CEO’s REPORT

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2026!

I trust that your Christmas and New Year went well and that 2026 has started positively.

We are certainly looking at an interesting year ahead for the security industry with the economy showing signs of modest growth and the latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion showing business confidence at his highest level since 2014, balanced against the continued conflicts around the world and the gradual break down of the world rules-based order, largely driven by the political situation in the US. If that isn’t enough, we also need to throw into the mix that this is election year which traditionally sees our politicians increasingly focused on “electioneering” rather than achieving meaningful legislative review and changes.

For the NZSA we are approaching the year with a high level of confidence and a strong focus on achieving positive progress for the industry. Within my commentary below I reference some of the key initiatives currently in progress, including industry training and licensing, and I’m also pleased to advise that we are currently in the process of employing a Membership and Content Manager to join our team. This will provide us with additional resource to support and engage with our members and also enable a greater focus on industry advocacy.

We are also working on some interesting member benefit initiatives, including the introduction of a Mobil card offer for member employees, and will provide an update on these in coming months.

Hopefully you find the information below informative and please note that this Newsletter is slightly abridged as given the time of the year we have excluded the Special Interest Group, Member Benefit programmes and Partner reports and updates which will return for the next edition in early March.

 

Launch of NZSA Pre-Employment Training Modules
We were thrilled to launch the new Pre-Employment Training Modules in December.

The training is low cost ($20 including GST for single use) and suitable for:

• Personal Pre-employment (pre CoA)
• Company refresher training
• Company induction training.

The modules can be completed anytime, online and the module format allows for self-paced learning and completion (total duration 90 to 120 minutes). All graduates also receive a certificate of completion.

We are also working with the PSPLA to make this course a pre-requirement for those applying for a temporary CoA.

The training can be accessed via the NZSA Training Hub.

 

Mandatory Self-Audits for NZSA Corporate Members
From the 1 April this year, all NZSA Corporate Members will be required to complete an annual self-audit as a requirement for continued membership.

The initiative was approved by members art the 2025 AGM and aims to help improve standards across the sector. We introduced the self-audit late last year, initially being used for new corporate members, and after successful testing and review, we are now ready to extend to all corporate members for our new financial year.

The self-audit is online, and in most circumstances will take 15 to 30 minutes to complete, depending on the complexity of services provided. Members will be required to undertake some preparatory work, including having critical documents and photos available, and appropriate guidance will be provided in advance.

In conjunction with our upcoming annual membership renewal process we will provide notification of the allocated timeframe for each corporate member to undertake the audit and will follow up with necessary instruction on the process to be followed.

 

New Apprenticeship Pathway for Alarm and Electronic Security Sector
The NZSA has been working closely with Skills Group for many years to help build a talent pipeline into our industry. We are pleased to advise that ETCO (The Electrical Training Company), and part of the Skills Specialist Trades division, will extend their successful Group Apprentice scheme to the electronic security and alarm installation sector.

Under the Group Apprentice scheme, ETCO directly employs the apprentices, manages all recruitment, screening, training coordination, HR, payroll and pastural care, whilst hosting companies (our members) focus on what they do best: installing systems, serving customers and growing their business.

Critically, if an apprentice placement isn’t the right fit, ETCO manages the transition and replacement without disruption to either the apprentice’s qualification, or the host company’s business operations.

Under the scheme, apprentices enter the programme work-ready from day one, having completed a tailored pre-trade programme including health and safety, customer service, foundational technical skills, professional toolkit provision and initial security screening. They are enrolled in the New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 4), building skills across alarms, access control, CCTV, networking, commissioning, troubleshooting and maintenance.

A major strength of the group employment model is continuity and flexibility. Apprentices can move between host companies without stalling their training and giving smaller businesses protection during quieter periods and access to skilled labour during peak demand.

If you wish to register interest in participating in the Group Apprentice scheme, contact us at [email protected] for more information.

 

NZ Certificate in Electronic Security (Level 3) – Update
Following a stakeholder review, the NZ Certificate in Electrotechnology (Level 3) has been updated and NZQA approval for the new version is expected shortly.

The changes are relatively minor, and current learners will simply transition to the new qualification.

At a high level, the Installation strand (the non EWRB licensing strand) remains unchanged. The Service strand will now give learners the option of either EAS (Electrical Appliance Serviceperson) or EST (Electrical Service Technician), and an additional unit standard US29479, Electrical Diagrams, has been added to help build confidence in understanding site drawings.

 

PSPLA Report
In December the PSPLA released the 2025 Annual Report for the Private Security Stewardship Group and Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority.

Key statistics and activity measures from the report include:

As at 30 June 2025:
Current CoA holders                   33,689
Temporary CoA holders                   963
Individual licence holders                735
Company licence holders              1,575

For the 12 months 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025:
CoA applications                             9,315
Temporary CoA applications       4,826
CoA’s issued                                    6,777
Licences issued                                420
Objections filed                                270
Complaints filed                              224
Prosecutions                                         5 (plus 4 in progress)

The NZSA has produced an overview of the report and can be accessed here: NZSA_PSPLA_PSSG_Report_Dec 2025.

 

Ministerial Advisory Group – Victims of Retail Crime
The NZSA has worked closely with the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) since it was established last year.

The MAG has already recommended broadening citizen’s arrest powers with the enabling legislation expected within the first half of this year and policy advisers working with the MAG have now prepared a paper exploring how security officers can be better supported – with training capability and potentially new legal authorities – to safely intervene in retail environments.

There are three possible reform pathways being considered:

Option 1: Enhanced Status Quo

• Relies on new citizen’s arrest legislation
• Training improvements left to market forces

Option 2: Increased Minimum Training Requirements

• Builds on new citizen’s arrest changes
• Introduces additional mandatory training standards for security officers undertaking advanced duties

Option 3: Bespoke Legal Powers for Retail Security Officers

• New statutory powers and protections aligned with those recently granted to Parliamentary Security Officers.
• Additional mandatory training requirements.

The NZSA strongly supports Option 3 however from a practical perspective, the implementation of Option 2 and a longer term move to Option 3 may be more politically palatable and achievable.

We have provided our members who provide Protective Security Services with a copy of the policy paper and have issued a call to action for submissions to the MAG by the closing date on 2 February 2026.

If you have an interest in making a submission and haven’t received the documentation, please contact me on [email protected] for a copy.

 

Violent Retail Crime Statistics
New Zealand based global retail crime intelligence company, Auror, recently released statistics comparing the level of retail crime in New Zealand and Australia.

The good news is that New Zealand as seen a significant reduction in the level of retail crime over the last twelve months, whereas Australia has experienced a continued increase across all measures.

ANZ Retailer Data
Incidents 2025 vs incidents 2024        Australia         New Zealand
Weapons                                                       +12%                  -12%
Violence                                                         +17%                    – 6%
Threatening behaviour                              +20%                    – 5%

The report also noted:

• 20% of retail crime events involve verbal or physical abuse, intimidation, threats, violence or use of weapons.
• The top 10% of offenders cause over 60% of all retail crime, and those repeat offenders are 6 times more likely to be violent.

Drug Detection Agency – Drug Testing Findings
On the topic of recent reports, TDDA (The Drug Detection Agency) has released the most recent data on drug use within New Zealand.

Key outtakes include:

• Cannabis (THC) has surged and is present in 71% of tests (was 63%).
• Amphetamine type substances (including methamphetamine) present in 23% of positive tests.
• Cocaine present in 1.5% of tests, well above previous levels.
• Opioid use has surged in Gisbourne (up 42%)
• Cocaine use has surged in North Shore, The Lakes and Canterbury regions.

 

Increase to Minimum Wage from 1st April 2026
The minimum wage will increase by 2% on 1 April 2026 – moving from $23.50 to $23.95.

We compliment the government on providing appropriate forward notice of the change and taking a pragmatic approach in striking a balance between keeping up with the cost of living and not adding further cost pressure to businesses.

 

Proposed Holiday Act Changes
Members will be pleased to hear that the Government has announced proposed reforms to the Holidays Act 2003. At the heart of the reform is the shift to an hours-based accrual system for annual and sick leave. Rather than waiting six or twelve months before leave starts to build up, entitlements will instead begin on day one, accumulating every hour worked.

For employers this will simplify payroll systems, remove overlapping calculations, and reduce compliance costs. For employees, it will ensure leave rights are linked directly to the hours they work.

Another long overdue fix will be the clear test for determining whether a public holiday is an “otherwise working day” as the proposed changes deems that if an employee has worked at least half of those days in recent weeks, the holiday counts.

The first draft of the legislation should be available for public consultation and submissions within the next few months and will include a two-year implementation window.

The NZSA will make more information available as the legislation progresses through government.

 

Lithium-ion Battery Charging Procedures
Lithium-ion batteries are part of our everyday lives, both at home and at work. They power our phones, laptops, power tools and even some home appliances.

It is critical that businesses are aware of the risks associated with the use of these batteries and have appropriate processes in place covering their use and recharging.

The main risk is thermal runaway, which can cause fires or explosions due to overcharging, damage, extreme temperatures, or poor-quality chargers, releasing toxic gasses and burning intensely. Lithium-ion fires are unpredictable and dangerous, and staff need to be aware that they should immediately seek assistance if confronted by a fire – trying to put it out by themselves may put them at greater risk.

We also suggest that all security providers have a policy document covering charging procedures for lithium-ion batteries – click Lithium_Ion_Battery_Charging_Procedure for a template policy document.

 

Collapse of Australian security provider MA Services
Shortly prior to Christmas the Australian privately owned security, cleaning and maintenance staff provider MA Services was placed into voluntary administration resulting in some 1,700 security staff job losses. It was reported that staff were unlikely to receive owed wages or entitlements and given that many staff were not permanent residents they would also be excluded from protections offered to resident workers under Australian employment law.

Whilst there appears to be a number of contributing factors towards the collapse of the business, one of the main issues without doubt was recent media reports alleging that the business had a business relationship with a labour hire firm owned by a bikie gang boss. Under this relationship the labour hire firm supplied subcontract staff to MA Services.

This certainly emphasises the importance of maintaining a positive public image and how quickly that can be tarnished, even through association with a third party. For security providers, it is critical that any subcontractors are held to the highest account and meet the same standards applied to employees at all times.

 

Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs)
The OPSA’s recognise and celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations delivering excellence across the security sector. Entries are now open and close on 8 April 2026.

Find out more and submit your entry here.

 

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 Membership

We welcome the following new Provisional Corporate Members:

Absolute Security Group Ltd

Frontline Security and Guarding Services Ltd

Spectre Global Ltd

Wulf Security Services Ltd

 

and the following new Associate Company Member:

Hampden Ltd

 

and the following new Associate Individual Members:

Ben Searle

John McGrevy

 

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].