year, Neekita Prakash from First Security.

Details on the award winners, including their citations, can be found on the NZSA website.

I can confirm that the 2024 New Zealand Security Awards event will be held in Auckland on Friday 20 September at the Crowne Plaza. Make sure you have the date in your diary.

 

FPA (Fair Pay Agreement) update
Whilst the exact structure and composition of the new government will not be known until early November at best, it appears certain that the FPA legislation will be repealed with some haste.

That does however leave the respective bargaining parties under those FPA’s that are in progress in a degree of limbo where they are obligated to comply with the existing legislation and to act in good faith.

Our position is that it is perfectly in good faith for employer associations to take time to properly understand the impact of the election, consider what actions the new government (once formed) intends to take; and to consult with the employers we are representing about the actions they wish for us to take as their representative.

It is also fair to say that the view of the NZSA board, and various industry employers that I have talked to post the election, is that we do not want to commit further time and cost to a process that almost certainly will not progress.

We have conveyed this message to both MBIE and Etu (as the employer bargaining party) and will maintain ongoing communications with them and our impacted members over coming weeks.

 

Application for inclusion of Security Technicians on Green List
It was very disappointing to find out from MBIE that our application for the inclusion of Security Technicians onto the Green List was unsuccessful. It is our understanding that only 14 applications were approved from a substantial list of submissions, and it looks like prioritisation was based on those positions with the greatest demand (based on historical applications) and those deemed to be nationally significant (such as important to health outcomes or pivotal to established value chain).

We have requested further clarification from MBIE on the opportunity to apply via other ANZSCO codes where applicants in specialised jobs may be able to apply under an existing Green List role if their job description is a substantial match and they meet the skill requirements.

Similarly, we are waiting advice on any possible changes to the Green List under the incoming government.

We will keep members posted on any developments.

 

Licensing requirements – Wheel Clampers and Process Servers
Members may have seen recent press articles concerning PSPLA decisions relating to Wheel Clampers and Process Servers.

The following communication has been provided by our Registrar, Trish McConnell, to provide clarity.

Wheel Clampers
Third party operators who are in the business of patrolling car parks and clamping cars or issuing tickets fit within the definition of property guard, provided they are being paid to do so. The payment can be a contractual amount from the owners of the car park or payments by way of fees directly from the drivers of the cars clamped or ticketed.

Owners or legal occupiers of parking areas or buildings who patrol or clamp vehicles infringing parking restrictions do not fit within the definition of property guard. In addition, their employees are not property guard employees as defined in S17 of the PSPPI Act.

If the owners or occupiers contract the patrolling and enforcement of parking restrictions to a third party, then the third party must hold a security licence in the class of property guard. Any of their employees who carry out patrolling, ticketing and clamping also need to hold a CoA in that class.

Similarly, if a party takes it upon themselves to enforce parking restrictions in areas where they have no ownership or occupation rights they must have a licence in the class of property guard if they are collecting fees or payments from the drivers or owners of the cars they ticket or clamp.

Process Servers
It is clear from the class definitions that serving documents, whether for the court or re debt collection work, does not need to be carried out by a Private Investigator, and therefore does not require the individual or company providing the services to be licensed. The reason why the work is often done by a licensed Private Investigator is that professional process servers will often also do work in tracking people down in order to serve them. It is the tracing and tracking work that requires a licence in the Private Investigator class, not the document service itself.

 

Changes to Building Code
Those who are installing smoke detectors into residential properties, or supplying to the market, are reminded that changes to the Building Code come into force in November.

Key points are:

  • The adoption of interconnected smoke alarms as the minimum fire safety system in household units. (Interconnected smoke alarms work by sending signals between the smoke alarms in a house and can be wired or wireless).
  • Smoke alarms shall be located in all bedrooms, living spaces, hallways, and landings within the building.

Smoke alarms must also comply with at least one of the following:

  • UL217, CAN/ULC S531, BS EN 14604, ISO 12239, or AS 3786
  • All wiring between the power supply and the smoke alarms shall be supervised.
  • Power supply and Backup shall comply with:
  • NZS 4512 or AS/NZS 2201.1

Other key requirements are:

  • Each smoke alarm should be tested at least once per month by activating the “test” function.
  • Each smoke alarm should be inspected and cleaned every 6 months with a soft brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner (without disassembling).
  • A long life (minimum 10 years) non removeable, sealed battery.

Note: We are seeking industry views re the 10-year battery life and based on feedback received, may approach MBIE for consultation and review. If you wish to have a say on this, please contact Gary on [email protected].

 

School Gateway Programme and attendance at CATE Conference
Over the last few weeks, we have been trialling our initial School Gateway Programme in partnership with The Learning Place (TLP). Under the programme, TLP provide a cohort of students with three to four days training and covering health and safety and the three-unit standards that make up the Certificate of Approval. On completion, the credits are registered on the students record of achievement, meaning they can apply for a CoA once they turn 18, and the students are paired with several of our members for on-job work experience.

The students can perform services as they are acting as volunteers but must be strictly supervised and not placed into at-risk situations. Whilst predominantly targeted at students interested in the guarding sector, TLP will also identify those with a technical aptitude, and we will look to match with members providing electronic services.

The benefit for our members is that they have the opportunity to talk to the students about career opportunities and where applicable to be able to offer employment to those considering leaving school.

We will formally launch the School Gateway Programme whilst attending the CATE Conference (Careers and Transitional Education Association) over the three days 22 to 24 November in Whangarei.

This conference is attended by approximately 600 school career advisors and allows us to talk directly to those who engage regularly with year 11 and 12 students across the country.

Our plan for next year is to provide a calendar on our website listing those schools and locations that TLP will be attending and inviting members to register their participation in the programme.

 

Partnership with ETCO re Apprentice Security Technician Placements

The NZSA has partnered with ETCO (Electrical Training Company) so that we can offer their Electrical Apprentices employment opportunities as entry level Security Technicians/Apprentices with NZSA members.

The candidates are currently “employed” by ETCO as apprentices whilst working towards the New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Engineering Theory and Practice (Trade) Level 4. Given that the qualification has relevance to security technician duties and can easily be changed over, and the current work vacancies within the electronic security sector, it makes sense that we look to find full-time work placements for those candidates who are open to a direction change with our members.

An added benefit for our members is that all candidates have successfully completed core training requirements such as Site Safe and First Aid, have on-job work experience and have their own tool kits.

If you are looking to employ an entry level/apprentice Security Technician, watch out for regular listings with candidate details.

 

Guiding principles for the ethical use of Automated Facial Recognition
Automated Facial Recognition (AFR) is a technology capable of matching a human face from a digital image or a video frame against a database of faces. It has been designed to improve the safety and wellbeing of people, as well as providing a tool to assist and speed up operational processes, typically being used to authenticate users through ID verification services and works by pinpointing and measuring facial features from a given image.

AFR is one of many data analysis technologies which sit under the overarching umbrella of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The ethics of AI and its application need to be regularly reviewed to ensure that it is not allowed to act autonomously without human oversight, and it should not be used in any way which causes harm to individuals.

The NZSA is closely monitoring the development of overseas guidelines on this and in particular, work by the British Security Industry Association and Australian Security Industry Association respectively. We expect to have a draft guideline specific to New Zealand legislation available for circulation and feedback by the first quarter of 2024 but in the meantime welcome any expressions of interest from parties who may wish to have input.

 

Changes to NZSA Rules/Constitution

The new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 came into force on 5 October 2023 however Incorporated Societies such as the NZSA have until April 2026 to register and make sure they are compliant with the new Act.

Our current Rules and By-Laws are robust and have been fit for purpose however there will be a significant number of changes to be made, some simple such as changing the wording from Rules to Constitution, and others more complex such as including a member Disputes and Complaints Process.

Our current planning is that we will work through all necessary changes and amendments early next year and document them fully, with explanation, for our members well prior to the 2024 AGM where they can be voted on.

 

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

Foundation Security Core Skills on the NZSA Training Hub
Created by Quinton Swanson of Hard Target, this course covers understanding of legislation, tactical communication, body language and projection, weapon awareness, teamwork and tactical awareness.

To register please visit the NZSA Training Hub.

 

School gateway programme
Our thanks to the teams at Alarm Solutions and Alpha Protection Services who attended the Careers Expo and Gateway Programme at St Bede’s College in Christchurch during September. We look forward to further member engagement when we officially launch our School Gateway Programme in partnership with The Learning Place in early 2024.

 

New Zealand Security Awards 2023
Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists and Award winners of the 2023 New Zealand Security Awards.

To read the winner’s stories please visit the NZSA website.

 

Partner updates

Ringa Hora

Ringa Hora would like to invite you to read the 2023 Workforce Development Plan.

Workforce development is pivotal in bolstering industry resilience, particularly in the face of an increasingly uncertain operating environment. This underscores the need for a skilled and adaptable workforce that can effectively navigate disruptions and contribute to the overall sustainability of industries.

This Workforce Development Plan presents:

  • A high-level summary of the people working in the Service sector today
  • The things that are top of mind for the sector
  • A future vision
  • Key areas of focus and actions we can take to develop the future workforce together.

Read about the Workforce Development Plan

A shared roadmap for Service sector industries

The Workforce Development Plan looks across the Service sector and sets out the major factors shaping the sector and an overarching vision for the future.

Alongside this Ringa Hora have created a Security Workforce Action Plan that focuses on the characteristics and dynamics of the industry and its workforce. It describes what the future could look like for the Security workforce, the current challenges faced by the industry, and sets out the actions we can take to tackle this wero | challenge.

How you can get involved

To make this Workforce Development Plan a reality, it needs to be driven by people who know the Service sector best – people like you. By continuing to work together, we can grow in the knowledge and understanding of the sector and its industries and create real change for the Service sector.

 

ACC – Teamwork Makes Recovery Work

When an employee is injured, it can have a significant impact – not only for the injured person, but their workmates, team morale and a business’ productivity.

In many cases and with some temporary adjustments, people can safely recover from injury while working. But it takes a team – the injured person, their health provider, employer and ACC.

Recovering at work following an injury helps people get better sooner compared to staying at home and has further benefits for them and for businesses.

For an injured person, alternative duties or modified hours are good for physical and mental wellbeing, provides structure and routine, social connection and a sense of purpose which all make a positive difference to recovery.

Supporting an injured person to stay connected to the workplace means they’re more likely to return to their usual work. For business owners, it can mean hanging on to their skills and expertise, saving on recruiting and training new staff, helps build a positive work environment and shows a commitment to employee wellbeing.

Many injured employees are keen to continue working. Most ACC clients who had a positive recovery at work experience say it helped them return to normality, increase their strength and mobility, and boost their mental and psychological health.

Employers can pay for their injured employee’s productive hours and can be topped up by ACC’s weekly compensation. It means the employee could earn up to 100% of their pre-injury income rather than 80% on weekly compensation alone.

ACC has developed new resources and videos for employers to understand their role in recovery at work, and practical quick guides to help them do it successfully.  Visit the ACC website.

 

Ministry of Social Development

Below is a summary of products/programmes from MSD to help you attact, train and retain good staff (click on the links for further details).

Mana in Mahi
Mana in Mahi matches employers with people who are keen to start a career and need extra support to begin and maintain their work and training journey.

Skills for Industry
If candidates need industry specific skills for a job, we may be able to offer funding and support to help with short-term pre-employment or in-work training. Training can be delivered by employers to meet your requirements. We work with you to develop the best approach.

Flexi-Wage
Flexi-wage helps you hire staff and get them the skills needed to do the job. You get a wage contribution, while they get training and ongoing support. The job must continue after the Flexi-wage has finished.

 

MBIE – Climate Action Plan

Create your climate action plan.

With the Climate Action Toolbox, you’re 3 steps away from having a positive impact.

  • Learn where you can reduce emissions.
  • Measure your carbon footprint, set a target and track progress.

Act on your step-by-step plan to reduce emissions—from quick wins you can act on today, to major changes you can prepare for.

For further information please see the Climate Action Plan Toolbox.

 

 

NZSA Membership

We welcome the following new Corporate Members:

Armitage Group Limited

Defence Security Limited

Fahey Fence Hire Limited

NPE-Tech (2021) Limited

One Man Army Security Limited

SecuriSure Limited

Total Security Limited

 

and the following new Associate Individual Member:

Clyde Field

 

Events

2023 AGM

The NZSA 2023 Annual General Meeting will be held at 8.45am on Tuesday 21 November at the Auckland Rose Park Hotel in Parnell.

If you are a member and have not received a notification please email [email protected].

 

Waihanga Ara Rau – “Inclusion In” Leadership Rōpū Hui

Calling all people passionate about progressing equity, diversity, and inclusion within construction & infrastructure. We’d love you to join us to connect, share, and make plans on how we can make change together.

Waihanga Ara Rau are hosting a hui to bring people together, with a plan to share any work we’re doing, find projects to collaborate on, and use our shared voice to influence progress in construction & infrastructure. Hosted by us, but created together.

Objectives are:

  • to understand what organisations and individuals are working on to progress equity, diversity, and inclusion in construction & infrastructure in Aotearoa
  • to collaborate on systemic change projects and advocate for legislation change
  • to use our collective voice to influence more change
  • to create a ‘one stop shop’, where anyone can find out about all our organisations and the work we’re doing to reach equity within construction & infrastructure
  • to share each other’s mahi, and promote what each other are doing
  • to support each other to continue this mahi, through wellbeing, education, and sharing experiences.

This will be the first of many hui, both online and in person. Hopefully you can make it! Feel free to share this invite with others who are working and/or passionate about making construction & infrastructure inclusive for all.

For further information please visit the website.

 

NZISF breakfast meeting

Topic:  Like ISO/IEC 27001 but backwards

As a consultant, Stephen Coates has witnessed a number of failed ISMS implementation projects. These are often due to a combination of focussing on the ISO/IEC 27001 mandatory clauses in sequence (from 4 to 10), treating these as a project plan and running out of steam, and trying to reimplement all of the Annex A controls at once. In this talk Stephen examines some of those failures and proposes working backwards, so that improvements, reviews, audits, metrics and operation are addressed earlier, rather than later or not at all.

When: 8:00am Thursday 9 November 2023 via zoom

For further information and to register please see NZISF.

 

Member Benefits

Strategic Defence
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with 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.

 

Guardhouse
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Guardhouse.

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 and blog.

 

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

Emma Johnston
Human Resources Specialist
[email protected]
021 659 456

 

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.

 

NZSA update – changes to the Building Code

Installing Smoke Detectors in homes?

Changes to the Building Code take place next month that you need to be aware of.

Key points:

  • The adoption of interconnected smoke alarms as the minimum fire safety system in household units. Interconnected smoke alarms work by sending signals between the smoke alarms in a house. These can be wired or wireless.
  • Smoke alarms shall be located in ALL bedrooms, living spaces, hallways, and landings within the building.

Remembering of course – that Smoke alarms shall comply with at least one of the following:
UL217 ; CAN/ULC S531 ; BS EN 14604 ; ISO 12239 ; or AS 3786

All wiring between the power supply and the smoke alarms shall be supervised. Power Supply and Backup shall comply with:
NZS 4512 or AS/NZS 2201.1

  • Each smoke alarm should be tested at least once per month by activating the ‘test’ function.
  • Each smoke alarm should be inspected and cleaned every 6 months with a soft brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner (without disassembling).
  • A long life (minimum 10 years) non removable, sealed battery

For further information see the Building Code website.

The NZSA team.

NZSA Newsletter – September 2023

CEO Report

Welcome to our September 2023 newsletter.

Our congratulations and best wishes to all the finalists announced last week for this year’s New Zealand Security Awards event to be held on 15 September at Te Pae Convention Centre in Christchurch.

We received close to 130 nominations, just under last year’s record, however there was a noticeable improvement in the quality of the nominations which made the judging incredibly difficult. Our thanks go out to our judges – Ngaire Kelaher, Wayne Black and Allan Wharerau, along with myself, for their time and commitment as it is certainly not an easy task.

It is also important to recognise those nominees who weren’t successful in making the final two or three in each category. To be nominated is a fantastic achievement in its own right and appreciating that several categories have 20 plus high-quality nominees, there will always be high calibre candidates who unfortunately miss out.

 

FPA (Fair Pay Agreement) update

Whilst the future of FPA’s may be dependent on the outcome of Octobers election, it is important to note that the legislation is in place and where approved applications for FPA bargaining exist, there is a legal obligation on employers of covered employees and other stakeholders (including the NZSA) to comply with the specified process and timelines.

 

For employers of staff covered by the Security Officer FPA, you should have by now circulated the Etu communications to all impacted staff and have forwarded the MBIE Employee Contact Details spreadsheet with a listing of all covered staff and their contact details back to Etu. If you have yet to action this, it should be expedited or if you have any questions or concerns, you can reach out to the NZSA for guidance.

In coming days, we should receive from MBIE confirmation of the approved bargaining parties to the Security Officer FPA. Once we receive this information, we have a 20-working day window in which to document and confirm inter-party side agreements with each bargaining party. These agreements will lay out details on how the parties will work together once bargaining commences and will include the structure and composition of the bargaining teams.

We will provide further information on this process to our members via the separate FPA mailing data base.

 

Saved A Life Medal

The latest recipient of the Saved A Life Medal is Josh Beckham, Supervisor for Allied Security.

The awarding of the medal recognised the heroic efforts of Josh in early June when he responded to a call from a security officer who was being assaulted by offenders at a customer site in Tauranga Crossing. Arriving at the site within minutes of the call, Josh ensured the safety of the guard before applying first aid to the guard who had injuries to his eye socket, jaw and throat during the 20-minute wait for ambulance attendance.

During the event Josh was able to give comprehensive first aid, keep the guard conscious, and keep his composure, whilst also alerting the local Operations Manager and the client to the event and providing regular updates.

To see the full story of Josh’s heroic actions, please see the NZSA website.

We also remind our members, and wider public, that nominations can be submitted via the NZSA website.

 

Sexual Harassment Amendment Act

As highlighted in our July newsletter, the Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Bill came into force on 13 June 2023. All new Employment Agreements must now include a reference to the 12-month period for raising a personal grievance for sexual harassment. Existing employment agreements are not required to include such a reference, but the 12-month period for raising a personal grievance for sexual harassment will still apply. The 12-month period begins from the date on which the action alleged to amount to the personal grievance occurred or came to the notice of the employee, whichever is later.

 

Covid-19 restrictions removed

At 12.01am Tuesday 15 August 2023, all remaining Covid-19 restrictions were removed. Those related to wearing masks in certain healthcare settings, and a mandatory 7-day isolation period if an individual tested positive for Covid-19. The removal of the self-isolation period also concludes the Covid-19 Leave Support Scheme. Employers can still apply for the Leave Support Scheme if the employee’s self-isolation period started before 13 August 2023.

Employers are still obliged to comply with Health and Safety requirements and can undertake their own health and safety assessments related to Covid-19, which can include (after consulting with staff) whether employees are required to wear face masks, or to be vaccinated.

 

Application for inclusion of Security Technicians on Green List

In our last newsletter we advised that we had applied for the inclusion of Security Technicians on the Green List and were reasonably confident of a favourable response.

The approval list is currently sitting with Government for sign-off and despite communication in July that confirmation was expected “in coming weeks”, nothing has been released to date.

We appreciate that this is an important issue for electronic security providers, and we will certainly communicate the outcome once known.

 

Security career pathway website

Several years ago, the NZSA created the Security Career Pathway website as a resource for the industry, those looking at the industry as a career option, and other stakeholders including MSD, school career advisors and training providers.

The website provides comprehensive information on a wide range of security roles, including job requirements, training, licensing, indicative pay scales and promotional pathways, and also includes a number of videos featuring staff talking about their jobs and what they find rewarding.

We recommend checking out the website and welcome any feedback, including updates on the information provided, and also additional videos for inclusion.

 

Constitution update

The new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 comes fully into force on 5 October 2023 however in order to function as intended, it must first be supplemented by the passing of a range of Regulations which at this time are still under consultation and have yet to be finalised.

The NZSA will need to re-register under the new Act but given we have a two-and-a-half-year window in which to file our new registration, we believe it is prudent that we wait for the finalised Regulations to be published before we finalise changes required to our current Rules. We do not envisage any significant changes however one obvious requirement will be to re-title our Rules and By-Laws to read Constitution.

Our current planning is that we will work through all necessary changes and amendments early next year and document them fully, with explanation, for our members well prior to the 2024 AGM.

 

Security company owner jailed

The following information was provided this week as a press release by the IRD.

Unfortunately, we are not aware of any review being undertaken by MBIE into their procurement processes around the awarding of MIQ contracts and the obvious lack of due diligence and vetting.

Rupert Faimoa-Magele, the sole director of Blade Group Limited, was sentenced on 23 August to 3 years and one month in prison on charges relating to evading, or attempting to evade, the assessment and payment of GST, PAYE and Income Tax.

Blade Group Limited predominantly provided security to hospitality venues but during the COVID pandemic, the company also received more than $300,000 for providing security services to three Auckland MIQ hotels. Over 36 months, Faimoa-Magele evaded the assessment or payment of in excess of $1,077,000 in taxes by not filing tax returns, or materially understating the tax payable.

The company was placed into receivership in January 2021 and liquidated in IRD’s application in March 2021. Faimoa-Magele was not ordered to pay reparation as he has no assets or means to pay.

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

Foundation Security Core Skills – new training course now live

Created by Quinton Swanson of Hard Target, this course covers understanding of legislation, tactical communication, body language and projection, weapon awareness, teamwork and tactical awareness.

To register please visit the NZSA Training Hub.

 

Covid restrictions lifted

From 15 August 2023, there is no legal requirement for people to isolate when they test positive for Covid-19. Covid is still active in the community, so employers and employee’s still need to work together, to keep each other safe and protect public health.

 

If your employee tests positive for Covid-19, there is no longer the requirement to stay at home. Although you can’t direct people not to come in, you should support employees to isolate inline with health guidance. Having a worker come to work while sick, could put the health of themselves and others at risk, and result in further disruption.

You should encourage your employees to advise if they test positive for Covid-19 and to be considerate and isolate during the period they could be infectious. Some employees may be able to work from home if they are not feeling unwell.

 

Taking sick leave

Please note: The eligibility for leave support scheme ended on 15 August 2023. You cannot apply for anyone who started self-isolation after 13 August 2023.

Employees can use their sick leave if they are sick with covid or self-isolating. If they do not have any sick leave owing, or not yet entitled, you could:

  • Allow them to take sick leave in advance.
  • Provide paid special leave.
  • Agree for them to take other leave, such as annual or unpaid leave.

You may ask an employee for proof of sickness. Anyone who reports a positive rapid antigen test (RAT) or has had a positive PCR test will receive confirmation text from Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand.

 

New Zealand Security Awards 2023

The New Zealand Security Awards this year will be held on Friday 15 September at Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch.

To book tickets please visit the NZSA website.

 

We have two accommodation deals, book now to secure your early bird price:

Crowne Plaza Christchurch

Accor Group – Ibis Christchurch & Novotel Christchurch

 

Partner updates

Ringa Hora
Introducing Darin Kauwhata, pictured below with his wife Kandra. Darin is the Industry Engagement Lead for Ringa Hora (Services) for the Government, Defence and Security portfolios in Ohu Ahumahi (Workforce Development Councils). Darin’s role, through engagement, is to give a stronger voice to industry, employers, Māori business, iwi and hapū as well as providers. Working collaboratively across the Ohu Ahumahi and the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector to ensure the VET system meets current and future industry needs.

Darin joined Ringa Hora from a background in the New Zealand Defence Force where he had served sixteen and a half years in the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN), initially as an Electronic Technician and later commissioning from the ranks to become an Officer in the RNZN. Darin is enthusiastic about supporting others and carries his personal values of Manaakitanga, Tiakitanga and Aroha to guide him. Darin is excited for the challenge in taking up a role as an Industry Engagement Lead in the Security sector and looking forward to making further connections within the industry and wider communities with the best interests of industry and learners’ forefront of mind.

If you would like to talk chat with Darin, or perhaps know more about Ringa Hora, Darin has passed on his contact details below – please email, text or call, whatever is easiest.

Darin Kauwhata
Mata Herehere | Industry Engagement Lead
Partnership & Engagement
Mobile: 027 962 1000
Work address: Newmarket, Auckland

 

Waihanga Ara Rau
Waihanga Ara Rau are working on a project to support women into the trades. This will be in the form of an Interactive Equity Map which will be a searchable database of organisations and stakeholders that are committed to supporting and empowering women in the trades.These organisations may offer mentorship programmes, networking events, or other forms of support specifically tailored for women.

This will serve as a valuable tool for women to enter, or advance, in the trades industry as it allows them to explore the wide range of opportunities available to them all in one place and make informed decisions about their career path.

The Interactive Equity Map will be launched in stages according to region. Auckland will be the first region released in September.

 

ACC – Motorcycle Awareness Month – free Ride Forever courses
From Monday 21 August until the end of October, ACC will be running a number of motorcycle initiatives, campaigns and events to celebrate Motorcycle Awareness Month (MAM).

Motorcycle Awareness Month is all about celebrating getting back on the road and doing the thing all riders love – riding. But with more riders on the road, including commuters, the risks increase. 48% of deaths and serious injuries occur when riding in an urban environment.

Riders are 21 times more likely to be injured or killed on our roads than in a car. This needs to change. So, to make sure they can keep riding forever, ACC are asking riders to get behind 21 For September. It’s 21 simple things all riders can do to get ride ready before they jump on the bike.

If you’re a rider and getting ready for the new riding season, or wanting to make that ride to work safer, be sure to check out the local MAM events coming up in your local area. Or sign up to a Ride Forever course for free using the code MAM23 during September and October.

If you’re an employer of riders, let them know about all the ways they can get ride ready – so they can ride forever. Visit www.motorcycleawareness.co.nz.

 

MBIE – Climate Action Plan
Create your climate action plan

With the Climate Action Toolbox, you’re 3 steps away from having a positive impact.

  • Learn where you can reduce emissions.
  • Measure your carbon footprint, set a target and track progress.

Act on your step-by-step plan to reduce emissions—from quick wins you can act on today, to major changes you can prepare for.

For further information please see the Climate Action Plan Toolbox.

 

NZSA Membership

We welcome the following new Corporate Partner Member:

G D Rutter Limited

 

and the following new Associate Individual Members:

Helen Smith

Jonas Frey

 

 

Events

Simprosium Roadshow
The Simprosium Roadshow is coming soon to Australia and New Zealand.

We have not one, but FOUR events where you can connect, hear advice from local experts and find out what’s in the works at Simpro.

This full-day event will be attended by 100+ trade business owners and leaders sharing their expert insights on the trades.

You’ll enjoy:

🎫  A sponsor expo to meet our expert Simpro partners

🎫  Live demos of Simpro’s newest and upcoming features

🎫  Forming new relationships during breakout sessions Simpro’s Sundowner event

NZSA Members can SAVE 20% on the registration with the code NASA20! Grab your tickets now for a full day of talking and learning everything trades and field services.

Register here.

We can’t wait to see you there!

🎫  Auckland, New Zealand | 21 September

🎫  Brisbane, Australia | 5 October

🎫  Melbourne, Australia | 10 October

🎫  Sydney, Australia | 12 October

 

COA Conflict Management Training – Train the Trainer and Refresher Training for Trainers
As the industry peak body, the NZSA has appointed Bespoke Security Group and Hard Target to deliver the Conflict Management 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.

To register your interest please email [email protected].

Please note: the Conflict Management Refresher course includes assessment activity.

 

NZISF breakfast meeting
Topic:  Revenue assurance to assurance: the importance of measurement in computer security, ten years on

In 1995, Netscape rolled out SSL, a protocol that’s crucially dependent for its security on certificates created by third-party CAs, but for the first one and a half decades of its existence no-one had ever tried to measure how effectively these were being handled. When a volunteer-run project by the EFF did finally examine the situation, they found a chaotic mess that still hasn’t been fully untangled. This talk looks at various failures of measurement both in and outside the field of computer security where it’s more widely encountered as revenue assurance, and applies lessons from that field to computer security mechanisms.

When: 8:00am Thursday 14 September 2023 via zoom

For further information and to register please see NZISF.

 

Member Benefits

Strategic Defence
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with 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.

 

Guardhouse
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Guardhouse.

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 and blog.

 

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

Emma Johnston
Human Resources Specialist
[email protected]
021 659 456

 

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.

NZSA Saved a Life Medal recipient

We are thrilled to announce another recipient of the NZSA Saved a Life Medal. The calibre of the nominations has been outstanding and we’d like to congratulate the following recipient, whose story is below.

NZSA Saved a Life Medal

Josh Beckham, Allied Security

To make a nomination please see the NZSA website.

Saved a Life Medal recipients

 

Josh Beckham, Allied Security
For operational and legal reasons we need to treat specific details of this incident in confidence however on the 2nd June at approximately 3.30am, Josh was alerted to an incident involving an aggravated assault on one of his team.

Whilst Josh was off duty at the time, he attended the site within five minutes and found the guard had suffered injuries to his jaw, throat area and eye sockets and was experiencing breathing difficulties. Josh provided initial first aid, kept the guard conscious during the 20 minute wait for the arrival of emergency services and eventually accompanied the guard when transferred to hospital in a critical state.

During this time Josh also provided status updates to the local Operations Manager and the site customer.

We are also pleased to advise that the injured guard has fully recovered from the injuries sustained.

 

 

NZSA update – launch of National Security Strategy

For those who may have missed it, the government announced New Zealand’s first National Security Strategy last week.

This is an important document that responds to the more challenging environment that we see day to day across the nation and around the world. This goes some way in recognising that the threat landscape has not only shifted, but also the importance of building public awareness of the confronting risks.

The document is available for download on the NZSA website.

From the NZSA team.

NZSA training update – Protective Security Core Skills programme now available

The Protective Security Core Skills Training programme has been developed by Quinton Swanson (Q) from Hard Target who is one of New Zealand’s leading security training experts and was instrumental in the original development of the Mandatory Training that is a pre-requirement for obtaining a Certificate of Approval as a Security Officer.

The foundation programme is designed to provide comprehensive “refresher training” and to further develop the competencies and skills of those in security officer roles. It covers understanding of legislation, tactical communication, body language and projection, weapon awareness, team work and tactical awareness.

To enrol please visit the NZSA Training Hub.

From the NZSA team.

NZSA update – PSPLA decision re displaying security identification badges (ID’s)

The PSPLA was recently asked by the Police for clarity around S67 of the Act which requires security guards to wear their security identification badges (ID’s) in a readily visible place. The Police also sought guidelines on the effect of S67(4) of the Act which exempts a private security worker from wearing their ID if they reasonably believe that wearing it will threaten their safety or the safety of any other person.

The questions arose in the context of a complaint where it was found that the owner of a security company had advised his staff to wear their ID’s in a visible position but with their certificate number taped over due to safety concerns.

The full decision can be read on the PSPLA website, but key out-takes from the decision are:

  • To comply with S67 of the Act the ID must be displayed so its front is visible, and it must not have its unique identifier or any of the other information blanked out or taped over.
  • Unless there is a real or significant threat to the safety of the certificate holder, S67(4) does not provide a legitimate exemption from the requirement for security guards working as crowd controllers at licenced premises or events to wear their ID’s in a position that is clearly visible.
  • Any intentional failure by a security guard to display their ID in a reasonably visible position contravenes the Act. This could amount to an offence under the Act and misconduct.

From the NZSA Team

NZSA Newsletter – July 2023

CEO’s REPORT

Welcome to our July 2023 newsletter.

I recently spent several days manning our stand at the Facilities Integrate expo including BuildNZ and The National Safety Show.

The number of security exhibitors was slightly down on last year, but it was pleasing to see that the foot traffic was up significantly and many of the attendees were key decision makers within their organisations. General feedback from the exhibitors was very positive however there was also strong feedback that there has been a noticeable slow-down in the wider economy and with many larger contracts – particularly within the government (national and local body) sectors – being put on hold or even withdrawn. That certainly aligns with recent surveys showing a decline in business confidence and the general sentiment that we are in for some tough times ahead.

I appreciate that my report this month is rather comprehensive but hopefully provides some evidence of the work that we are currently engaged in on behalf of the industry and our stakeholders.

 

FPA (Fair Pay Agreements) update
This is a very significant issue for the industry and one that we are spending a lot of time on. As one of the first industries to navigate the new FPA legislation it is very evident that the process and the obligations on all parties are administratively complex and will almost certainly result in unintended consequences.

We have issued a number of updates to members and established a sperate mailing database for those who are directly impacted by the FPA coverage and that we will use for more detailed information – particularly if we do proceed to bargaining.

If you do have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss on either [email protected] or 021 1229606.

 

Changes to NZSA Board
We have recently had some changes to our board with the resignation of Caroline Halton (Cityguard Security) following her accepting a new position outside of the security industry, and the secondment of two new board members, Nicky Jones (Independent representative, self-employed) and Teresa Seux (General Manager Human Resources, Advanced Security Group).

Nicky and Teresa bring specialist strategic management, human resources and industrial engagement skills to the board and they have been seconded through to the 2024 AGM where they will be required to re-stand for election.

 

Saved a Life Medal recipient
Congratulations to our latest recipient of the Saved a Life Medal, Thomas Tofilau, from Armourguard in Auckland.

To see the full story of Thomas’s heroic actions, please see the NZSA website.

We also remind our members, and wider public, that nominations can be submitted via the NZSA website.

 

Launch of new Member Benefit Programme
Our member benefit programmes provide an important opportunity for our members to source frequently used services through quality providers and at preferential rates.

We are pleased to introduce two new member benefit programmes from July.

Please refer later in this newsletter for details of our newly launched programmes with the following partner organisations – Strategic Defence and GuardhouseHQ.

 

Conclusion of MSD SFI (Skills for Industry) Programme
It is with regret that I advise that our Skills for Industry Work Broker Programme with MSD concluded on 30 June.

The NZSA was the first industry association to partner with MSD some six years ago and in the proceeding years we have placed in excess of 600 MSD candidates into full-time employment with our members.

Unfortunately, the changing employment conditions have severely impacted onto the placement numbers being generated through the SFI programme and hence the financial viability for industry associations such as the NZSA.

We provided notice to MSD that we would not renew our contract this year and that prompted MSD to reassess their strategic direction and to bypass industry screening providers and to use their internal teams to work directly with employers.

The good news is that funding is now allocated directly to employers and where candidates who meet MSD specified criteria are employed, the employer can apply for the Flexi-wage Subsidy.

Employers can list vacancies and access their free recruitment services by calling 0800 778008.

 

NZSA Training Hub
We are very pleased to advise we will be including the Foundation Security Core Skills Training programme to the resources and materials available on the NZSA Training Hub which will be launched soon.

The Foundation Security Core Skills Training programme has been developed by Quinton Swanson (Q) from Hard Target who is one of New Zealand’s leading security training experts and was instrumental in the original development of the Mandatory Training that is a pre-requirement for obtaining a Certificate of Approval as a Security Officer.

The foundation programme is designed to provide comprehensive “refresher training” and to further develop the competencies and skills of those in security officer roles.

We will send updates once we’re ready to launch.

 

Update for Employment Agreements
The Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Act 2023 came into force on 13 June.

We recommend that members include the following wording into their employment agreements, ideally located in the “personal grievance” section of the agreement.

Personal Grievances
If the problem is a personal grievance for sexual harassment, then you must raise it within 12 months of when the facts that give rise to the grievance occur or come to your attention. In respect of other personal grievance, then you must raise it with the Employer within 90 days of when the facts that give rise to the grievance occur or come to your attention. A personal grievance can only be raised outside the applicable time frame (12 months or 90 days) with agreement of the Employer or in exceptional circumstances.

 

Application for inclusion of Security Technicians on Green List
We have recently submitted an application to MBIE seeking the inclusion of Security Technicians onto the Green List as part of their annual review of approved roles.

From our initial feedback, we have met the qualifying criteria and have cause for confidence pending the publication of the updated Green List, scheduled for late July.

We will certainly keep members posted on any news.

 

Security Technician Training Options
We recently distributed an update on the training qualification options available for Electronic Security staff and including available funding options.

 

New Zealand Certificate in Security (NZCiS) Level 3 training options
We recently distributed an update on the NZCiS Level 3 qualification from Te Pukenga and confirming cost ($150), duration (10 months), content and delivery (online LMS).

We also note that NZSA member PTE’s Ignite College and Stratcom are also delivering the NZCiS Level 3 Qualification – contact details can be found on the NZSA website.

 

Filming in Public Places (Security Good Practice Guideline)
Earlier this year we were approached by one of our members seeking guidance on the law surrounding the filming of staff whilst they are providing crowd control or security services as part of their role.

As we are all aware, the filming of security staff has become very common place. Most members of the public have immediate access to mobile phones with high quality filming capability and other technologies such as Go-Pro, Dash-cam and drones, meaning that security staff should be aware that their actions are likely to be recorded at any time.

It is important that security operators and their staff have knowledge of the law surrounding the use of mobile phones and similar devices for filming in public places. Security staff also need to be aware of, and to be trained, in the practices that should be followed to ensure that they act legally and professionally when filmed by members of the public.

We have included a section headed “Managing public filming whilst providing Crowd Control duties in public spaces” within the Security Services Good Practice Guideline that can be accessed on our website – click here to view.

 

New Zealand Security Awards event
The NZSA team has been very busy with planning arrangements for this years NZ Awards Event to be held on the evening of Friday 15 September at the iconic Te Pae Events Centre in Christchurch.

This will be our third attempt at holding the event in Christchurch with the last two events cancelled due to Covid restrictions. Fingers and toes are all crossed for this year!

Make sure you have the date in your diary and look out for information coming out shortly with regards to the nomination process across the 19 award categories and booking details.

 

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

Foundation Security Core Skills – new training course coming soon
Created by Quinton Swanson of Hard Target, this course covers understanding of legislation, tactical communication, body language and projection, weapon awareness, teamwork and tactical awareness. We will announce the launch soon.

 

3G sunset – impact on security alarm monitoring
The security alarm monitoring landscape in New Zealand has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. The upgrades to the PSTN network have made it largely unsuitable for a multitude of security alarms. As a result, many alarms have migrated to IP and GSM monitoring paths. However, another challenge is on the horizon with the upcoming closure of the Vodafone 3G network in August 2024.

It is crucial for alarm installers to recognize the implications of the 3G sunset and take proactive measures to plan module upgrades for their clients well in advance.

 

International Security Officers’ Day
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.

 

New Zealand Security Awards 2023
The New Zealand Security Awards this year will be held on Friday 15 September at Te Pae Convention Centre, Christchurch.

We will announce when nominations and event registrations open in July.

We have two accommodation deals, book now to secure your early bird price:

Crowne Plaza Christchurch

Accor Group – Ibis Christchurch & Novotel Christchurch

 

Partner updates

Ringa Hora training survey
Ringa Hora have created a survey regarding the upcoming standard review and development of skills standards. It is a short survey with three questions.

To complete the survey please click HERE.

 

Waihanga Ara Rau
There is a desperate need for skilled data cablers across many industry sectors (including electronic security) however there’s no formal, entry level training for the data cabling industry.

Waihanga Ara Rau is currently bringing together a number of technical specialists to help develop a new entry-level cabling qualification and new skills standards.

If any NZSA member has appropriately skilled staff with an interest in joining the TAG (Technical Advisory Group) that will give guidance on the qualification and skills standards, please contact Sue Joyce on [email protected].

 

ACC

How recovery at work benefits your business

People are key to business success, so when an injury happens, it can have a big impact.

New ACC resources explain the benefits of recovery at work for an injured person, your team, and your business, including:

  • hanging on to your employee’s skills and expertise
  • saving on recruiting and training new staff
  • helping to build a positive work environment
  • showing a commitment to employee wellbeing.

Find out about recovery at work.

 

Your ACC Invoice will be available from July 2023 – Get more control of your ACC account with MyACC for Business

It’s easy to manage your ACC account with their digital self-service platform, MyACC for Business.

Whether you want to access information about your employees’ work-related claims, view and pay your levy invoice, get your invoices by email, or use live chat to talk to a customer service representative, MyACC for Business provides you with a fast and secure way to manage your ACC account online.

Join the hundreds of thousands of other businesses who have already made the move online and visit MyACC for Business to sign up. All you’ll need is your ACC or IR number and email address.

 

It’s time to check your ACC details are correct

If you’re an employer, you’ll receive your ACC levy invoice from July onwards. Checking and updating your policy details now in MyACC for Business will mean that you get invoiced the right amount.

What do you need to check?

ACC uses the below details to calculate your levy, so you need to make sure they’re correct.

  • Classification Unit (CU)
  • Provisional Payroll estimate
  • Employment status – are you working full or part time, or have you ceased trading?

It’s also a good time to check your contact details are correct and that your communications preference is set to “email”. For more information on ACC levy invoicing for 2023 visit the ACC website.

 

MBIE – Brave in Business e-learning
Do you want to work smarter, run your business more effectively and improve your mental and physical wellbeing?

Introducing MBIE’s new e-learning series, Brave in Business.

The micro-courses will help you learn to focus on what matters most to you and your business so that you can make the most of your time and energy. Brought to you in partnership with Spark Business Lab.

For further information please visit the MBIE website.

 

 

Women’s leadership scholarships
Women & Leadership New Zealand is currently offering professional development scholarships for the NZSA staff and members. The scholarships are open to women across all areas of the security sector, and we encourage you to share this opportunity with your members.

Women & Leadership New Zealand (WLNZ) supports women at all levels across all sectors and industries. Our career-defining leadership programs bring together a focus on applied learning with the latest in leadership theory and practice. We believe that advancing gender equity, especially in leadership, is central to creating a more fair and inclusive society.

For further information please visit the WLNZ website.

 

NZSA Membership

We welcome the following new Corporate Member:

Stratcom Security

and the following new Associate Individual Members:

Gavin Clark

Graham Free

Houssam Albaba

 

Events

Simprosium Roadshow
The Simprosium Roadshow is coming soon to Australia and New Zealand.

We have not one, but FOUR events where you can connect, hear advice from local experts and find out what’s in the works at Simpro.

This full-day event will be attended by 100+ trade business owners and leaders sharing their expert insights on the trades.

You’ll enjoy:

🎫  A sponsor expo to meet our expert Simpro partners

🎫  Live demos of Simpro’s newest and upcoming features

🎫  Forming new relationships during breakout sessions Simpro’s Sundowner event

NZSA Members can SAVE 20% on the registration with the code NASA20! Grab your tickets now for a full day of talking and learning everything trades and field services.

Register here.

We can’t wait to see you there!

🎫  Auckland, New Zealand | 21 September

🎫  Brisbane, Australia | 5 October

🎫  Melbourne, Australia | 10 October

🎫  Sydney, Australia | 12 October

 

 

COA Conflict Management Training – Train the Trainer and Refresher Training for Trainers
As the industry peak body, the NZSA has appointed Bespoke Security Group and Hard Target to deliver the Conflict Management 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 next training is being conducted by Bespoke Security Group in Mt Wellington, Auckland in late July.

To register your interest please email [email protected].

Please note: the Conflict Management Refresher course includes assessment activity.

 

NZISF breakfast meeting

Topic:  Share or not to share: investigator factors that influence Cyber Security Intelligence Sharing (CIS) across organisations in New Zealand

This study investigates the factors that influence cybersecurity intelligence sharing (CIS) across organisations. Although CIS helps organisations protect their critical information assets, manage cyber risks, and improve cyber operations, there is still limited information available regarding the factors that influence the adoption of CIS within organisations in New Zealand. By synthesising relevant literature on cybersecurity intelligence sharing and conducting interviews with cybersecurity professionals in New Zealand, we deconstructed the concept of CIS and developed a theoretical framework that can explain the current state of CIS in New Zealand.

When: 8:00am Thursday 13 July 2023 via zoom

For further information and to register please see NZISF.

 

Member Benefits

Strategic Defence
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with 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.

 

Guardhouse
We are pleased to announce a new partnership with Guardhouse.

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 and blog.

 

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

Emma Johnston
Human Resources Specialist
[email protected]
021 659 456

 

Building Networks Compliance Guidance
Building Networks are the leading authority on building compliance and they are offering a 20% discount for members.

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.

NZSA update – Qualification options for Electronic Security Staff

There are several course options available to employees looking to obtain NZQA qualifications relevant to their employment as Security Technicians.

New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3)

Course Outline
This course is for learners wanting to progress within the electronic security industry as either an installer or serviceperson and is an intermediate step towards the Level 4 Certificate in Electronic Security.
On completion leaners will be able to install and maintain data networks and security systems or service and repair security, access control and surveillance equipment and systems at a non-complex level.
Learners who enrol in the Installation Strand will be able to:

  • Undertake the installation, maintenance, restoration, scoping and connectivity of efficient, reliable, and secure security, access control and surveillance systems and hardware.
  • Operate as technicians at intermediate level under indirect supervision.

Learners who enrol in the Service Strand will be able to:

  • Diagnose, repair and service security systems and equipment at a non-complex level and supervise electrical workers.
  • They will also be able to undertake the EWRB EASQ examination.

Course Structure
Trainees must be working in the industry and should allow 18 months part-time for completion.
The course is based on blended learning and comprises 11 modules of online theory learning and practical learning.

Course Cost and Funding
The course cost is $49.90 per week (GST Inclusive).
Learners may be eligible for Fees Free – check eligibility on https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/
The Level 3 does not qualify for Apprenticeship Boost as it only has 95 credits. Apprenticeships require a minimum of 120 credits.

For more information https://www.etec.ac.nz/electronics-courses/new-zealand-certificate-in-electrotechnology-level-3/

New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4)
Course Outline
This apprenticeship is appropriate for the following learners:

  • Seeking a career in Electronic Security and have the knowledge, motivation and capacity to commit to 3 years of study (assuming do not hold the Level 3 qualification)
  • Have completed the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology Level 3 and looking to further develop their skills and knowledge.
  • Experienced Security Technicians who wish to reflect their skills and knowledge into a formal qualification.

Topics covered within the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4) include:

  • Professional and technical knowledge for emerging and converging technologies
  • Advanced health and safety
  • Installation of cable support systems
  • Theory of electronic security system design
  • Theory and development of data networking to support electronic security systems
  • Advanced application of stakeholder engagement principles
  • Diagnosis and repair of faulty electronic security systems
  • Develop solutions for electronic security intruder alarm systems

Course Structure
Trainees should allow 3 years for completion, or 2 years if they already hold the New Zealand Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3).
The course provides blended learning with 15 modules covering both online theory learning and practical learning.
The qualification has a total of 190 credits, exceeding the minimum 120 credits required to be considered as an apprenticeship.

Course Cost and Funding
The course cost is $49.90 per week GST inclusive.
Learners may be eligible for Fees Free – check eligibility on https://www.feesfree.govt.nz/
The course qualifies as an Apprenticeship and employers may be eligible for Apprenticeship Boost (see eligibility criteria below).

Apprenticeship Boost
Employers of an apprentice in their first year of apprenticeship training will be eligible for $500 support per month, for a maximum period of 24 months.
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship Boost, an apprentice must:

  • Be enrolled and engaged in a Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) approved and funded New Zealand Apprenticeship or Managed Apprenticeship,
  • Be actively training through a Transitional Industry Training Organisation (TITO) or a provider,
  • Have completed no more than 24 months in a TEC approved apprenticeship that is the same or similar.

Check eligibility on https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/employers/subsidies-training-and-other-help/apprenticeship-boost/index.html

For more information https://etec.ac.nz/electronics-courses/new-zealand-certificate-in-electronic-security-level-4/

Important guidance for employers
Many employers will be tempted to enrol learners straight into the Level 4 apprenticeship programme based on the availability of the Apprenticeship Boost funding.
Unfortunately, this does not take into account the tasks performed by the learner and their capability to take on reasonably complex learning. Where the role involves familiar and repetitive tasks, and under a degree of supervision, the Level 3 course may be more appropriate.
Employers will need to carefully assess if their staff can achieve a Level 4 qualification and that they can commit for the duration of 3 years. An important consideration for this is the level of support that the employer will be able to provide to the learner on an on-going basis.
In all instances E-tec conduct a pre-enrolment interview with the employer and the learner. This ensures that the best course options are determined based on all factors above.

We also remind employers that for those employees who are new to work, or inexperienced in the electronic security industry, they can undertake the Entry Level Security Technician Foundation Training programme developed by the NZSA as a stepping stone towards enrolling in the NZCiES Level 3 qualification. For more information see the NZSA Training Hub.

For more information contact Lafo Siaosi Opa [email protected] or 021 873 183.

From the NZSA team.