CEO Report
Welcome to our January 2024 newsletter.
I trust that your Christmas and New Year have gone well and that you and your team have been able to enjoy the good weather that has finally arrived.
Unfortunately, 2023 closed on a very sad note with the murder of security officer Ramandeep Singh a week before Christmas. Ramandeep was a security patrolman working for a contractor to Armourguard and was conducting a patrol of Royal Reserve in Massey when attacked. Police have charged a 26-year-old with murder and have yet to rule out further arrests or charges.
Whilst this is a shocking incident and evidences the increased risks being faced by many security staff, it is important that we are in full possession of all the facts before determining what measures can be taken by the industry to improve the safety of our workers. This will obviously be a priority for us as the peak body for the security industry and outcomes will be included in the Security Services Good Practice Guideline document.
Armourguard have provided support to the family and friends of Ramandeep and have also set up a Give-a-Little page for his family. You can access this page here.
The lead into Christmas also saw the repealing of the Fair Pay Agreement legislation as had been signalled as policy by National, ACT and NZ First prior to the election.
We are fully supportive of this decision and in our opinion, the FPA Legislation was poorly drafted and would have negatively impacted any industry sector under coverage.
As always, we welcome all comments and feedback on NZSA or industry issues and activity.
Keep safe and well.
Kind Regards
Gary Morrison
CEO
NZSA / Security Industry updates
90-day trials are back
In an important change to employment law, the Employment Relations (Trial Periods) Amendment Act 2023 was passed by Parliament prior to Christmas and has now come into affect.
This Act amends the Employment Relations Act 2000, reversing the limitation of 90-day trials to employers with fewer than 20 employees (which was effective from 6 May 2019).
This change mean all businesses can now include a 90-day trial period in a new employee’s employment agreement, reducing the risks associated with hiring a new employee. It should also increase the opportunities available to job seekers.
So, in practical terms what does this mean for employers who have been excluded from using the 90-day trial clause since 6 May 2019?
It means a revision of any employment agreements to now include the 90-day trial period and also a review of policies that govern their operation.
It is important to remember, however, that even with 90-day trials, there are still matters of process that you need to get right – including negotiating the inclusion of a trial period clause, having adequate notice periods in place and ensuring fair and equitable treatment.
OSPA’s nominations open
The OSPAs are designed to be both independent and inclusive; providing an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the work of those dedicated companies, individuals and teams who deliver outstanding security products and services.
The 2024 New Zealand OSPAs will take place on 5 April 2024 in conjunction with the annual ASIS New Zealand Certification Dinner.
Further details of the awards night will come in due course however get your nominations in quick!
Nominations close on 30 January 2024
For further information and to make a nomination please see the OSPAs website.
Partner updates
Waihanga Ara Rau
Participation in Electronic Security qualification review and skill standards development
Waihanga Ara Rau are pleased to be working with the electronic security industry representatives and providers to review the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4) and replace the existing unit standards with skill standards.
They would like your input in the electronic security qualification review and development of new skill standards.
Unit standards have reached the end of their life cycle and need to be replaced with skill standards to ensure greater flexibility in learning and assessment activities.
Documents can be found here.
Please email your expression of interest or any questions or comments to [email protected] or click here by 2 February 2024.
If you know of any else that my be interested in this review, please feel free to forward these details.
Events
Safe and Security Facilities Conference
The world is constantly changing, and so are the threats to our safety and security. In today’s environment, it is more important than ever for those responsible for protecting facilities, infrastructure and places to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies.
The 3rd Safe & Secure Facilities, Infrastructure & Places Conference is the premier event for security professionals from all industries and there are many reasons why you should attend:
- Be informed of developing Government strategies
- Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies
- Network with other security professionals
Date: 26 & 27 March, 2024
Venue: Ellerslie Events Centre, Auckland
15% NZSA Member Network Discount
NZSA Members / recipients of this email are entitled to a 15% discounted rate to the 3rd Safe & Secure Facilities, Infrastructure & Places Conference to be held at the Ellerslie Events Centre, Auckland on 26-27 March 2024. To qualify, enter the promotional code NZSA15 while booking online at brightstar.co.nz/safesecure.