CEO Report

Welcome to our July 2026 newsletter.

Traditionally my report provides an update on key matters within the security industry but this time I would like to comment on the positive changes happening within the New Zealand business environment.

Within the last two months there appears to have been a shift in business sentiment. It was evident in the coverage from Fieldays and was mirrored in discussions occurring across the floor at the recent SecTech Roadshow in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

That same shift comes through in the latest 2degrees Shaping Business Study, which surveys businesses across the country about their outlook, challenges and priorities. The survey shows in excess of 60% of businesses expecting revenue growth this year and the picture it paints is of a business community that is realistic about the challenges it faces but is increasingly confident in its ability to navigate them.

Business sentiment has a significant impact on society. When businesses feel confident, they hire, invest and take risks. When they don’t, they contract, defer and protect. For several years the dominant business mode has been one of endurance, getting through, managing down and waiting it out. That has made some sense given the shocks faced including a pandemic, supply chain disruption, rapid inflation, sharply higher interest rates and a cost of living squeeze that has hit both consumers and businesses.

Thankfully, that perspective of endurance seems to be transitioning into a more forward-looking and optimistic position.

Part of what has enabled that broader shift seems to be attributable to a change in the political landscape and environment.

The Budget in May wasn’t designed to excite anyone, it wasn’t generous and it didn’t try to be. What it was however was honest. It acknowledged trade-offs, restrained itself from promises it couldn’t keep and treated New Zealanders as adults capable of understanding difficult choices. For the first time in a number of years, the signals felt like they matched reality rather than trying to paper over it.

Businesses seem to have noticed and responded. When the Government is straight with people about where things actually stand, it seems that businesses find it easier to plan, to invest and to back themselves. Certainty, even uncomfortable certainty, is more useful to a business than optimism that doesn’t match the reality.

We can all agree that there are still issues and work to be done. Costs are still high, workforce pressures remain and productivity is stubbornly low meaning that business remains challenging. What we are seeing however is a general feeling that the direction feels right and that the mood has shifted from endurance to momentum.

The best news is that the security sector is well positioned to meet the needs of that momentum going forward.

 

Member News
Following on from my commentary above, I’m pleased to note the following business news:

Gallagher Group has announced that it is currently looking to recruit a further 100 employees to support the development of new generation security software and hardware platforms. Initial recruitment is focused on software engineers, test engineers and product leaders. The hiring coincides with Gallagher Security’s recent move of more than 200 team members into the Hamilton Innovation Park.

Intelligent Monitoring Group Limited, the owner of ADT Security New Zealand, has finalised the acquisition of BlueSky Holdco Limited, encompassing Tyco NZ and Red Wolf Security, from Johnson Controls. The purchase has added over 300 staff and 12 branch locations to IMG’s portfolio and their combined workforce now exceeds 500 local staff.

 

PSPLA licence requirements for bureau monitoring and subcontracted services
The PSPLA has just provided a licensing guideline for businesses who contract third party licence holders to carry out particular classes of security work for their clients.

Sections 5 to 11 of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 defines the different classes of businesses which need to hold security licences. For each class the definition includes all those who are for valuable consideration carrying on business in that class. If a business is invoicing clients for a particular class of work, they would in most cases fit within the definition of carrying on business for valuable consideration in that class of work.

Any company or individual who is promoting themselves as offering a class of security business covered by the Act, and charging or invoicing their clients for that work, is required to hold a licence in that class even if they subcontract the work to an independent licence holder.

This will impact a number of security providers who hold the licence classes for their primary service, but not in the class where they contract to a third party.

Common examples include:

• Security Technicians or Electricians who charge their customers for monitoring but utilise a bureau monitoring provider (required to hold a licence as a Monitoring Officer).
• Security Consultants who offer or promote installation services but contract a licenced security technician or electrician to do the installation work (required to hold a licence as a Security Technician).
• Wholesalers or on-line retailers of security equipment that promote themselves as offering consultancy or installation services, charge their clients for that work, but use a third party licence holder to carry out the consultancy or installation work (required to hold a licence in class of Security Consultant and/or Security Technician).
• Security Technician or Electrician who offers a consultancy service but subcontracts the consultancy work to an independent licence holder (required to hold a licence in class of Security Consultant).
• A company that contracts with a client to provide guarding services but subcontracts the guarding work to other licence or certificate holders (required to hold a licence in the appropriate guarding classes).

A company licence holder who does not hold a licence in the correct classes should complete the online form on the PSPLA website, provide evidence of experience and competence, and pay the fee.

Evidence of experience and competence can include proof of NZSA membership (member certificate) or a letter from the party providing the subcontracted services.

 

Launch of new Good Practice Guidelines
The NZSA is pleased to announce the launch of two new Good Practice Guidelines:

Inspection and Maintenance of SS3/2 Access-Controlled Doors
Access-controlled doors play an important role in protecting people, property and assets. However, when these doors form part of a building’s means of escape, they must also perform a critical life-safety function – allowing occupants to leave quickly and safely during an emergency. A door that fails to release when required can have catastrophic consequences, making regular inspection, testing and maintenance essential.

This guideline has been developed to promote a consistent, practical approach to the inspection and maintenance of Specified System 3/2 (SS 3/2) Access-Controlled Doors and provides information absent from the MBIE Compliance Schedule Handbook.

 

Application of Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act 2000
The New Zealand security industry operates in an environment where service contracts are regularly retendered, transferred between providers, outsourced, or bought in-house. These changes can have significant implications for both security officers and employers.

To provide greater employment security for workers affected by contract changes, security officers were included in the vulnerable worker protections contained in Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act 2000 from 1 July 2021.

Part 6A establishes rights for eligible security officers when security services are transferred from one employer to another and places obligations on both outgoing and incoming employers. The legislation is intended to support continuity of employment, preserve employment conditions, and provide a fair and orderly process when service contracts change hands.

This guideline provides practical guidance to help employers, employees, clients, unions, and other industry stakeholders understand and apply the requirements of Part 6A within the security industry.

The access Controlled Doors Good Practice Guideline can be accessed on the NZSA website and the Part 6A will be available within the next few weeks.

 

NZSA Position Statements
We are currently finalising two new Position Statements that should be available for release within the next few weeks.

The first covers the process for Children’s Act (Vulnerable Children Act) Safety Checks for security personnel.  A number of our members have reported challenges in obtaining what are known as VCA Checks due to Police Vetting Services declining requests on the basis that the roles concerned do not meet the statutory definition of a children’s worker.

The Position Statement provides interim guidance whilst the NZSA looks to engage with New Zealand Police Vetting Services, Health New Zealand and relevant government agencies to seek further clarification regarding application of Children’s Act safety checking requirements for security personnel.

The second Position Statement will provide clarity on the proposed Citizen’s Arrest legislation and implications for the security industry.  Whilst the proposed expansion of citizen’s arrest powers may provide retailers and security personnel with additional options in certain circumstances, any exercise of these powers must be undertaken lawfully, safely and with appropriate regard for the welfare of all parties involved.

The Position Statement reinforces the health and safety obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and the requirement that citizen arrest activities must only be undertaken by personnel who have received appropriate training and who can demonstrate the competencies required to perform the role safely. Risk management, de-escalation and personal safety must remain central to considerations and citizen’s arrest powers must be exercised only when lawful, necessary and proportionate.

 

New Codes of Practice for Security Consultants and Secure Destruction of Sensitive Materials
We are pleased to announce the introduction of two new NZSA Codes of Practice covering work performed by Security Consultants and the Document Destruction providers (secure destruction of sensitive materials).

Both documents have been developed following engagement with appropriate subject matter experts and the SCSIG (Security Consultant Special Interest Group).

Having these documents in place will now allow us to work on extending the Member Self-Audit program and the Member Accreditation Audits, to include members providing security consulting and document destruction services.

Copies of both Codes of Practice can be downloaded from our member management system Gecco. If you require login instructions please email [email protected].

 

NZSA Self-Audit Program
The NZSA Self-Audit program commenced in April this year and has pleasingly received very positive feedback from those members who have already completed the self-audit process.

All Corporate Members are now required to complete the self-audit on a yearly basis and with the audits spread throughout the year to ensure an even workflow for our independent auditors.

The self-audits will take most members approximately 20 to 30 minutes online and effectively cover the key components of the NZSA Codes of Practice that are applicable to the member. The submissions are reviewed by one of our two independent auditors and where appropriate, they may provide guidance back to the member on areas of possible business improvement.

 

Update on Parental Leave payment increase
Paid parental leave (PPL) payment rates will increase from 1 July 2026 following the annual adjustment.

From 1 July:

• The maximum weekly payment will increase from $788.66 to $811.05
• The minimum weekly payment will increase from $235.00 to $239.50
• The payment is a weekly amount from Inland Revenue to support eligible employees who are not working while caring for a new child.

 

SecTech Roadshow
This year’s SecTech Roadshow was definitely a success with a number of new exhibitors and attendances up between 25% and 35% across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

The format of a one-day exhibition and locations with convenient and free parking works well and the feedback from the exhibitors I talked to was very positive.

The only negative noted was that the room used at Eden Park wasn’t particularly suitable but I’m aware the organisers will look to address that next year.

 

Resilience Planning for Security of Crowded Places Forum
We are thrilled that this year’s Crowded Places Forum being held at Eden Park on the 21st and 22nd July has sold out, with in excess of 130 attendees and a waiting list.

Whereas last year’s inaugural event was focused on launching the NZ Police Crowded Places Strategy of Escape, Hide, Tell, this year will be more targeted on providing learning and guidance opportunities for those responsible for the security of crowded places. The agenda covers a broad range of topics and quality local and international speakers and will include several desk top scenarios that will provide experiential learning.

As an added bonus, we are pleased to advise that the forum will be MC’d by journalist and political reporter Barry Soper.

 

NZSA AGM and Board Member Nominations
The NZSA AGM will be held on Tuesday 18th August in Auckland.

In conjunction with the AGM, we will this year be seeking to appoint 3 new board members with Alision Kingdon, Brett Wilson and Matt Stevenson not seeking re-election this year.

Full details on the AGM and Board Member nominations will be provided in coming weeks.

 

Appointment of Minister Nicole McKee as Deputy Leader for Act Party
It’s great to see Minister Nicole McKee appointed as Deputy Leader for the Act Party. I have met with Minister McKee on a number of occasions in her role as Associate Minister for Justice and I have always been impressed with her knowledge of the wide portfolio that she has responsibility for and her competence in the role.

 

New Zealand Security Awards Event
A reminder that the nomination window for the 2026 New Zealand Security Awards is now open, and with the closing date of Friday 31st July.

This is the supreme awards event for the New Zealand security industry and the winners across 19 award categories will be celebrated at the Awards Dinner to be held on the evening of Friday 11th September at Huihui, Parliament Building, in Wellington.

This is the chance to recognise high performers within your team and the nomination process is online here and easy to complete.

 

Eyes of the World on Cyber Threat
The following article from the International Resilience Group is a sobering but important read.

Cybersecurity agencies across the Five Eyes alliance have issued a warning that the cyber risks associated with AI are accelerating and all organisations must ensure their workforce is prepared for emerging threats. Read the article here.

On a final note, congratulations to all winners at the OSPA’s event held in Auckland last week, and in particular to Lincoln Potter who won the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lincoln spent a number of years working as an independent consultant to the NZSA and has been instrumental in developing industry training, codes of practice, and guidelines as well as being an NZSA auditor.

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 Member Benefit – Mobilcard Crew Card – now available!
Mobilcard members can apply for a Crew Card for their staff to enjoy a discount when they pay at the pump.

An introductory offer of 10c per litre off the pump price for a limited time, then 8c per litre ongoing, will apply to the Crew Card.

If you are not already a Mobilcard member then sign up now to offer this great benefit to your team.

Contact Cameron Dodds on [email protected].

 

Skills Institute
Skills Institute have launched Level 3 Security Micro-Credentials, designed to build your employee’s skills well beyond the minimum requirements to achieve their Certificate of Approval.

The new micro-credential is an 8-week programme covering every skill, piece of legislation, and industry requirement your staff need from day on (over and above their COA).

Included is our advanced security workshop, facilitated by an experienced Police Officer. This brings a level of real-world credibility that cannot be replicated in a classroom alone. Learners gain insight into how Police and security professionals work best alongside each other, covering topics including de-escalation techniques, lawful use of force, and preserving a crime scene. It is practical, current and grounded in the realities of the job, exactly what staff need to get up to speed quickly.

The next intake (July 28) is available at zero fees for eligible learners. Places are limited, so we encourage employers to register interest early.

If you have questions about any of these updates or want to discuss training for your team, please reach out directly to Olly at [email protected]

 

ACC
Keep your team on the field and at work: How sports injuries impact business productivity — and what employers can do to help

Did you know New Zealand businesses lost more than 20 million working days to injury last year? Most injuries that cause people to take time off work, around two thirds of them, happen outside of work. They happen in people’s own homes or while they’re playing sports, like spraining an ankle during a game on a Saturday morning.

Across the five leading national winter sports in 2025 (rugby union, rugby league, football, basketball and netball), ACC accepted over 160,000 injury claims.

Businesses are busy, and injuries like these can take a toll on productivity as people and work are moved around to fill the gaps and cater for the time lost.

A simple way to help reduce downtime
With so many New Zealanders taking part in the busy winter sports season, ACC has created some easy to use ‘Have a Hmmm’ winter sports injury prevention tips and resources encouraging people to stop and think before they play.

The resources include posters, digital tiles, and videos that businesses can use in their workplaces and share across staffrooms, emails, intranet and all the places you are talking to your teams.

You can request to receive the posters and digital tiles here: ACC’s Resource Portal

You can also view and share the videos from ACC’s YouTube Channel here: Have a hmmm winter sports – YouTube

ACC’s top tips created in partnership with NZ Rugby, NZ Rugby League, Football NZ, Netball NZ and Basketball NZ are:

• Warm up before training and games.
• Gradually increase your training intensity and contact training.
• Spend time working on your core strength and balance.
• Practice sport-specific movements you will need to use in the game.
• Take enough time to rest and recover.

 

New Zealand Institute of Private Investigators
New stalking and harassment offence: implications for investigators and security professionals

From 26 May 2026, the Crimes Legislation (Stalking and Harassment) Amendment Act 2025 comes into force, creating a standalone criminal offence for stalking and harassment for the first time in New Zealand law.

The legislation introduces penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment for patterns of behaviour directed at another person where the conduct is known to be likely to cause fear or distress. Importantly, the law focuses on cumulative conduct rather than isolated incidents. A pattern may be established by specified acts occurring on at least two separate occasions within a two-year period.

This development is highly relevant to both the private investigation and security sectors. Certain legitimate professional activities may, in some circumstances, superficially resemble conduct contemplated by the legislation. These may include surveillance, repeated attendances, following or monitoring individuals, covert online enquiries, contacting associates or witnesses, workplace enquiries, field intelligence gathering, and the use of digital tools.

The key distinction under the new framework will be lawful purpose, proportionality, professional conduct, and proper documentation.

The legislation contains protections for conduct undertaken for a lawful purpose, with reasonable excuse, or in the public interest. However, investigators and security professionals should expect complaint-driven scrutiny to increase, particularly in emotionally charged matters such as relationship disputes, family matters, employment issues, workplace conflict, and private domestic enquiries.

NZIPI considers the legislation reinforces the importance of:

• maintaining clear written client instructions
• confirming that investigations have a legitimate evidential, legal, commercial, safety, or public-interest purpose
• operating within strict professional and ethical boundaries documenting investigative rationale, decision-making, and proportionality
• complying fully with Privacy Act obligations
• maintaining robust operational policies and supervision of subcontractors and field staff
• exercising caution with covert online investigative techniques
• ensuring surveillance and field activity is necessary, proportionate, and properly authorised

In practical terms, this legislation is likely to accelerate the professionalisation of the industry and further distinguish licensed, compliant investigators and security professionals from unstructured or non-compliant operators.

Members engaged in surveillance, field attendance, online intelligence gathering, process serving, workplace investigations, domestic matters, or protective security work should review their operational procedures carefully.

NZIPI will continue monitoring the implementation of the legislation and its practical application within the investigative sector. We also encourage members to seek independent legal advice where necessary regarding their own operational practices.

As an industry, we must continue demonstrating that professional private investigation and security work in New Zealand is conducted lawfully, proportionately, ethically, and in the public interest.

Privacy Act update: IPP3A and indirect collection
A further topical development for investigators and security professionals is the introduction of Information Privacy Principle 3A, which came into force on 1 May 2026.

IPP3A creates new notification obligations where an agency collects personal information indirectly that is, from someone other than the individual concerned. This is particularly relevant to investigations, workplace enquiries, due diligence, intelligence gathering, and security risk assessments.

In broad terms, agencies may need to take reasonable steps to ensure individuals are informed about the collection, unless an exception applies. Exceptions may be relevant where notification would prejudice the purpose of the collection, would not be reasonably practicable, or where another statutory basis applies.

For NZIPI members, the practical message is clear: indirect collection should be purposeful, proportionate, documented, and assessed against the Privacy Act before information is gathered or relied upon.

Members should review their privacy notices, client engagement terms, operational procedures, and decision-making records to ensure they reflect the new IPP3A requirements.

NZIPI also encourages members to make use of the free privacy training available through the Office of the Privacy Commissioner. The Commissioner provides free online e-learning modules covering topics such as Privacy ABC, Privacy 101, Privacy Act 2020, Privacy Breach Reporting, Employment and Privacy, and other specialist areas. The training is self-paced, registration is required, and certificates of completion are available.

Members can access the training through the Office of the Privacy Commissioner’s e-learning portal at elearning.privacy.org.nz.

Daniel Toresen, Chair, NZIPI

Amplify your voice
NZSA is happy to publicise to our mailing list any news or press releases from our members. Please email [email protected] with your content.

 

NZSA Membership

We welcome the following new Provisional Corporate Members:

24/7 Security Ltd

Allied Alarms Ltd

Nevek Ltd

RISC Systems Ltd

and the following new Associate Individual Member:

Andrew Royds