CEO Report

Welcome to our May 2026 newsletter.

Isn’t it amazing how quickly events can change in today’s world! Two months ago, my commentary was reflecting on how the new year had kicked off in a positive manner with our members reporting strong business growth and improving economic indicators.

Today it is a very different picture as events totally outside of our political control now look likely to see New Zealand’s growth stall, inflation to rise rapidly and cause ongoing concerns about fuel supply continuity.

Whilst this has significantly impacted business confidence levels, it is pleasing to note that the security sector has proven to be very resilient to economic challenges, and I remain confident that my earlier prophecy of a busy year for our members will prove correct.

Fuel supply
The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted fuel supply throughout the world however New Zealand’s stocks, either landed or in-transit, remain reasonably strong due to our supply agreement with Singapore.

We have previously communicated the Government’s Fuel Response Plan 2026 that includes four escalating phases and whilst there is no short-term pressure to move from the current Phase 1, we have registered our sector with MBIE as an Essential Service provider, and identified those specialist service areas (such as Hospital security staff) that should be considered as either Band A – Life Supporting Services or Band B – Economically Important Services, should there be a need to move to Phase 4 and prioritise fuel supply.

To support our own knowledge of the composition of the security vehicle fleet we conducted a brief survey of members that indicated the following breakdown:

• Petrol 34%
• Diesel 33%
• Hybrid 32%
• Electric 1%

We will monitor this on a regular basis and expect that we will see a continued uptake in hybrid vehicles in lieu of petrol and diesel as technology improves, and running costs come under increased focus.

Part 6A – Vulnerable Workers
In July 2021 an amendment was made to the Employment Relations Act 2000 that added certain types of security services to the employees protected by Part 6A of the Act (continuity of employment if employees’ work affected by restructuring). This extended the same protections to Security Officers as those already held by cleaning, catering and some laundry and caretaking workers.

Following the amendment being passed, the NZSA provided its members with guidance on application of the legislation based on advice from our lawyers, and as followed by other impacted industries. In simplified terms, our interpretation was that the legislation provides the right for employees to transfer to a new employer on their existing employment terms and conditions where a contract transfers to a new provider.

This interpretation was recently challenged by one of our members based on an opinion provided by their legal representatives.

Given that this is an important issue for the industry, and in the absence of any precedent setting case law, the NZSA consulted with the member and agreed to contract Michael Heron, KC, to review the legislation and provide a definitive legal opinion.

Michael Heron’s legal opinion supported the NZSA’s interpretation (and that of other industry sectors) and we now intend to engage with the HRSIG (Human Resources Special Interest Group) to develop a Good Practice Guideline covering application of Part 6A in a security context. The Guideline should be available on the NZSA website later this year.

ACC changes
ACC announced several changes in April that will impact levy invoices due in July.

Key changes include:

• All payment plans will now incur interest (plans previously provided a 6 month no interest plan).
• Penalties now have a 30-day payment period and penalty interest at 1.7% per month.
• Businesses in the Experience Rating Scheme will incur a 7.2% Levy increase.

Business start-up guidance
New Zealand has a culture of encouraging people to start up their own businesses however the sad reality is that some 90% of start-ups fail.

Whilst the numbers are not that high for the security industry, it still happens regularly and is a cause for concern given it impacts customers, staff and the reputation of the industry.

As the regulator for the security industry, the Registrar for the PSPLA is very mindful of this risk and has traditionally used caution when granting company or individual licences for those who do not have experience in running a business.

Given the absence of any recognised training in the fundamentals of running a business, the NZSA has developed an online training programme that includes 4 modules plus references and links:

1. Getting started

– Who can set up a business

– Establishing what type of business

– Registering the business

2. Financial Fitness

– Accounting and financial obligations

– Professional advice and support

3. Gaining and maintaining a security license

– Company and personal security license

– Annual security license returns

4. Good business practices

– Health and Safety requirements

– Policies and operating procedures

5. Reference documents and links

The Business Start-Up Guidance modules are nearing completion and will be available on the NZSA Training Hub within the next few weeks.

It is also interesting to note that there has been strong interest in the programme from other sectors such as Commercial Cleaning and Electrical who experience similar issues with business start-ups. They are considering how they can utilise the training modules and integrate their own specific licensing or regulatory requirements.

Briscoes Group trialling Facial Recognition Technology (FRT)
Briscoes Group has confirmed a year-long trial across 18 Briscoes and Rebel Sport stores in the North Island. This makes Briscoes the fourth major retailer to deploy the technology in New Zealand with Foodstuffs having rolled out FRT across 28 supermarkets and Bunnings currently running trials in 2 Hamilton stores.

The system that Briscoes is using was developed by Auror and the platform restricts use to known high-harm offenders, prevents retention of data relating to regular shoppers, and does not share data between organisations.

The NZSA continues to be supportive of the use of FRT in conjunction with appropriate controls as a tool to combat serious retail crime and to protect staff, customers, and security officers from violence, abuse and intimidation in retail environments.

Compliance advisory support – new partnership
The NZSA has partnered with Rosemary (Rosie) Killip of Building Networks to provide members with access to specialist compliance advisory support on an as-needed basis.

The partnership gives NZSA access to expert advice on access control compliance, including practical guidance on FAQs for members.

This arrangement strengthens NZSA’s ability to give members clear, practical guidance on SS3/2 requirements, building consents, exempt work, Certificates of Acceptance, IQP work, and related compliance issues. To contact Rosie, see the Building Networks website.

Rosie is also assisting the NZSA currently with a submission to MBIE concerning the Draft Compliance Schedule Handbook that fails to provide any example of required inspections and lacks specifics.

Nominations for NZSA Board Cadet position
As covered in our last newsletter, we launched the NZSA Board Cadet programme in 2024 providing an opportunity for representatives from two organisations to join the board in a non-voting capacity.

The programme provides a fantastic opportunity for talented individuals looking to develop their skills and capabilities, particularly in governance focused roles and the current cadets speak very highly of their experience.

We have one vacancy coming up in the next few months and have started advertising the role.

NZSA Membership renewals
A massive thank you to all members who have recently renewed your NZSA membership.

As a Not for Profit with voluntary membership, our continuation is always dependent on having the support of our members and to see such a high proportion of invoices paid within the first month validates that we must be providing benefit and value to our members.

Also, a reminder to those who are under cashflow pressure, we are happy to arrange a monthly payment plan.

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 Matthew John on [email protected].

 

Free job vacancy posting for members
As a NZSA member, you are able advertise any job vacancies for free on the NZSA website. Simply post a job here on Submit Job Listing:
NZSA website.

IPP3A now in force – what it means for private investigators in New Zealand
As of 1 May 2026, Information Privacy Principle 3A (IPP3A) is in effect. It introduces a clear obligation that will impact how investigators collect and handle personal information.

The core requirement is that where personal information is collected about an individual from a third party, rather than directly from that individual, there is now a requirement to notify them. That notification must cover the purpose of collection, who will receive the information, and their rights of access and correction.

For private investigators, this is a significant change. Much of our work involves indirect collection through witnesses, neighbours, databases, and open-source channels. On its face, IPP3A would require notification in most cases.

The key consideration is the exception framework. Notification is not required where it would prejudice the purpose of collection or the maintenance of the law.

This is directly relevant to investigative work. If notifying a subject would risk compromising an investigation for example by allowing evidence to be destroyed, witnesses to be influenced, or a narrative to be coordinated the exception applies.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has expressly recognised this in the context of fraud investigations. The same reasoning extends to a wide range of PI work including civil fraud, insurance investigations, litigation support, and other matters involving dishonesty or misconduct.

Other relevant exceptions include situations where:

• notification would undermine the purpose of the collection
• the information is publicly available
• the individual is already aware their information has been collected

What has not changed is that IPP3A does not remove the need to comply with IPP2. Investigators must still have a proper basis for collecting information indirectly and must limit collection to what is necessary and relevant. The expectation from the Privacy Commissioner is that reliance on exceptions is considered carefully and, where appropriate, supported by professional advice.

A critical point is that these exceptions are not indefinite.

The ability to rely on “prejudice to the investigation” or “maintenance of the law” generally exists while the investigation is active. Once the risk of prejudice falls away for example when a matter is concluded, reported, or proceeds to litigation there may be an obligation to notify the individual that their information was collected.

This represents a shift from historical practice and requires ongoing assessment as each matter progresses.

Where an exception is relied upon, investigators should document the decision and the reasoning behind it. This should not be a one-off note; it should be reviewed and updated as the investigation evolves.

If challenged, the expectation will be that the investigator can demonstrate why notification would have prejudiced the investigation at the relevant time.

Bottom line for NZIPI members:

For most live investigations, the exception will apply and notification will not be required at that stage. However, members should:

• build IPP3A compliance into your case file from the moment a matter is opened
• document reliance on exceptions clearly and contemporaneously
• reassess the position at key milestones in the investigation
• review engagement letters to ensure they record the lawful basis for indirect collection from the outset
• review internal processes to reflect this change

IPP3A does not prevent effective investigative work, but it does require a more structured and defensible approach to how and when personal information is collected and how decisions are recorded.

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 Member Benefit – Triple One Care
We’re delighted to announce that Triple One Care will be partnering with the NZSA to design bespoke first aid training and products to meet the needs of our industry. Watch this space.

 

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Security Training and Professional Development

Training, standards and workforce pathways
The Security Industry Group (SIG) met in late March to progress key initiatives focused on strengthening training quality, industry standards and long term workforce development.

Training and qualification developments
Core security training continues to roll out nationally, with workshops delivered across the country. Work is progressing on a consolidated Level 3 security programme designed to simplify learning pathways, with a planned launch in the second quarter. National discussions are also underway on the future structure of security qualifications, with decisions expected shortly.

Skills Board collaboration and quality assurance
Engagement with the Services Industry Skills Board remains strong, with ongoing operational collaboration and a national quality assurance plan in place. Security is scheduled as a focus area later this year. There is growing industry involvement in advisory groups, reflecting a shift toward learner and industry driven outcomes. Efforts continue to better align academic requirements with operational security practice.

Learning resources and digital access
The standardised national approach to COA training is nearing completion, with further improvements expected through the integration of a digital learning platform that will provide centralised access to resources. Assessment content is also being reviewed to ensure clarity, relevance and consistency across the sector. We are confident that this much improved approach to the mandatory COA training will be available through a number of training organisations by the end of this year.

Advanced training and legislative context
Advanced security training options continue to be explored, particularly in relation to lawful powers and decision making. Further engagement with Police and governance oversight will be required before any new training pathways are confirmed.

Industry engagement and events
Planning is well underway for the Crowded Places Forum in July at Eden Park. The forum will focus on practical, scenario based learning and cross sector engagement, supported by a small number of exhibitors and neutral industry speakers.

Industry standards and member assurance
Mandatory annual self-audits for corporate members commence from 1 April, supported by external review. Early feedback indicates the framework is lifting consistency and professionalism across the industry. Enhanced membership and communications capability is also strengthening engagement and information sharing.

Career pathways and youth engagement
Work continues on developing clearer career pathways into the security profession. While direct work experience opportunities for under 18s remain limited, short course options are supporting early engagement. Youth interest is strongest in de escalation and conflict management training, with providers exploring safe, supervised entry points such as event support roles.

We welcome enquiries from industry participants who would like to participate in the STPDSIG contact Andy Gollings on [email protected].

Andy Gollings, STPDSIG Chair, NZSA Board Member

Security Consultants
The Security Consulting Special Interest Group (SCSIG) last met on 9th April with sixteen members in attendance, including several new members.

Key topics covered included:

HB167:2025 Security Risk Management Handbook

• The recently updated guide for conducting security risk assessments has been published by Standards Australia and the NZSA has secured a hard copy and 10 user licenses that can be made available to members free of charge.
• Group member Jeff Brown has also provided an overview of key changes from the original document for the benefit of members.
• The NZSA has drafted a new Code of Practice for Security Consultants and will circulate to the group for initial feedback.
• The NZSA Code of Practice for Secure Destruction of Sensitive Material has been updated and is now available on the NZSA website.
• AS/NZS 2201.1.2007 Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of alarm systems has been updated by a joint Australian and New Zealand working group (with four NZSA members volunteering input) and is undergoing final peer review prior to release.
• The NZSA has introduced Member Self-Audits from 1st April. Whilst the self-audits currently exclude security consultant members, this will change once the Code of Practice for security consultants is finalised.
• Member engagement in the Resilience Planning for Security of Crowded Places Forum scheduled for 21st and 22nd July was encouraged, including for those interested in presenting.

If you have any Security Consultant areas of interest which you feel deserves NZSA focus please contact Gary Morrison on [email protected].

Nicholas Dynon, SCSIG Chair

 

Electronic Security
The ESSIG met on 16th April with a strong member turnout.

Our guest, Rosie Killip from Building Networks, led a robust discussion on the draft MBIE Guidance Handbook covering compliance requirements. The handbook reinforces focus on egress control rather than access control however provides minimal guidance for security providers with regards to technical security system checks.

The handbook also specifies annual inspections whereas common practice would normally be for half-yearly or even quarterly.

The group will provide feedback and input that will enable the NZSA (with assistance from Rosie) to develop an NZSA Good Practice Guideline that clearly defines what checks should be included, and to lobby MBIE and relevant agencies to have this reflected within their guidance.

Other topics covered during the meeting included updates on the Skills Group scheme for apprentices, the establishment of the ETITCISB (Electrotechnology, Information Technology and Creative Industry Skills Board) that now oversees NZQA training for our sector and feedback provided to Skills on some issues regarding the onboarding of apprentices and minor issues with the training materials.

For those who may be interested in joining the SIG please contact either Mike McKim on [email protected] or Gary Morrison on [email protected] for further information.

Mike McKim, ESSIG Chair

HR/Employment Relations
Kia ora,
The SIG has sought and received several legal interpretations regarding the application of Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act 2000. Having received this advice, we are now in a strong position to begin reviewing the current best practice guidelines and ensuring that they are fit-for-purpose for the industry.

We are still welcoming expressions of interest and if you would be keen to participate and join the HR/ER SIG then please don’t hesitate to contact myself [email protected] or NZSA CEO, Gary Morrison on [email protected].

Napat Pawapootanon, HR/ERSIG Chair

 

NZSA Membership

We welcome the following new Provisional Corporate Member:

3M Security Pty Ltd

and the following new Associate Individual Members:

Anthony Jackson

Kyle Lucas

 

Events

Sec Tech 2026
SecTech NZ brings the latest security solutions to three NZ cities this June

SecTech NZ is bringing 27 of New Zealand’s leading security suppliers to Auckland on June 9, Wellington June 11 and Christchurch on June 16.

SecTech NZ exhibitors include Pacific Detectors, Permaconn, NZSA, Inner Range, Surveillance Technologies, ISCS, TP-Link, Aiphone, Uniview, Net Alarms, Panasonic, Assa Abloy, Hikvision, Motorola, Torus, Clear Digital, Ecos Systems, Bosch, ICT, Allegion, OSD, DAS, AlarmWatch, OpenEye, Gallagher, Traka and Stentofon.

At SecTech NZ this June visitors will again see the latest developments in CCTV, access control, alarms, authentication, automation, electronic locking, security communications, key management and video intercoms, as well as cutting edge AI-driven solutions.

“Along with being the best opportunity to see the latest security products and technologies in your home town SecTech NZ is also a great chance to catch up with industry colleagues and customers in an informal environment – it’s going to be a brilliant event and we can’t wait to see you all again this year,” said SecTech NZ organiser, John Adams.

SecTech opens in Auckland on 9 June at Eden Park, 11 June in Wellington at Sky Stadium, and 16 June in Christchurch at Te Pae Convention Centre from 12-6pm, with drinks and nibbles from 4pm.

You can learn more about SecTech NZ dates and venues here and register as a visitor for your SecTech NZ city here.

Register here.

Auckland
Tuesday 9 June 2020
Eden Park

Wellington
Thursday 11 June 2026
Hnry Stadium

Christchurch
Tuesday 16 June 2026
Te Pae Convention Centre

Facilities Integrate 2026
Registrations are open for New Zealand’s largest FREE trade event for people who manage, secure, develop, design, influence and revolutionise the nation’s buildings and facilities, returning this July.

Discover products and services from over 250 suppliers, hear from industry experts on trending topics, and explore exciting features, including the integration of CleanNZ Expo as a dedicated new zone.

Join us at Facilities Integrate – the ultimate facilities management trade event of 2026!

Register here.

 

NZISF breakfast meeting

Topic:  Shadow AI, Insider Risk and the 2026 NZ Cyber Reality Check: when staff and AI collide – what Kordia’s 2026 data says about NZ cyber risk. Kordia’s latest report is landing at a pivotal moment, with fewer incidents being reported but the financial and operational damage from successful attacks sharply increasing. In this NZISF Zoom session, Patrick will unpack fresh data from nearly 250 medium to large organisations, including how AI enabled attacks have doubled, where staff misuse of AI is really biting, and what is actually keeping New Zealand business leaders awake at night.

If you advise, lead or run security in a New Zealand organisation, this is your chance to engage directly with the person behind one of the country’s most influential cyber surveys and consider how to translate those findings into concrete actions in your own environment. You’ll leave with talking points and metrics you can use in your next board pack, incident rehearsal or budget discussion, plus the opportunity to put your own questions to Patrick.

Speaker:  Patrick Sharp

Time:  8am, Thursday 14 May, online

Register here.