CEO’s REPORT
Welcome to our May 2023 newsletter.
I’m sure that like me you will be wondering where this year is disappearing to!
Before documenting some of the more important developments within the industry, I would just like to take the opportunity to thank all of those NZSA members who have renewed their membership for the 2023/2024 year. I appreciate that many businesses are finding conditions challenging at the moment and it certainly validates our efforts to provide value, and the worth of a strong and effective peak body, when we see an exceptional level of renewal.
FPA (Fair Pay Agreement) update
As we have reported in earlier communications, Etū has formally applied to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to commence the process of bargaining a Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) for Security Guards/Officers.
It is important to note that the application is for an occupation based FPA (being Security Guards/Officers) rather than industry based, which would have entailed excluding non-relevant roles.
Whilst the application was filed in late March, the reality is that the process will take quite some time.
On receipt of the application MBIE needs to verify and validate that the application meets all legislative requirements, including contacting at least 25% of the 1000 plus workers who signed in support of the application. As an indication, earlier applications have taken about four months to complete this phase.
MBIE then has to ensure that the proposed coverage clause is clear and if required, may seek public feedback on the application.
Once the application has been approved, MBIE will liaise with the respective bargaining parties (Etū for employees and NZSA for employers) and the parties will have a three-month window in which to formalise their respective bargaining teams. Only at that time can bargaining commence and, in our estimation, it is unlikely that this will occur prior to early 2024.
It should also be noted that both National and Act have stated they will repeal the FPA legislation if in government following the election in October this year.
This is a significant issue for the industry, and we will ensure that we provide comprehensive updates as required.
PSPLA processing delays
The PSPLA has advised that they have experienced recent processing delays with CoA applications and renewals. The issue related to glitches in the IT Case Management System which created a significant backlog. The issues have been addressed and we are advised that applications for Temporary Licences are back to being processed within two working days of receipt and full CoA applications within 6 to 7 working days, providing there are no objections, and the applicant passes the criminal history check.
Should any further issues occur, the PSPLA has committed to posting alerts on their website and emailing the NZSA and larger security companies advising of the delay and outlining what can be done for urgent applications that need processing.
Schedule 6A – Vulnerable Workers (employer obligations)
On 1 July 2021 changes were made to the Employment Relations Order 2021 that extended Part 6A Protections to Security Officers.
Under these protections, if a business is sold, transferred or contracted out to another employer, or if the business lost the security contract or the client decides to move the security function in-house:
- Continuity of employment: security officers can choose to transfer their employment to the new employer.
- The same employment conditions: security officers can keep their existing terms and conditions, and any types of leave that they may have left, as if there was no change of employer.
- Security officers can also decide not to transfer to the new employer, but this could mean they may be made redundant by the original employer.
We remind employers that it is a legal requirement that they comply with the legislation and that failure to do so may result in prosecution and significant penalties.
If employers are uncertain of the requirements, I strongly recommend that you contact us on [email protected] and request a copy of the restricted document Member Guidance for Part 6A Vulnerable Workers – Transfer of Undertaking – Best Practice Guideline.
Members support School Career Pathways promotion
In our last newsletter we mentioned that representatives from Red Badge Group and Alarm Solutions 2002 were attending a “speed dating careers event” at St Bede’s College in Christchurch.
Feedback from those in attendance has been very positive and with significant interest in security career opportunities being registered by a large number of students.
Developing School Gateway Program
We are pleased to advise that we are currently forming a partnership with The Learning Place training organisation to provide an opportunity for Year 13 secondary students to gain work in the security industry, including both the protective security and electronic security sectors.
Students will complete their CoA and additional health and safety training before undertaking work experience with an NZSA member. Conditions will be applied to ensure compliance from a licensing perspective.
This is a great opportunity for students to gain a valuable insight into the security industry and a great opportunity for NZSA members to provide work experience and potentially an opportunity to recruit new people to their business.
We look forward to keeping you posted as we move towards launching the program.
Delivery of NZCiS (New Zealand Certificate in Security) Level 3
We recently distributed an update from Te Pūkenga detailing the delivery of the NZCiS Level 3 qualification – Te Pūkenga information.
This is a great opportunity for employers to develop and upskill their staff and we encourage our members to contact Sean Hennessy on [email protected] for more information.
For clarification – the delivery excludes the Mandatory/CoA Training and employers can still conduct this training through existing PTE relationships however the training will not be funded.
NZSA and MSD Contract for placement of entry level Security Technicians
In our last newsletter we announced that the NZSA had entered into a short-term trial contract with MSD targeting the placement of candidates on the Job Seeker Benefit into full-time employment as entry level Security Technicians. As part of the support being provided, the NZSA will be able to use contract funding to provide successful candidates with a laptop, a comprehensive range of tools, work boots and enrolment into the Foundation Training programme for entry level Security Technicians.
Our first placement under the contract commenced employment with ICE Security in early March and has excelled in his role (see photo below).
To date we have identified a further 7 potential candidates and from feedback received, a number of those candidates are currently progressing with interviews and will hopefully receive employment offers in the coming weeks.
NZSA Online Training Hub
A reminder to members, and wider industry, that the NZSA Online Training Hub is live and can be accessed via the NZSA website.
Training resources currently available on the Training Hub are:
- Literacy and Numeracy Modules
- Electronic Security Good Practice
- Foundation Entry Level Security Technician Training Programme
We are currently looking to include a Foundation Training Programme for Security Officers and will have more information on this within the next month.
NZSA Saved a Life Medal
We were thrilled to announce our inaugural winners of the NZSA Saved a Life Medal last month.
Congratulations to:
- Leitualamavae Vaa and Shelley Herbert from Armourguard Security
- Lily Wilson from Alpha Security
Also congratulations our Highly Commended recipient Mike Fairbrother from Alarm Solutions.
To read the full story of their outstanding efforts see the NZSA website.
We also remind our members that nominations can be submitted via the NZSA website.
OSPA (Outstanding Security Professional Awards)
The OSPA’s awards event was held during April and our congratulations to the following award winners:
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Nathan Cray – Global Security Solutions
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
FIRST Security
Outstanding Security Consultant
Lee Ashton – Optic Security Group
Outstanding New Security Product
Responda – FIRST Security
Outstanding Security Partnership
IAG, Repairhub and Aotea Security
Outstanding Security Officer
Tua Iro – P4G Security
Outstanding Young Security Professional
Miranda Cannon – Red Badge Group
Outstanding Female Security Professional
Natasha Pennell – FIRST Security
Lifetime Achievement
David Horsburgh
I have been asked by several of our members why the NZSA supports a rival awards event and whether it is intended that the OSPA’s will eventually replace the New Zealand Security Awards event hosted by the NZSA.
The NZSA is committed to promoting a thriving security industry that operates professionally and ethically, where best practice and continuous improvement are recognised and rewarded, and where our employees are provided with opportunity and professional development. For those reasons we fully support all opportunities to celebrate the achievements and successes of those who work within the security industry and our view is that events such as the OSPA’s complement our efforts rather than being a competitor.
I can also assure our members that the New Zealand Security Awards event will only get bigger and better! We will continue to host the awards event at a date later in the year (normally September or October) and will take the hosting to regions outside of Auckland every second year. The New Zealand Security Awards also feature significantly more award categories with a stronger focus on the individuals providing the service.
On that note, please ensure that you have 15th September locked into your diary for this year’s Awards event being held at the stunning Te Pae Events Centre in Christchurch.
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 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
NZSA Membership
We welcome the following new Corporate Member:
Vault Security Services Ltd
and the following new Associate Individual Members:
Nicole Potter
Stefano Bird
Events
NZISF breakfast meeting
Topic: Navigating AI-driven cyber threats: comparing traditional security practices and continuous validation
The rise of AI-driven cyber threats demands a re-evaluation of traditional security practices, such as penetration testing. We will compare these current state operations to continuous security validation, emphasizing the need for a proactive, agile approach in cybersecurity. We will explore the limitations of traditional practices and the merits of Continuous Automated Red Teaming (CART), highlighting how continuous validation can identify vulnerabilities in real-time, adapt to evolving threats, and reduce response times for zero-day attacks. This will guide organisations in strengthening their security measures against sophisticated, AI-driven cyberattacks.
When: 8:00am Thursday 11 May 2023 via zoom
For further information and to register please see the NZSA website.
Member Benefits
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.
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].
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].
simPRO
simPRO is a leading operations management solution for service, maintenance and project contractors. Connect the office to the field, delivery exceptional customer service and gain invaluable insights with automated processes, streamlined workflows and in-depth business reporting.
NZSA members are eligible to receive a 20% discount on initial implementation costs of simPRO and for the month of November two months free!
For further information visit the simPRO website.
NZSA Speak Up Line
The NZSA Speak Up Line is free to members and provides access to a confidential service where staff can report issues such as bullying, sexual harassment, poor employment conditions, illegal practices such as theft or drug dealing and other matters of concern that may be occurring in the workplace and not being reported.
Phone 0800 775 775
Online reports www.integrityline-nz.org/nzsa
The NZSA will provide posters, business-sized card to go into wallets, stickers and introductory letters for your staff. They are designed for members to include their own corporate branding prior to distribution.
The service is particularly valuable where employees may be reluctant to speak up or report matters due to fears that by doing so it may affect their employment or risk further victimisation.
It is also important to note that such services meet government procurement requirements around providing a voice for staff.
This service is provided by Crimestoppers who obviously have considerable experience in handling sensitive calls in a confidential manner. They log the calls or online reports and forward to the NZSA for further investigation if required. The staff member can remain anonymous if they wish to do so.
Register for the NZSA Speak Up Line by emailing [email protected]. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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.