CEO Report
Welcome to our July 2024 newsletter.
Over the last two months I have had the privilege to review and validate six separate nominations for Saved a Life Medal recognition, and in one of the nominations the security officer concerned was instrumental in saving two separate individuals over the course of a single shift.
We have profiled the various medal winners under separate cover and on our website but what they highlight is the very important, and often unrecognised, role that workers in our industry perform.
It is important that we recognise the outstanding efforts of our workers and that we take every available opportunity to tell and promote our stories.
I encourage all stakeholders, including industry customers, to support us in this cause by taking a few minutes to recognise when these life-saving events occur, and to submit a nomination allowing us to recognise our industry heroes.
International Security Officer’s Day – 24th July (24/7)
International Security Officer’s Day will be celebrated on the 24th of this month.
Our thanks go out to those members and institutions who have purchased the badges for their staff, and we encourage all employers and customers to pass on their recognition.
Implementation of new Member Management and Engagement System
Over the last few months our Finance and Operations Manager, Tacia Strawbridge, has been flat out behind the scenes preparing for our move from a spreadsheet-based platform to Gecco which provides a modern, flexible member management and engagement system designed specifically for member-based associations.
Some of the changes will become more obvious in coming months as member interface becomes more seamless, including system generated emailing, member benefits and the member listing link to our website.
Parental Leave payments
Parental leave payments have increased by 6% from Monday 1 July 2024 to reflect the rise in average weekly earnings.
The maximum parental leave payment rate for eligible employees and self-employed parents will increase from $712.17 to $754.87 gross per week.
New Zealand Security Awards 2024
As covered later in this newsletter, nominations for the 2024 New Zealand Security Awards are now open and with a final submission date of Thursday 15 August.
There are 19 award categories covering a wide range of roles and the nomination process is online and easy to follow.
We are looking forward to a record number of nominations and the opportunity to celebrate the award winners at the formal awards dinner on Friday 20 September at the Crowne Plaza, Auckland. With attendance capped at 250, we recommend you get your bookings in promptly.
Seedpod microlearning modules
Last month we launched the Skillpod microlearning modules for human skills on the NZSA Training Hub.
Successful organisations know that a skilled and future-ready workforce is key to delivering business outcomes in today’s challenging labour market. By partnering with Skillpod we are able to give our members immediate access to relevant and leading-edge training around basics such as communication, leadership and managing unconscious bias.
For more information please visit the NZSA Training Hub.
CoA Skill Standard Development
The current three-unit standards that make up the CoA (Mandatory) Training provide the initial learning for those entering the protective security division of the industry and requiring a licence under the Property Guard, Personal Guard or Crowd Controller classes.
This training is obviously critical to the safety of our workers, and it has been extremely concerning and frustrating to witness the drop-off in the quality of training delivery, and the lack of monitoring of standards, that occurred following the previous governments disbandment of the ITO’s and move to Te Pukenga and WDC’s (Work Development Councils).
Since the commencement of this year, Ringa Hora (the Service Sector WDC) has led the process of engaging with industry stakeholders to rewrite the three CoA Unit Standards as Skill Standards. This has allowed us to be far more stringent in specifying the content within the training and to set requirements around delivery and assessment.
As it stands currently the adoption of the new Skill Standards is not required until December 2026, however we are leading industry discussion on the joint development of compliant learning and assessment materials, along with training plans, and with implementation targeted as promptly as possible. This would strengthen the standard and quality of training and ensure a consistent and standardised delivery and assessment across all training providers.
It is also important that we recognise the work of the STSIG (Security Training Special Interest Group) and those industry participants who have volunteered a significant amount of time into this process already.
Electronic Security Qualification Review
The Level 3 and 4 Electronic Security qualifications that make up the Security Technician Apprenticeship programme were last reviewed in 2017 and whilst largely recognised as being fit for purpose, there has been a need to remove out of date references and to ensure that new and emerging technologies are included.
Our thanks go out to the small group of industry providers who have volunteered their time, along with representatives from ETEC and Waihanga Ara Rau, to update Unit Standards 26841, 5881, 5891 and 5892 respectively.
Once the changes have been approved by NZQA, they will be incorporated into the training delivery and assessment by ETEC.
Establishing Security Consulting Special Interest Group (SCSIG)
As the peak body representing security providers in New Zealand, the NZSA has a critical role to play in influencing and determining key industry issues such as licensing, training, standards, good practice and career pathways, and in lifting public, corporate and government awareness and perception of the private security industry and the important role that we play in society.
To do this effectively it is important that we establish and maintain effective communication channels and have the ability to tap into the collective knowledge and expertise across all industry stakeholders.
An effective mechanism for this is through the establishment of Special Interest Groups (SIG’s) that allow us to bring together interested parties with specialist knowledge and a desire to act for the good of industry.
We are currently in the process of establishing a Security Consulting Special Interest Group (SCSIG) to give guidance on the key security consulting issues (as noted above) and are seeking expressions of interest from those who wish to be involved.
The SCSIG will initially be chaired by NZSA board member Jonathan Howe of Beca Technologies and will meet online on a two monthly basis. Matters such as Terms of Reference and key focus areas will be determined at the inaugural meeting.
If you have the necessary skills and knowledge and would like to participate, please contact NZSA CEO, Gary Morrison, at [email protected] and provide a brief supporting CV as verification of skills and capability.
MSD Security Cadet Programme
We are pleased to announce a new employment-based programme with the Ministry of Social Development where we will place Auckland and Wellington based candidates, who are currently on a benefit, into long term employment with our members.
The candidates will be offered a Security Cadet position that will allow them to gain experience in at least three or four different positions during their first year of employment and with the potential to fast-track into more senior roles.
Members who employ the cadets will be financially supported under the Flexi-Wage programme and the NZSA will provide pastural care for the candidate and arrange access to the Seedpod learning modules on the NZSA Training Hub.
Employers who would like to register their interest in participating in the programme should contact Gary Morrison at [email protected].
Partnership with ATT re employment of Security Technician Apprentices
ATT (Apprenticeship Training Trust) was established 30+ years ago and currently supports and manages some 330 apprentices across New Zealand in the plumbing, gas-fitting, drain-laying and electrical trades.
The NZSA has partnered with ATT to offer employment opportunities for those electrical apprentices who are interested in roles within the security sector, and also for security providers who are looking to recruit at entry level or apprenticeship level positions.
With the country in a technical recession, the electrical industry has seen a recent downturn in activity and that has obviously impacted on current employment opportunities, and hence a growing interest from apprentices in the security sector, particularly given that the Electrotechnology Level 3 qualification has relevance to both.
In coming months, we will circulate the CVs of those electrical apprentices who are registered with ATT and seeking employment in the security sector and similarly, welcome all enquiries from members who may have an interest in talking to ATT about either employing an apprentice directly, or utilising an apprentice under the ATT Group Employment model where the apprentice is employed by ATT. Please email Gary Morison at [email protected] to register your interest.
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
NZSA partnering with Skillpod
NZSA is excited to launch a range of industry-leading online training courses, in partnership with training experts Skillpod, that will add huge value to your workforce for those in entry-level through to leadership roles.
Successful organisations know that a skilled and future-ready workforce is key to delivering business outcomes in today’s challenging labour market. Skillpod’s courses are:
- Easy to use
- Short yet effective
- Excellent value for money
- Specifically designed to upskill
- Morale-boosting
The following four modules are now available on the NZSA Training Hub for online purchase:
- Effective Leadership
- Communication for Leaders
- Everyday Communication
- Unconscious Bias
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.
The NZSA have badges available for purchase, as pictured above.
The cost is $30 + GST for a bag of 10 badges. If you would like to place an order please email [email protected].
NZ Security Awards 2024 – nominations open
Nominations for the 2024 NZ Security Awards are now open. Don’t delay – start preparing your nominations now!
We’ve allowed extra time to receive nominations this year, so you now have just over six weeks to nominate colleagues or staff members in your team or organisation who deserve recognition for their outstanding contributions over the past 15 months.
There are 19 Award Categories, covering a wide range of the security industry, so there is sure to be something for everyone.
Nominations close 5pm, Thursday 15 August 2024.
For more information please see the NZSA website.
Saved a Life Medal
We would like to congratulate the following Saved a Life Medal recipients. For their full stories please see the NZSA website.
Gurpreet Singh, FIRST Security
Gagandeep Bhalla, FIRST Security
Venusula Tilo Faasavalu and Talaveta Toala, FIRST Security
Gloria Peea, Armourguard Security
Gagan Bhalla, Armourguard Security
Neil Tomuli and Pule Talia, Armourguard Security
Sinapati Tuugasala and Fuarosa Oloaga, Armourguard Security
and the following Saved a Life Highly Commended recipients:
Victor Korotky, FIRST Security
Recipients of the Saved a Life Medal will be recognised in a roll call at the Annual Security Awards event and will automatically be nominated in the appropriate award category for each year.
To nominate someone for the Saved a Life Medal please see the NZSA website.
COA Conflict Management Training
Train the Trainer and Refresher Training for Trainers – call for registrations
As the industry peak body, the NZSA has assumed responsibility for the current delivery of the Conflict Management Refresher and Train the Trainer training programmes.
We have contracted subject matter experts to deliver the Conflict Management Training in accordance with specified standards and to ensure that trainers of the unit standards possess the necessary skills and competence.
We have a limited number of spaces available for the next training session:
Refresher Training
11th July 2024
$395 + GST
9am to 4pm
Mt Wellington, Auckland
Train the Trainer Training
11th & 12th July 2024
$750 + GST
9am to 4pm
Mt Wellington, Auckland
For further information and to register please email [email protected].
Please note: the Conflict Management Refresher course includes assessment activity.
Parental Leave payments increase
Parental Leave payments to increase from 1 July 2024
Parental leave payments will increase by 6% from Monday 1 July 2024 to reflect the rise in average weekly earnings.
The maximum parental leave payment rate for eligible employees and self-employed parents will increase from $712.17 to $754.87 gross per week.
For further information please visit the Employment New Zealand website.
Partner updates
ACC
Access your ACC account with MyACC for Business
Whether you want to see information about your employees’ work-related claims, view and pay your levy invoice, 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 a RealMe, Microsoft or Google account.
ACC invoices are coming soon.
If you’re an employer, you’ll receive your ACC levy invoice from July. Checking and updating your policy details now in MyACC for Business will mean that you pay the right amount.
Here’s how you can prepare:
ACC uses the below details to calculate your levy, so check that they’re correct on MyACC for Business:
- Classification Unit (CU) – this tells ACC what industry you’re in.
- Trading status – 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 visit the ACC website.
Ministry of Social Development
Security Cadet programme
We are pleased to announce a new employment-based programme with the Ministry of Social Development where we will place Auckland and Wellington based candidates, who are currently on a benefit, into long term employment with our members.
The candidates will be offered a Security Cadet position that will allow them to gain experience in at least three or four different positions during their first year of employment and with the potential to fast-track into more senior roles.
Members who employ the cadets will be financially supported under the Flexi-Wage programme and the NZSA will provide pastural care for the candidate and arrange access to the Seedpod learning modules on the NZSA Training Hub.
Employers who would like to register their interest in participating in the programme should contact Gary Morrison at [email protected].
Waihanga Ara Rau
NZC Electronic Security L4
Waihanga Ara Rau plans to delay the review of NZC Electronic Security (L4) until 2026 and will make amendments to unit standards 26841, 5881, 5892 and 5891.
Initial planning/investigation into the review of this qualification has identified that the qualification and associated unit standards remain relatively fit for purpose, with minor technology updates required to four unit standards.
This will allow time for Waihanga Ara Rau to look further at pathways into and across electrotechnology and to minimise disruptions to current programme delivery.
Please click here for further information Improving Electronic Security Qualifications (waihangaararau.nz) or email [email protected].
NZSA Membership
We welcome the following new Corporate Members:
Nedax Systems (NZ) Ltd
Vision Intelligence Ltd
and the following new Associate Individual Member:
Jhunneil Igama
Events
New Zealand Security Awards
Join us at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland, on Friday 20th September, where we’ll announce our Award winners. This promises to be an fantastic evening of celebration and recognition. We hope you can join us!
To register please book here.
The NZSA has a special room rate for the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Limited rooms are available at these rates. Please book here.
NZISF breakfast meeting
Topic: The Artificial Intelligence of Things, from a New Zealand perspective
The Internet of Things advances and extends digital connectivity to devices, sensors and networks in homes, businesses and far beyond. The potential applications of IoT are now evident and clear. Join Kriv Naicker for a discussion of this topic.
Speaker: Kriv Naicker
Details: 7:15am Thursday 11 July 2024. Kordia HQ, 162 Victoria St West, Auckland
For further information and to register please see NZISF.
Member Benefits
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
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
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.
Building Networks
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.