CEO’s Report

Welcome to our September 2025 newsletter.

It has certainly been a very busy time for us with the AGM held several weeks ago, attending the annual ASIAL conference in Sydney last week, and planning well underway for the NZ Security Awards event to be held on Friday 26 September.

At the AGM we welcomed our new Independent Chairperson, Don McKinnon and also confirmed the appointment of three new board members – Nik Boeinghoff (Optic Security), Nick Gibbs (First Security) and Damian Hegley (Alarm Watch). The meeting provided the opportunity to recognise our achievements over the last twelve months, and our strong financial performance and accumulated cash reserves enable us to continue investing in key strategic initiatives.

I will provide a detailed update on our key strategic focus areas in our next newsletter.

To view or download the NZSA Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2025, click NZSA_Annual_Report_2025.02.

 

ASIAL conference
As normal, it felt like half of the New Zealand security industry had decided to head to Sydney for the annual Security Exhibition and Conference.

The exhibition hall was extremely well attended, particularly with the inclusion of the AV sector, and whilst the number of exhibitors was down a little, all the key players in the electronics sector were well represented and with excellent stands.

I’m also pleased to say the conference was well supported and provided great learning opportunities with a broad range of quality presenters and on-point topics. Of particular interest for me were presentations by Dominic Olliff, Director of Venues Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Colin Green, Acting Superintendent Commander NSW Police, Protective Security Group Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics, and our own board member Jonathan Howe, Beca, on the Security of Critical Infrastructure (SOCI) Act.

For those who haven’t attended ASIAL, I would strongly recommend making the visit.

 

NZ Security Award’s event
I’m fortunate to have seen the nominations for this years’ awards event before they were forwarded to our judges for scoring and I can honestly say that we have a fantastic range of worthy candidates across all of the 19 award categories. At the time of closure for the nominations we had received 115 submissions from a wide range of employers. Our four judges (Ngaire Kelaher, Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor, Colin Pascoe and I) now face the extremely challenging exercise of reading through and scoring each nomination and we continue to make it even more difficult by providing guidance on how to make a winning submission.

This years’ event will be held at the fantastic Grand Millennium in Auckland and along with recognising and celebrating the best of the best in our industry, attendees will also enjoy a superb meal, drinks and entertainment.

All going well we will be announcing the finalists for each of the award categories within the next few days so keep an eye out for the announcement or alternatively, check our website for information on the finalists and booking seats or a table for the event.

 

Security of Crowded Places in New Zealand Forum
Over 22nd to 23rd of July, the NZSA hosted the inaugural Security of Crowded Places in New Zealand forum at the World Cup Lounge, Eden Park.

The initial concept for the event was promoted by the NZ Police and were thrilled to bring the event together in conjunction with the Crowded Places Security Advisory Group.

To ensure the inaugural event was a success, the NZSA funded the cost of the hosting, and we were rewarded with an enthusiastic uptake and eventually attendee numbers had to be capped at 100 and with an approximate 30 respondents on wait list.

The agenda covered presentations by the Police, industry experts and relevant stakeholders and included interactive sessions that enabled group discussion on how the security industry can work more closely with the authorities and help in making our community safer.

Following the forum, we commissioned an attendee Survey that will give us guidance on planning for a follow up event next year and also produced a report on the event that captures key information, learnings and outcomes from the various presentations. To download a copy of the Security of Crowded Places in New Zealand, click here.

The Police will be holding an official launch of New Zealand’s Crowded Places Strategy in Wellington on 8 September and we will provide details to our members and stakeholders immediately after.

 

NZSA AI chatbot
As advised in our last newsletter, we launched the NZSA website AI Chatbot in early July. Whilst we initially had a couple of minor glitches with the prioritising of access materials, the ability of the bot to access information and provide comprehensive and factually accurate responses is incredible.

Over the first six months of this year, we received and responded to in excess of 1,000 calls and emails with wide ranging questions about industry licensing, training, employment opportunities and other miscellaneous issues. We are now referring those enquiries to the chatbot on our website, and I have no hesitation in saying that the responses from the bot are more concise and accurate than what I would be able to provide.

One example that sticks in my mind is a question that came through concerning the use of smoke detectors on security systems and the applicable clauses within the applicable Standards. Whilst I had some basic knowledge of the requirements, I would have needed to access the Standard and then reference the applicable clauses and wording, something that would have probably taken at least half an hour, before responding to the member who had raised the question. Suffice to say that within 30 seconds, our bot had provided a detailed summary of the Standard and applicable requirements.

 

NZSA Member job listings
We have recently added the ability for members to advertise job vacancies on our website at no cost.

Whilst the NZSA website may not be the first point of reference for those seeking employment opportunities, we will be promoting this more widely and also have prominent links to the Job Listings page on our securitycareers.co.nz site, which provides excellent information on employment and career pathway opportunities within the security industry.

This is a great way to attract top talent while showcasing your business as part of a trusted, accredited network of NZSA members.

To submit a listing, simply:

1. Complete the online form at Submit a Job Listing
2. Once reviewed, the vacancy will appear on our Job Listings page

 

Ministerial Advisory Group – further submissions
The NZSA has maintained significant engagement with the Ministerial Working Group into Retail Crime, including making further submissions on proposed changes to the Trespass legislation, the potential use of defensive tools (such as pepper sprays) for retailers and security personnel, and proposed options to address anti-social behaviour.

We continue to advocate for a more holistic, prevention focused, and evidence-based approach to the issues being considered by the Advisory Group. Specifically, we oppose any loosening of the legislation pertaining to the use of batons, pepper sprays or other defensive tools on the basis that the use of them could increase risk, escalate violence, and create confusion around the roles and expectations of our workers.

Meeting Minister Nicole McKee (Minister for Courts and Associate Minister of Justice)

I had a very positive meeting with Minister McKee in late August to discuss the implications of the proposed changes to the citizens arrest legislation being promoted by the Ministerial Advisory Group.

The Minister understands and supports our position that those who are expected to detain offenders as part of their role must be appropriately trained and covered by a licence endorsement. Exploratory work on this will now commence between MoJ officials and the PSPLA, in consultation with the NZSA, but pleasingly it appears that this can be achieved through a change to the regulations rather than requiring a lengthy legislative change.

The Minister will also take up our case for the inclusion of security technicians onto the green list with Immigration NZ.

 

Disestablishment of Te Pukenga and WDC’s and creation of ISB’s
For those who have taken an interest in the vocational education sector, you will be aware that the interests of learners and employers have been largely lost over the last 6 or 7 years due to political ideology and constant change.

The most recent of those changes will occur at the end of this year with the disestablishment of Te Pukenga (New Zealand Institute of Skill and Technology) and the WDC’s (Work Development Councils) effective 31 December 2025 and the standing up of the new ISB’s (Industry Skill Boards) from 1 January 2026.

Whilst we don’t expect any short-term changes for training for the guarding sector, the electronics sector will now sit under the Electrotechnology ISB rather than being under the Construction and Infrastructure WDC. This should over time present additional training options for our learners and provide us with a stronger voice in ensuring the industry training meets learner and employer needs.

 

ACC reporting of claims
As part of our partnership with ACC we have been provided with a reasonably detailed analysis of work-related claims accepted for the five-year period 2020 to 2024, specific to the Industry Classification 78640 – Investigations and Security Services.

Key out-takes include:

• Total claims have been falling year on year and the number in 2024 (500) was 40% lower than in 2020 (704).
• Claims with medical costs only and claims with work compensation remained relatively consistent for 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 but dropped significantly in 2024.
• Claims by age, ethnicity and gender are closely aligned with workforce compilation.

Main causes for accidents include:

• Slips, trips and falls 21%
• Lifting, carrying and strains 20%
• Loss balance, personal control 19%
• Struck by person on animal 14%
• Pushed or pulled 6%
• Primary Injury sites include:
• Lower back or spine 19%
• Knee 14%
• Hand, wrist, finger or thumb 11%
• Ankle 8%
• Facial area 8%

We will continue to work closely with ACC and actively promote programmes and initiatives that can assist our members in managing down claims and costs.

In addition, we have asked for an annual update on these statistics, and should they validate a continued decline in claim numbers as recorded in 2024, we will have strong argument that the ACC rates applied to classification 78640.

 

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

Security of Crowded Places in New Zealand Forum

The Security of Crowded Places in New Zealand Forum was held in July 2025. A joint initiative of NZ Police, the NZSA and the Crowded Places Security Advisory Group. The event aimed to build the knowledge and skills of senior security practitioners and the owner/operators of crowded places and venues with regards to the Crowded Places Strategy and associated Police Resources.

The Security of Crowded Places in New Zealand Forum Report summarises the learnings from the event with a strong focus on the security industry and calls out key takeaways for the industry.

Click here to access the Report and Crowded Places Resources

 

AI in Action for the Security Industry – webinar now available to view

This is a practical session designed exclusively for NZSA members on how to embed AI into your security operations. Learn how AI is already transforming rostering, reporting, and task scheduling, and what it means for your business.

If you’re serious about productivity and future-proofing, this is one not to miss.

Please view here.

For further information about the member benefits for AI Training, please see the NZSA website.

 

Skillpod

The importance of resilience in the security industry

Have you considered the impact that the of resilience of your team has on the success of your security operations? A resilient workforce is essential for maintaining operational agility, driving performance and sustaining long-term success.

For further information about resilience in the security industry please download the document Importance_of_Resilience_in_Security.

 

NZIPI

The NZIPI Executive held a one-day session in Auckland in August, with a focus on providing more membership benefits, finalising our new constitution and considering corporate membership moving forward. We have seen a recent uptake in applications for membership though we remain cognisant in only approving suitable applications. Our various committees are hard at work on several projects and liaising with NZTA and PSPLA.

The mainstream media seem to be reporting more cases of fraud and dishonesty, and our members are also seeing a similar trend. Private Investigators are often the first point of contact for companies who suspect internal theft, and we have a good relationship with the authorities to be able to present a case for Police.

We have also just launched our “buddy System” comprising experts from our membership to assist other members across a wide variety of issues that might arise. The panel can be called upon by a member seeking advice, assistance or just to talk through legislative issues.

Ron McQuilter, Chair of NZIPI

 

Special Interest Groups (SIGs)

Security Training and Professional Development

Security Training & Standards Update

Te Pūkenga Transition
Te Pūkenga will close on 31 Dec 2025. Learners will transfer to EarnLearn (Infrastructure ISB) for up to two years. For security companies, it’s business as usual – no change to learner enrolments.

Curriculum & Standards
The National Security Curriculum is complete, with resources now being developed.
The Conflict Standard is close to final draft (due late July/early August, finalised by 1 Sept). Scenario packs will be created – and security company input will help shape realistic examples.
Foundation Skills Standards are progressing with Ringa Hora.

Trainer Registration
There’s strong support for a formal trainer registration system, aligned with NZSA guidelines (4098, CoA/Level 3, Train the Trainer plus refreshers). This will raise training quality and consistency across the sector.

Pre-Employment Training (Blue CoA)
Planning is well under way with the PSPLA for A new 2-hour online course that will be mandatory for anyone applying for a Blue Temporary CoA.

• Six modules covering the basics: duties, licensing, legal authority, incident response, communication, and awareness.
• Low cost (~$10) to avoid barriers for new staff.
• Expected to go live late 2025 or early 2026.

Advanced Security Officer Training
A 5-day advanced programme has been drafted and received strong industry support. While there’s some ministerial hesitation about linking it to extra powers, the Security Industry Group (SIG) is pushing to progress it as a proof of concept.

 

Career Pathways
Work is underway to bridge gaps between Level 3–4 and to design a qualification beyond Level 4. Three leadership pathways are being explored: Business, Guarding, and Security Risk Management. Industry feedback will be key to shaping these.

What Security Managers Should Do Now

• Stay engaged: Make sure your trainers and training plans are ready for possible trainer registration requirements.
• Plan for onboarding changes: Factor in the new Blue CoA pre-employment course – a quick, low-cost way to get recruits job-ready.
• Have your say: When asked, provide input on scenario packs and career pathways so they reflect real operational needs.
• Think ahead: Advanced training may set the benchmark for higher-level roles. Start considering who in your team could benefit.
• The takeaway: Entry-level training is about to get more consistent, trainer standards will lift, and clearer career pathways are on the way. For managers, it’s a chance to prepare your teams and influence how the future of industry training takes shape. As always, we need your input, if there areas of concern or you need more information, please join the SIG meetings or reach out to the NZSA.

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

Andy Gollings, STPDSIC Chair

 

Partner updates

Waihanga Ara Rau

Update from Waihanga Ara Rau – Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Council

We appreciate your engagement in the development of the Electrotechnology Phase 1 Skills Framework project to date. With a special thanks to Greg Angell for representing the interests of the security sector in our project Steering Group.

Electrotechnology Phase 1 has documented the comprehensive skills framework and has met with industry, schools, and providers across many electrotechnology sectors. The next steps for Phase 1 include writing a final report and prioritising development of core skills that are shared across all trades within Electrotechnology. Visit the Electrotechnology Phase 1 project page to see a summary of recommendations.

Thank you for your continued support on our projects to develop vocational qualifications that meet the needs of industry and learners.

 

NZSA Membership

We welcome the following new Corporate Members:

SPS Security Ltd

 

and the following new Provisional Corporate Members:

Bigwood Enterprises Ltd

ISS Facility Services Ltd

Pai Ora Ltd trading as D4 Services

 

and the following new Associate Individual Members:

Amit Kumar

David Fernee

Julian Columbus

Oliver Simpson