New Zealand Security Magazine

The qualification develops and advances critical research, critical thinking and writing, analytical best practice as well as exploring relevant twentieth and twenty-first century intelligence operations. It is aimed at those wishing to develop advanced critical skills in relation to their existing or prospective intelligence sector careers in New Zealand.

Graduates of this year long programme will possess an advanced knowledge of intelligence analysis processes, be grounded in relevant previous operational intelligence experiences and have a critical understanding of the ethical and professional issues involved.

The programme of study consists of two 30-credit courses:

Qualification Requirements

Semester ONE, 294741: Intelligence in the International Security Environment

A critical examination of intelligence theory and practice, focusing on key concepts and methodologies of intelligence collection and analysis, analytical tools, frameworks and concepts applied to investigations and operations in the contemporary international security environment.

Course Controller:

Dr Rhys Ball, Centre for Defence and Security Studies (Auckland)

Semester TWO, 294744: Intelligence Operations

A comprehensive grounding in the operational intelligence environment in the second half of the 20th century, into the 21st century. Participants will consider the development of intelligence practices both in New Zealand and around the world, from the evolution of intelligence contributions from the end of World War Two, to the intelligence challenges of the 2020s. Intelligence operations are critically reviewed, including intelligence success and failure, espionage against friends and allies, and policing and private intelligence formats.

Course Controller:

Dr John Battersby, Senior Fellow, Centre for Defence and Security Studies (Wellington)

To enroll in this qualification, students must have been awarded or qualified for a relevant Bachelor's degree, or be able to demonstrate scholarly work in conjunction with extensive relevant professional experience for Admission with Equivalent Status.

For further information, please contact John: j.m.battersby@massey.ac.nz, or Rhys: r.ball@massey.ac.nz.

NZ S M

Nick

Dynon

Chief Editor

Nick has written for NZSM since 2013. He writes on all things security, but is particularly fascinated with the fault lines between security and privacy, and between individual, enterprise and national security.

Prior to NZSM he clocked up over 20 years experience in various border security and military roles.

Contact Details:

Chief Editor, Nick Dynon

Phone: + 64 (0) 223 663 691

Email: nick@defsec.net.nz

Publisher, Craig Flint

Phone: + 64 (0)274 597 621

Email: craig@defsec.net.nz

Postal and delivery address: 27 West Crescent, Te Puru 3575, Thames, RD5, New Zealand

Kia ora and welcome to the October-November 2025 issue of New Zealand Security Magazine! It’s awards season, and this year saw Tamaki Makaurau Auckland play host to the big event – we cover all the winners in this issue of NZSM!

Firstly, a big thanks to our wonderful advertisers. Our advertisers are businesses that are committed to our industry. Through their sponsorship of this magazine they play an important role in contributing to a vibrant and informed security sector.

NZSM was again proud to be a category sponsor at this year’s New Zealand Security Awards, and it was an absolute honour to be at the Grand Millennium to celebrate the amazing finalists and award winners. Congratulations to all of you, and especially to Ray Nisbet from FIRST Security who was awarded both the Patrol Officer of the Year and the 2024 Security Professional of the Year Award!

Inside, 17 September saw the launch of a new safety campaign to guide New Zealanders on what to do to stay safe during an armed offender incident in a crowded place. It is hoped that Escape Hide Tell becomes as well known to Kiwis as “Drop. Cover. Hold.” Also during the month, ASIS International introduced its groundbreaking new Executive Protection Standard that provides actionable guidelines for risk assessment, planning, and implementation of executive protection services.

In a timely article, Professor Michael Townsley of Griffith University writes that even with rising retail theft, the evidence doesn’t support a widespread cookie-cutter rollout of fortress-style security measures for all supermarkets. In a recent statement, the Privacy Commissioner warns that even though retail crime is a serious issue, so are the privacy implications of sharing possible shoplifters’ photos online.

In a recent update, the Police Minister notes that the government’s policies are making a positive impact as the numbers of beat police increase amid a drop in the number of serious crimes.

There’s plenty more great reading inside this issue of NZSM, including a great article by ICARAS Security Consultants, mastering physical security risk management is about more than compliance—it’s about cultivating a culture of foresight and fortitude.

Also, if you haven’t already, consider subscribing to our regular eNewsletter THE BRIEF . It’s a great way to keep up to date with the latest. If you’re not already an NZSM subscriber, make sure you visit www.defsec.net.nz to sign up!

Lastly, from the team here at NZSM, congratulations to all nominees, finalists and award winners at the New Zealand Security Awards, and congratulations to the NZSA for again putting on a great event!

Nicholas Dynon, Auckland

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this publication is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, neither the publishers nor any person involved in the preparation of this publication accept any form of liability whatsoever for its contents including advertisements, editorials, opinions, advice or information or for any consequences from its use.

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Celebrating the best of the best: New Zealand Security Awards 2025

Auckland’s Grand Millennium Hotel was the venue for the security industry’s night of nights, and once again the New Zealand Security Association delivered a glittering celebration worthy of this year’s inspiring award winners.

Organised by the New Zealand Security Association, the security industry’s night of nights took place at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland, on Friday 26 September.

The premier event on the industry calendar for providers of security services, systems, and solutions, the 2025 edition of the New Zealand Security Awards did not disappoint, with winners announced across 19 categories.

Special guests for the evening were Hon Mark Mitchell, Minister of Police, Minister of Corrections and Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Hon Nicole McKee, Associate Minister of Justice, Trish McConnell, Registrar, PSPLA, and Sunny Kaushal, Chair for the Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime.

Highlights included speeches by Police Minister Mark Mitchell and PSPLA Chair Trish McConnell.

“It was wonderful to come together on Friday at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland to celebrate the 2025 NZ Security Awards,” stated an Association announcement. “We’re grateful to everyone who contributed to making the evening such a success – from those who submitted nominations, through to our finalists and generous sponsors.

“A special congratulations to all of our 2025 Award Winners. We were delighted to honour your achievements and recognise the outstanding impact you continue to make across the security industry.”

And this year’s award winners are:

Security Professional of the Year and Patrol Officer of the Year sponsored by Gallagher Security

Winner: Ray Nisbet, FIRST Security Ray Nisbet exemplifies the highest standards in patrol security, combining calm, empathy, and unwavering professionalism. Trusted

by one of First Security’s largest national clients and the Christchurch community, he consistently goes above and beyond.

From caring for a vulnerable child, de-escalating threats, to managing serious road accidents, Ray’s courage and sound judgement protect lives and diffuses danger, giving clients and the public peace of mind.

Ray’s nomination included many examples of exceptional service, including an incident in March this year where he responded to a panic alarm activated by client staff members who were being threatened by an aggressive male. Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Ray arrived at the scene swiftly and assessed the situation with sharp focus.

Upon locating the individual, Ray acted decisively to contain them, using calm but firm communication to prevent any escalation. His presence alone helped to stabilise the tension, reassuring the staff who were understandably shaken by the confrontation.

Throughout the incident, Ray maintained control of the situation whilst prioritising everyone’s safety, skillfully managing the aggressor’s behaviour without resorting to force. He coordinated closely with arriving Police officers, briefing them thoroughly to ensure a smooth handover and prompt resolution.

Thanks to Ray’s quick action, professional demeanour, and effective de-escalation techniques, a potentially volatile and dangerous situation was defused, and staff were kept safe from harm.

Customer Champion of the Year Sponsored by HIKVISION

Winner : Steve Cook, Gallagher Security

Throughout his 40-year career (with 20 years at Gallagher Security), Steve Cooke has been the trusted partner behind some of New Zealand’s most complex and high-profile security projects. Known for translating technical capability into real-world business value, Steve consistently delivers measurable results for customers.

Steve’s nomination includes multiple customer references however one of the most impactful examples of Steve’s customer-first approach is his involvement with Changing Places, a charity focused on providing accessible changing and toilet facilities for individuals with multiple or complex disabilities.

Since 2018, Steve has played a key role in designing and implementing a scalable access control solution for these facilities across New Zealand. He facilitated Gallagher’s sponsorship of the pilot site at Hamilton Gardens and has continued to support the initiative as it expanded to locations in Auckland, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, New Plymouth and Wellington. His ongoing contributions have directly enhanced the lives of disabled individuals and their caregivers across New Zealand.

Design and Support Electronic Sector Professional of the Year

Guarding Sector Trainee of the Year Sponsored

by EarnLearn Services

Winner : Zarn Strickland, FIRST Security.

Zarn has risen from a frontline officer role to one of First Security’s standout leaders at the high-profile Reserve Bank of New Zealand site. His drive, focus and commitment to excellence sets him apart.

A proven achiever, Zarn has completed NZQA Level 3 Security and Team Leadership and is now enrolled for Level 4.

Referee’s supporting Zarn’s nomination refer to his professionalism, operational excellence and relationship building and state by setting high standards and fostering development, he proves that training is a pathway to real capability, resilience and safer outcomes.

His dedication to doing “what’s right, not what’s easy” makes him a deserving winner of this award.

Install and Service Electronic Sector (Corporate) Technician of the Year

Michael

Pepper Award for Outstanding Security Training Initiative of the Year

Sponsored by Intuto Learning Management System

Winner : Advanced Security Group (NZ) Ltd.

Advanced Security Group is a leading electronic security integrator with approximately 180 employees across 20 locations from Whangarei to Invercargill.

In late 2024 the business transferred all training and licensing data into a new HR Information Management System, creating a single source of

truth – assessable anytime, anywhere, to individual staff, administrators and managers.

This has enabled the business to easily monitor compliance for health and safety, maintain contractor inductions, and importantly, to focus on staff development and career pathways.

As a result, there has been a significant uptake in training and certification during 2025 – evidenced by a 31% increase in Core Health and Safety Certifications, a 25% increase in contractor inductions and a 27% increase in technical training.

Furthermore, voluntary staff turnover has dropped significantly, improving staff continuity, reducing recruitment costs, and enhancing client satisfaction.

Monitoring/Communications Centre

Operator of the Year

Security Administrator of the Year Sponsored by Simpro

Winner : Chris Stewart, FIRST Security.

Chris Stewart exemplifies excellence, dedication and professionalism in security administration, with over 30 years of service to FIRST Security’s South Island operations. Known as the dependable “go-to” expert, he manages payroll, billing, client accounts, and financial reporting – all with precision and commitment.

Chris is described as a critical cog in the FIRST Security business. Whilst he may work quietly behind the scenes, his impact is far reaching and vital.

Security

Consultant of the Year Sponsored by Gallagher Security

Winner : Nicholas Dynon, Optic Security Group.

As a security consultant, Nick has demonstrated outstanding technical and leadership skills that have not only influenced his consultancy customers but also his professional peers within the security industry and beyond.

Comments from a key customer include:

“Nick’s leadership has been instrumental in standardising workflows and establishing enterprisewide security policies, creating a structured, efficient, and future-proof security framework. His team has also cultivated strong relationships ensuring collaboration and alignment in security initiatives.”

“With unparalleled expertise in governance and security he has been a driving force in transforming electronic security and video surveillance systems for our organisation into an Enterprise Level solution”.

In addition, Nick’s influence on his security consultancy peers internationally was recognised in July 2025 with his listing in the Top 40 Global Thought Leaders in Security.

Security Integrator of the Year Sponsored by HIKVISION

Winner : Victoria University Wellington Update Team. Optic Security Group Optic Security Group has just completed a significant upgrade of the Victoria University Wellington’s electronic security systems, including a range of future-focused integrations.

The upgrade team was led by Aaron Johnson and comprised team members:

• Ruperake Lave

• James Sutherland

• Soul Lauvi-Johnson

• Tony Taingahue

Optic Security has worked in partnership with the University since 1990 and now comprising 260

buildings over 5 campuses, and with-in excess of 1,500 doors, 600 plus cameras and a database of 110,000 cardholders.

Customer references include:

“The VUW Upgrade Team is a security integration dream team, including a great mix of experience and enthusiasm with the common denominator for all team members being talent and commitment”.

“The Asset Upgrade Project has taken our environment from one where we routinely had CCTV or controllers go down and create significant reactive work and risk, to an environment that is stable and functioning well. This has benefits for the University as a whole and has reduced our spend on reactive maintenance, while ensuring our Security Team has better data and oversight of the complex university environment.”

Security Officer of the Year Sponsored by New Zealand Security Magazine

Winner : Oselise Muliava and Roshan Mohammed, Armourguard Security. On 28th July 2025, a violent brawl involving two groups of youngsters erupted at Manukau Bus Station at approximately 20.00 hours. The confrontation quickly escalated, with three knives being brandished and used against a young man, placing the lives of the victim, bystanders and participants at immediate risk.

Officers Oselise Muliava and Roshan Mohammed acted swiftly and deliberately placed themselves as “body shields” to protect the teenager, who was now on the ground and still under attack. While they were on the ground

protecting the victim, the group of teenagers circled them, still attempting to stab the victim.

The officers’ brave, calm, decisive intervention under extreme pressure, along with providing effective first aid and coordination with emergency services, was crucial in preventing further harm and saving the young man’s life.

The day after the incident, the youngster’s parents visited the bus station to express their heartfelt gratitude to the officers for their heroic efforts. Additionally, the young man himself made a video call from his hospital bed to thank the officers directly, underscoring the profound impact of their life saving actions.

The nomination for Oselise and Roshan included a number of CCTV stills from the bus station and we have permission to show the following images of their initial intervention and placing themselves over the victim to prevent further attack. Whilst not the clearest, they highlight the seriousness of the incident and the heroic efforts of both Oselise and Roshan.

Security Supervisor/Operations Manager of the Year Sponsored by Guardhouse

Winner : Nanaia Hua, SPS Security. This award is somewhat different to the norm, and in part reflects the efforts and capability of Nanaia in turning around the fortunes of SPS Security from a pending enforced closure that would have seen in excess of 100 staff and contractors lose employment, to a position where the business is now thriving under her stewardship.

SPS Security is based in Dunedin and specialises in hospitality and events security. Nanaia joined SPS in March 2024 as a security guard and office administrator. She has degrees in psychology and neuroscience and is currently undertaking a business degree.

Unfortunately, during the latter half of 2024 the SPS business was subject to a number of complaints to the PSPLA and the decision of the Registrar was to remove the company’s security license (which would have meant closure of the business) unless they agreed to work closely with the NZSA in adopting the Codes of Practice and worked towards becoming an Accredited (Audited) Member.

The NZSA recommended that SPS work with independent consultant Lincoln Potter to implement the necessary changes. Lincoln quickly identified that many of the issues facing the company related to the business owner, Danny Taimalie, being overwhelmed with the demands of other business interests, and a lack of support from his existing Supervisory Managers.

Given Nanaia’s obvious capabilities, she was promoted to Operations Manager and given responsibility for overseeing the business transformation. In Lincoln’s words, “Nanaia stepped up and started tearing into it. I certainly do not know of any operations manager that has engaged in a complete groundup rebuild of company governance documentation inclusive of having a forensic knowledge of all the evidential requirements of three NZSA Codes of Practice”.

The great news is that in July SPS successfully completed the NZSA audit and are now recognised as an Accredited Member and all PSPLA requirements pertaining to renewing their license have been met.

Furthermore, the company has retained its customers and staff and references validate their improved performance, including the following testimonial from one customer:

“Nanaia is calm under pressure, decisive in emergencies and approachable in daily interactions –qualities that have earned my trust and

respect. Her reliability, integrity and commitment to excellence make her a shining example of what a security professional should be.”

Security Trainer or Workplace

Assessor of the Year Sponsored by Skills Group

Winner : Ben Kingi Senior and Ben Kingi Junior, Pop Training. This father and son team are fully committed to strengthening the performance and capability of the security industry through consistent, high-quality delivery and unmatched geographical reach.

In addition to servicing the larger centres, they have established a regular presence across the smaller districts from Whangarei to Invercargill, and everywhere between. Their “People over Profit” (POP) business approach

puts learner outcomes first, and they proudly support community pathways, including Work and Income referrals to help new people enter and thrive in the security workforce.

Multiple referrals from security providers and learners refer to their professionalism, knowledge and commitment towards ensuring the best outcomes for those entering the industry – encapsulated in the statement “we are grateful to work with someone who truly cares about people, and who delivers training that makes a real difference”.

Specialised

Security Services

Professional of the Year

Escape. Hide. Tell. The three words that could save your life

17 September saw the launch of a new safety campaign guides New Zealanders on what to do to stay safe during an armed offender incident in a crowded place, writes Nicholas Dynon.

Symbolically, the launch took place at Wellington’s 34,500-seat Sky Stadium, a venue that has had some involvement in the campaign over several years.

In 2022, the stadium drew media attention for releasing a safety video that featured the “Escape. Hide. Tell.” messaging. The video was released on YouTube, but visitors to the stadium were not played the full version on the stadium’s big screen due to airtime constraints.

“The campaign communicates three easy steps for people to follow that will help them stay safe in the unlikely event of an active armed offender incident in a crowded place,” said Police Minister Mark Mitchell , who was not able to be present at the launch.

“New Zealanders love to get together and this is all about being prepared in public spaces, such as a sports and events venues, transport hubs or places we shop,” he said.

“I want to be clear that we are not expecting increased danger or risk in New Zealand, and while the advice may seem obvious, similar campaigns overseas have been helpful at guiding people.”

The three simple words to remember are: Escape. Hide. Tell.

• ESCAPE. Move quickly and quietly away from danger, but only if it is safe to do.

• HIDE. Stay out of sight and silence your mobile phone.

• TELL. Call the Police by dialling 111 when it is safe.

Among launch attendees were Associate Minister of Police Casey Costello, Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson, Director-General of the NZ Security Intelligence Service Andrew Hampton, Sean Bolton, Executive Director of the National Security Group at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and representatives from Queensland Police and several advisory and expert groups, including the New Zealand Security Association.

The safety of crowded places is a shared responsibility, said NZ Police Senior Prevention Adviser Richard Scott. “Whether you’re a business owner, event organiser, security professional, or member of the public— everyone has a role to play in helping detect and prevent attacks,” he stated in relation to the launch.

They are sentiments backed by the security industry’s peak body, the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA),

which just weeks earlier had funded and hosted an event supporting the Crowded Places strategy for police and private and community sector stakeholders in Auckland.

“We strongly encourage all members to embed this training into staff inductions and health & safety processes, ensuring every team member is familiar with the strategy,” stated the Association in an ‘Escape. Hide. Tell.’ LinkedIn post.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner, a key supporter of the Crowded Places strategy over several years, concurred that the safety and wellbeing of people in stadiums, markets, transport hubs, and public spaces is a shared responsibility.

“I have been part of the Crowded Places Business Advisory Group since its inception and during this time I have seen the collective commitment of Police, government agencies, and industry leaders to this important work,” he said.

Eden Park is proud to contribute to these conversations and to continue doing our part in protecting the shared experiences that bring people together.

As New Zealand’s national stadium, we play a key role in supporting initiatives that strengthen public safety and community confidence. Every event, whether sport, culture, or community, is underpinned by our commitment to ensuring people feel safe, welcome, and connected.

“Safety and security are essential to everything we do at Sky Stadium. That’s why we’re supporting with the launch of Escape. Hide. Tell.,” announced Sky Stadium via a LinkedIn post.

“We work closely with NZ Police, intelligence agencies, and emergency services at every event to ensure bestpractice safety and security for our visitors. While initiatives like this may be difficult to think about, we recognise the importance of being prepared to protect our fans, staff, and community.”

The stadium’s General Manager Events & Operations, Mat Hellyer, leads the Crowded Places Business Advisory Group that works with the police to promote the government’s Crowded Places strategy.

A contested idea internationally

As simple as it sounds, the three-word call to action has been the subject of fierce international debate between security specialists over many years.

In the US, the official messaging is “Run. Hide. Fight.”, and in the UK it’s “Run. Hide. Tell.”, while in Australia it’s “Escape. Hide. Tell.” Ultimately, New Zealand settled on the Australian version.

The fact that the messaging has undergone the evolution that it has from the UK to the US and Australia is indicative that there are diverging views and that it is an object of

contestation among practitioners, policy makers, and academics.

In the US, both the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) endorse the “Run. Hide. Fight.” Approach, which advocates attempting to disrupt and/or incapacitate an armed attacker “as a last resort, and only when your life is in imminent danger.”

According to the DHS , efforts could include acting as aggressively as possible towards the attacker, throwing items and improvising weapons, yelling, and “committing to your actions”.

But, as this CNN article highlights , there is much practitioner debate around the ‘Run. Hide. Fight.’ messaging. A number of jurisdictions in the US, for example, have moved away from the “hide” aspect in favour of less passive options. Doing things like creating distance and barriers –rather than hiding – is viewed by some practitioners as more useful.

In 2018, Norwegian Security Services released guidance that attempted something of a compromise, advising the public to ‘Run.’ ‘Hide.’ and if no other choice ‘Fight’.

In an article published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction , researchers compared the impact of “Run. Hide. Tell.” and “Run. Hide. Fight.” messaging on behavioural intentions in two different hypothetical terrorist scenarios.

They noted that critiques of the ‘Run. Hide. Tell.’ guidance characterise it as ‘limp’ and argue that it leads to passivity in situations where a more active response would have been advantageous, whereas its supporters “argue that the encouragement of active resistance will lead to unhelpful ‘heroism’, which will put the ‘hero’ and others in more danger”.

Their comparative research found that while there is no evidence of the ‘Run, Hide, Fight.’ guidance leading to unwarranted ‘heroism’, there is evidence that the ‘Run, Hide, Tell.’ message may lead to increased likelihood of passivity in situations where more pro-active reactions would be beneficial.”

‘Fortress stores’ can fight theft – but is it how we want to shop?

Even with rising retail theft, the evidence doesn’t support a widespread cookie-cutter rollout of “fortress”-style security measures for all supermarkets, writes Professor Michael Townsley of Griffith University.

Professor

Michael Townsley is a Professor at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Griffith University

“ Fortress stores” with securitytagged chicken and steaks in wire security cages GPStracked jars of instant coffee. Everything from toothpaste and deodorant to face creams, locked inside display cases, with buttons to call for staff.

While those examples might sound extreme, they’ve already happened for shoppers in parts of the United Kingdom and the United States.

In Australia, we’ve only seen some of those measures, including trials of security tags on meat . But just last month, the owner of Dan Murphy’s and BWS said its bottle shops had moved expensive spirits and wine to locked displays, in conjunction with auto-lock doors and boosted staff training to deal with rising theft.

Other retailers – from Woolworths, Coles and IGA to Bunnings and Kmart – say they’re dealing with “a full-scale retail crime crisis”. Last week, new data showed 268,666 cases of theft in retail settings last year – almost half of the national thefts, even as residential thefts declined.

My research also found record levels of shoplifting, employee theft, fraud and customer aggression in the 2024 financial year, adding up to A$7.79 billion in merchandise losses, almost 2% of total turnover.

So what are retailers doing about rising thefts? And what other security

or staffing measures could we see over the next decade that could change how we shop?

Tightening in-store controls

Back in 2008 , when Woolworths began to phase in self-serve checkouts, its retail operations manager said:

The self-service checkout certainly doesn’t spell the death knell for manned checkouts, under no circumstances.

But over the years since then, self-checkout has become far more common, with far fewer checkout staff. That choice to save on checkout staff means retailers have also had to ramp up security.

It’s why if you’ve used supermarket self-service, you’ve likely seen your face pop up on the screen as you scan. That “public-view monitor” effect deters theft because humans tend to behave differently when we know we’re been watched.

To prevent what’s known as unpaid “push-outs ” of trolleys full of goods, some supermarkets such as Coles are trialling wheel-locking technology

If a customer tries to exit without paying, the wheels automatically lock and immobilise the trolley. Similar systems are used in the US .

For the growing number of Australian supermarkets with “smart gate” exits , the gate stays closed until cameras and computer vision systems confirm a payment has been made.

Major chains have also expanded computer-vision systems at selfcheckout. For instance, Woolworths has rolled out camera-based AI in more than 250 stores across NSW, Victoria and Queensland. The system flags mis-scans by changing indicator lights (from green to red or orange) and displays an image of the unscanned item to prompt rescanning.

Similarly, some systems now recognise loose produce visually, automatically detecting , say, bananas or Roma tomatoes as they’re placed on the scale, reducing how much shoppers need to navigate the checkout menu. These computer-vision upgrades speed up honest transactions and intercept mis-scans.

More obvious security, but more aggressive thefts

The anti-theft response isn’t only digital. Retailers have made security more visible, including uniformed guards and putting body-worn cameras on staff in higher-risk locations.

This approach is usually targeted to “risky facilities”: the minority of outlets that generate a majority of incidents.

For example, analysis of a US-based retailer showed that 85% shoplifting for the entire business took place in just 20% of their stores .

So depending on where you live and shop in Australia, your experience of how visible the security is can be very different.

What’s driving the rise in retail theft, as well as aggression?

The spread of cameras, AI and merchandise protection has made theft easier to detect. But it has also pushed staff into more confrontations with suspected offenders.

As QUT researchers note , “customer aggression is growing” and frontline staff report they are bearing the brunt.

Thieves have learned that aggression can cause staff to back away, making retail theft a comparatively low-risk crime.

Retailers are also grappling with highly organised gangs

Wesfarmers’ CEO Rob Scott recently said organised crime is a major threat , especially in Victoria, while sports retailer Rebel has said raids are “out of control ”.

This week, the CEO of independent supermarket chain Ritchies IGA said violence in Victorian stores has hit a “crisis point” and they are considering closing some stores.

Earlier this year, Victoria Police’s Operation Supernova dismantled

a syndicate accused of stealing $10 million in merchandise from Melbourne supermarkets in five months.

Is this how we want to shop?

Even with rising retail theft in Australia, the evidence still doesn’t support a widespread, cookie-cutter rollout of “fortress”-style security measures for all supermarkets, chemists or other big retailers.

But for some of the worst-affected stores, it is likely we will see more targeted “fortress” measures, including controlled entries and exits for individual aisles where high-risk item are located.

Trained greeters, clear sightlines and tidy, well-presented aisles can also make it easier to prevent theft

Self-checkout was sold as convenience. But if the outcome is more tension, more hostility, and less human connection , it’s hardly an improvement.

Shoppers don’t want to see fights at the checkout, and staff shouldn’t have to manage them.

Unless retailers can get this balance right, the real question risks becoming why would anyone still bother shopping in person?

This article was originally published in The Conversation on 10 September 2025.

Fortifying Resilience: Advanced strategies for physical security risk management

According to ICARAS Security Consultants, mastering physical security risk management is about more than compliance—it’s about cultivating a culture of foresight and fortitude.

In an era where uncertainties loom larger than ever—be it from escalating geopolitical tensions, the unpredictable forces of nature, or the subtle machinations of those intent on disruption—safeguarding an organisation’s most vital elements has never been more imperative.

For businesses and institutions across New Zealand, physical security risk management stands as the bedrock of resilience, ensuring not just the protection of tangible assets but also the continuity of operations and the well-being of people. Drawing on the principles enshrined in the New Zealand Government’s Protective Security Requirements (PSR), this framework offers a robust, riskbased approach that extends beyond government agencies to inform best practices for all sectors.

As we navigate 2025, with reports highlighting vulnerabilities in outdated infrastructure and emerging threats like foreign interference and violent extremism, a thorough risk assessment is not merely prudent; it is essential. This article delves into the intricacies of conducting such assessments, offering refreshed insights to make the process more effective, engaging, and attuned to today’s realities.

At its core, physical security risk management encompasses a holistic view, intertwining the safeguarding of physical environments with the protection of personnel and sensitive information, all while preparing for crises that could upend normalcy. The PSR, as New Zealand’s benchmark for protective measures, emphasises a layered strategy: identifying what needs protection, evaluating threats and weaknesses, and crafting responses that are proportionate and precise.

Imagine a fortress not built of stone alone, but of informed decisions, vigilant oversight, and adaptive planning—this is the essence of effective risk management.

Essential elements of a robust risk assessment

A truly comprehensive assessment begins with a clear-eyed identification of critical assets, those indispensable pillars upon which an organisation rests. These extend far beyond bricks and mortar to encompass equipment, intellectual property, and, crucially, the people who drive the enterprise.

In line with PSR guidelines, which stress the interplay between physical safeguards and personnel integrity, consider how employees represent both an asset and a potential vulnerability. Vetting processes, ongoing training,

and fostering a culture of awareness are vital, ensuring that individuals are not unwitting conduits for risk.

Next comes the threat assessment, a forward-looking exercise in anticipating adversity. In New Zealand’s context, threats range from the commonplace—such as theft or vandalism—to the extraordinary, including acts of terrorism, espionage, or natural calamities like earthquakes that test our island nation’s resilience.

Recent analyses from security intelligence sources underscore the persistence of violent extremism and foreign interference as pressing concerns, reminding us that threats evolve with global dynamics. By cataloguing these possibilities, organisations can move beyond reactive postures to proactive defence.

Vulnerabilities, the chinks in the armour, demand equal scrutiny. This involves pinpointing weaknesses in physical barriers, access controls, or procedural lapses that could be exploited.

For instance, inadequate lighting in perimeter areas or unmonitored entry points might invite opportunists, while gaps in information handling—such as unsecured documents or lax storage protocols—could compromise sensitive data even without digital intrusion.

The PSR advocates for zoning strategies, where spaces are delineated

by risk levels, layering protections accordingly to create barriers that deter and delay.

An impact assessment then quantifies the stakes, evaluating how a breach might ripple through an organisation’s fabric. Beyond immediate financial losses, consider the erosion of reputation, operational downtime, or harm to personnel that could fracture trust and morale. In a tightly knit economy like New Zealand’s, where community ties run deep, such repercussions can echo far and wide, affecting stakeholders from employees to clients.

Finally, risk mitigation emerges as the capstone, where strategies are forged to neutralise dangers. Here, the emphasis must be on precision: each measure should address a specific risk, avoiding blanket solutions that inflate costs without commensurate benefits. This is where a methodical process shines, ensuring mitigations are evidence-based and integrated across domains.

Physical reinforcements, like reinforced barriers or surveillance systems, dovetail with personnelfocused initiatives, such as role-specific training to heighten vigilance, and information safeguards, including secure storage and handling protocols. Moreover, embedding crisis planning— detailed emergency response frameworks that outline evacuation, communication, and recovery steps— transforms potential chaos into manageable ordeals.

The PSR’s “Deter, Detect, Delay, Respond, Recover” model provides a timeless blueprint, urging organisations to design these elements early in their planning cycles.

Proven approaches to evaluating risks

To unearth these insights, a blend of methodologies proves most effective, each offering a unique lens on potential perils. A hands-on physical inspection remains indispensable, traversing sites to appraise access controls, lighting, fencing, and surveillance.

In 2025, with advancements in integrated systems, this might include assessing how well modern tools like

biometric readers align with existing infrastructure, heeding warnings about outdated technologies that plague even public sector entities.

Complementing this are interviews with stakeholders— from frontline staff to senior leaders—yielding nuanced perspectives that data alone cannot capture. These conversations often reveal blind spots, such as procedural inconsistencies or cultural attitudes towards security that undermine physical measures.

Document reviews add another layer, poring over policies, incident logs, and response plans to spot patterns or oversights. In harmony with PSR mandates, this ensures alignment with national standards, fostering a governance structure where accountability is clear.

Threat modelling rounds out the toolkit, simulating scenarios to predict impacts and test defences. By envisioning adversarial tactics— perhaps a coordinated intrusion or a natural disaster—this method refines strategies, ensuring they are resilient and adaptable.

Throughout, a risk-based ethos, as championed by the PSR, guides the effort: prioritise depth over breadth, tailoring assessments to the organisation’s unique profile rather than adopting off-the-shelf templates that might overlook critical nuances.

Crafting and sustaining a dynamic risk management plan

With risks laid bare, the journey shifts to action through a structured plan. Prioritisation is key, ranking threats by their likelihood and severity— a calculus that might elevate earthquake preparedness in seismically active regions like Wellington over less probable scenarios.

Developing mitigation strategies follows, blending physical enhancements with broader initiatives. Employee education programmes, for example, empower staff to recognise and report anomalies, while crisis blueprints detail coordinated responses involving local authorities.

Importantly, these strategies should stem from a rigorous process, where consultants with specialised expertise

ensure every intervention traces back to a identified risk, avoiding the pitfalls of superficial evaluations that prioritise equipment sales over substantive protection.

Implementation demands vigilance: roll out measures systematically, then monitor through audits and drills to gauge efficacy. In New Zealand’s evolving landscape, where threats like climate-induced events grow more frequent, this ongoing scrutiny keeps defences sharp.

Regular reviews are the linchpin, updating plans amid operational shifts, technological leaps, or threat mutations. The PSR’s annual selfassessment model exemplifies this, encouraging a cycle of reflection that sustains relevance.

In weaving these threads, organisations benefit immensely from partnering with dedicated security risk management consultancies. ICARAS exemplifies this by employing meticulous methodologies that link mitigations directly to risks, sidestepping the common trap of generic advice that leads to overinvestment in hardware without addressing root causes.

Unlike cursory reviews often bundled with product pitches, a consultancy-driven approach prioritises process integrity, delivering tailored, cost-effective resilience.

Embracing resilience in an uncertain world

Ultimately, mastering physical security risk management in New Zealand is about more than compliance—it’s about cultivating a culture of foresight and fortitude. By embracing the PSR’s integrated framework, organisations can shield their assets, nurture their people, secure their information, and stand ready for crises, all while navigating the distinctive challenges of our environment. In doing so, they not only mitigate risks but also unlock peace of mind, allowing focus to return to innovation and growth.

This article was originally published on the ICARAS Security Consultants website.

GSX 2025 Opens in New Orleans

The premier global security conference brings together leading experts in the security industry at a time when security threats are rising globally.

ASIS International opened its annual conference on 29 September in New Orleans. The event featured more than 200 education sessions and approximately 500 exhibitors from nearly 100 nations.

This year GSX featured two days of pre-conference events on Saturday and Sunday, including a full-day workshop titled Plan to Succeed: Integrating Protective Intelligence to Secure Physical, Cyber and Human Assets, ASIS Volunteers’ Day, the ASIS Awards of Excellence and the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs).

2025 ASIS International President, Joe M. Olivarez, Jr., MBA, opened the conference by discussing the unprecedented global pressures on security professionals and the importance of ASIS International in demonstrating value as security architects who articulate the complex realities of security with one unified voice across the globe.

“Today’s security leaders don’t just respond to threats. We anticipate them. We shape policy around them, and we drive organizational resilience through them,” Olivarez, Jr. said.

Ian Bremmer, President and Founder, Eurasia Group and GZERO Media, delivered an insightful Keynote session with a discussion on how the world has entered what he calls the “New Abnormal” period of heightened tensions and market volatility.

His presentation, titled “The New Abnormal: Who are the Winners and Losers in a G-Zero World?” discussed the current and unprecedented

environment in which conventional wisdom no longer holds.

“For the last twenty years, if we were having a conversation about the big picture concerns geopolitically that we had, they would have been about China rising the United States declining. And usually when you have that dynamic between two major powers, it ends up in some kind of war,” said Bremmer.

“It is not what is happening, not at all. China is rising and the Global South in general is becoming economically more powerful, more populous, more dynamic, more interesting technology companies coming out of those places. But the United States is not declining, not at all.”

“American allies have gotten much weaker. That’s the big, unexpected dynamic. If you look at Europe, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea – as a whole you are talking about less efficiency, less productivity, less investment in technologies and mostly demographic shrinking compared to the United States,” added Bremmer.

The Game Changer session from Chuck Tobin and Chuck Randolph discussed protecting high profile executives from public threats in the wake of several high-profile tragedies in the news. Incidents of targeted violence—including political assassinations , attempted assassinations , and the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson—have dominated global headlines.

Research from ASIS International shows that budget constraints and staff compliance are the biggest barriers to effective executive protection, underscoring the value of the recent ASIS International executive protection standard .

An educational session with Caleb Gilbert and Kevin Palacios, CPP, PSP, PCI, entitled “Practical Applications of ISO and ASIS Standards to Enhance Executive Protection Strategies” emphasised how the newly released standard provides actionable guidelines for risk assessment, planning, and implementation of executive protection services.

Shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Image courtesy Wikipedia

2025 iSANZ Awards finalists announced

The finalists for the 2025 iSANZ Awards have been announced, showcasing the outstanding work being done across Aotearoa to protect people, data, and critical systems from cyber threats.

Judges have selected the top contenders across seven award categories, ranging from emerging talent to established security teams, companies, and innovative projects.

Kendra Ross, Chair of the iSANZ Board, says this year’s finalists reflect the growing maturity and strength of New Zealand’s cybersecurity sector.

“Every day, cybersecurity professionals across the country are working behind the scenes to protect New Zealanders from increasingly sophisticated threats,” said Kendra. “These finalists are a testament to the deep expertise, creativity, and commitment that exists within our industry.

As the cost of cybercrime continues to climb, so too does the importance of their work – not only to protect people and data, but to safeguard the country’s economy and national resilience.

The iSANZ Awards serve as an important platform to recognise the professionals leading this critical work and to raise public awareness of the role cybersecurity plays in protecting our collective future.

Finalists for the 2025 iSANZ Awards are:

Security Project / Awareness Initiative of the Year

• Meridian Energy for its Working Together to be Cyber Safe Initiative

• Parliamentary Counsel Office for its Business Transformation Programme

• Tūhura Tech for its Digital Technology Education Initiative

• Xero for its Security Champions Programme

Chief Information Security Officer of the Year

• Jonathan du Preez from Meridian Energy

• Matthew Lord from Tū Ora Compass Health

• Stuart Marshall from Land Information New Zealand

• Tony Arnold from TSB Bank

Start Up or New Business of the Year

• Blacklock Security

• CyberTeam

• Outfox

Security Team of the Year

• Datacom’s Cyber Defence Operations Centre

• Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake’s Information Security Team

• Spark’s Security Compliance Team

Security Company of the Year

• Bastion Security

• Layer9

• Outfox

Up and Coming Cybersecurity Star of the Year

• Abdullah Al Mamun from Education Payroll

• Josh Evangelidakis from Air New Zealand

• Sasha Mullins from Kiwibank

Security Product of the Year

• Blacklock Security’s penetration testing as a service and vulnerability management platform.

• SafeStack’s Horizon software-as-a-service platform.

• SafeToOpen’s online security and privacy browser-based cybersecurity solution.

Winners will be revealed at the iSANZ Awards Gala Dinner on 6 November 2025 at Shed 6 in Wellington, during a week that also includes the iSANZ information security conference and Kawaiicon – two major events that bring the cybersecurity community together to share knowledge, experience, and practical solutions.

Opinion: The accountability crisis in New Zealand’s security industry

The industry requires urgent reform to ensure integrity, professionalism, and accountability, writes Johan Janse van Rensburg CPP. Will the industry rise to the challenge, or will it continue to operate in the shadows?

New Zealand’s security industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding businesses, public spaces, and critical infrastructure. However, the sector is plagued by accountability and integrity issues that undermine public trust.

Despite being a profession that demands high levels of responsibility, security work is often undervalued and treated as a low-wage career. This perception must change to attract and retain skilled professionals who ensure life safety and property protection.

Gaps in regulation

While most security providers in New Zealand uphold high standards, the industry’s reputation is easily tarnished by unethical operators. Inconsistent enforcement of regulations allows substandard providers to secure contracts despite failing to meet best practices.

The New Zealand Security Association (NZSA) promotes professionalism, yet its voluntary membership structure means many firms operate without oversight, creating a divide between reputable providers and those exploiting regulatory loopholes.

Training deficiencies

A major issue facing the industry is the lack of standardized, mandatory training. Security threats continue to evolve, yet many personnel lack

essential skills in threat detection, crisis response, and de-escalation techniques. Security professionals protect high-risk environments such as critical energy infrastructure and major public events—yet their training requirements remain minimal.

Without a uniform training standard, the industry will continue to struggle with inconsistent service quality and gaps in security preparedness.

Ethical challenges and lack of oversight

Overcharging clients, falsifying reports, and ignoring conflicts of interest remain widespread concerns. The absence of strict ethical enforcement allows unethical providers to continue operating with little to no accountability.

Security procurement processes further exacerbate these issues, as contracts are often awarded without proper due diligence, leading to underqualified firms taking on critical security responsibilities.

Elevating the profession

One of the most pressing challenges is the widespread perception that security work is an entry-level, minimum-wage career. Security professionals are tasked with responsibilities that directly impact public safety, corporate security, and national resilience—yet the industry often fails to recognise their contributions with competitive wages and career development opportunities.

To attract and retain skilled professionals, the industry must offer fair compensation, clear career pathways, and continuous professional development.

Path to reform

To improve the industry and restore trust, the following measures must be implemented:

• Stronger Regulation: Consistent enforcement of industry standards across all security firms.

• Mandatory Training: Standardised, advanced training for all security personnel.

• Ethics Enforcement: Industrywide ethical guidelines with real consequences for violations.

• Transparent Procurement: Greater scrutiny in the selection of security providers.

• Accountability Measures: Regular audits and a robust whistleblower framework.

• Professional Recognition: Competitive wages and career development to elevate security work from a low-wage job to a respected profession.

New Zealand can no longer afford to treat security as an afterthought. The industry requires urgent reform to ensure integrity, professionalism, and accountability. Without meaningful action, security risks will continue to grow, affecting businesses and individuals alike. The question remains: Will the industry rise to the challenge, or will it continue to operate in the shadows?

The future of access control: Edge intelligence, cyber hardened hardware, and resilience

According to a new report, data for analytics, open architecture for flexibility, and cyber-hardening for compliance and risk reduction are becoming basic requirements for physical access control systems.

As global security threats evolve, so must the approach to access control. According to the 2025 Trends in Access Controllers Report conducted by Mercury Security, a subsidiary of HID, three transformational currents emerged: edge intelligence and embedded applications; rigorous cybersecurity hardening; and an expanding ecosystem that values openness, resilience and scalability.

Edge intelligence: From ‘dumb’ controllers to smart gateways The report highlights a growing shift: access controllers are no longer mere conduits, but intelligent nodes. Traditional models—where controllers feed scant data to central servers for processing—are giving way to edgebased architectures.

Modern controllers can now host embedded applications directly on the hardware, enabling local access decisions, analytics, and automation without depending on cloud or network availability.

This transition brings several advantages. Organisations reduce latency in mission-critical tasks like

door unlocking and alarm handling. They gain system resilience—critical in ransomware scenarios or during network outages. And integration becomes more seamless, with controllers acting as hubs for IoT devices, video analytics, and elevator control.

The surge towards multipurpose intelligence at the edge mirrors a broader industry trend of decentralisation and redundancy.

Cybersecurity: A foundation, not an add-on

As security systems become more intelligent, they also become more exposed. The report flags cybersecurity as the second major trend, citing

a heightened operational risk and a fiercely alert IT community. Unpatched vulnerabilities can expose entire facilities; legacy encryption or open communication channels are no longer acceptable.

To counter this, controllers must meet the most demanding security standards. A recurring example from the report is the adoption of FIPS 140 -3 encryption and TLS 1.3. These protocols protect communication in transit and data at rest, ensuring even if attacker access is gained at the network layer, the data remains inaccessible.

Controllers must also support certificate-based authentication, mutual TLS, and 802.1X network

authentication. This hardening addresses the increased scrutiny from end users, especially in verticals like government, healthcare and critical infrastructure.

Openness, interoperability, and a growing ecosystem

The report’s other major theme is the value of open ecosystems. Whereas proprietary ecosystems can yield vendor lock-in, closed integrations or forced upgrades, today’s market demands flexibility.

Open architectures let end users mix and match best-of-breed components—readers, sensors, cameras, mobile credentials—without being forced into monolithic systems. Moreover, open architectures foster innovation.

From an integrator’s standpoint, the result is increased project scope, higher ROI, and lower long-term costs—while end users enjoy future-proof, agile systems.

Implications for APAC organisations based on report findings

The trends identified in the report have significant implications for organisations across the APAC region, where a dynamic blend of digital transformation, regulatory momentum and evolving threat landscapes are shaping how enterprises secure their facilities.

APAC is one of the fastest-growing markets for smart infrastructure— encompassing everything from smart cities and high-tech manufacturing to digital banking and government e-services. With this growth comes the need for resilient, low-latency security systems. Edge intelligence becomes crucial in environments where cloud connectivity may be intermittent, such as remote industrial zones, distributed campuses, or transport hubs.

By enabling access control decisions to be made locally at the edge,

organisations reduce their reliance on centralised systems. This supports operational continuity even during network disruptions.

In addition, as more APAC nations implement national cybersecurity strategies, enterprises are being compelled to align their operational technology (OT) with IT-grade security requirements.

This convergence means physical security systems like access controllers are no longer isolated from scrutiny. Cyber-hardened controllers are becoming essential for compliance and risk reduction, especially in sectors such as finance, government, healthcare and critical infrastructure.

By aligning access control strategies with these principles, APAC organisations can build security systems that are agile enough for today’s needs and robust enough for tomorrow’s challenges.

Advanced Security Group bags three awards at the 2025 New Zealand Security Awards

Advanced Security Group has been recognised as winners in three categories at the 2025 New Zealand Security Awards.

This year, Advanced Security Group’s Beren Boden was awarded Electronic Security Trainee of the Year, recognising his commitment to learning and professional growth within the sector. Andrew Francis was also recognised, being named Install and Service Electronic Sector Technician of the Year, a testament to his outstanding technical expertise and dedication to service excellence.

In addition, Advanced Security Group received the Michael Pepper Award for Outstanding Security Training Initiative, highlighting the organisation’s ongoing commitment to developing talent and supporting the future of the security industry.

Hayden George, General Manager of Advanced Security, expressed his pride in the team’s accomplishments.

“I’m immensely proud of our people, whose dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence make achievements like these possible,” said Hayden.

“These awards recognise not only individual talent but also the collective effort, innovation, and professionalism that define Advanced Security. We remain committed to delivering exceptional security solutions and fostering the growth of our team, ensuring we continue to set the standard for the industry in Aotearoa.”

Advanced Security commended its finalists in other categories, including:

• Mike Wintle – Design & Support Electronic Sector Professional of the Year

• Nico Cordier – Security Supervisor / Operations Manager of the Year

• Advanced Security Group –Outstanding Staff Retention / Culture Development Programme

• Advanced Security Group –Security Integrator of the Year

“It’s a tremendous honour to be recognised once again at the New Zealand Security Industry Awards, said Mike Marr, CEO of TPT Group Holdings NZ.

“These awards really reflect the

dedication of our teams across the country who work tirelessly to protect people, property, and communities with integrity and innovation. We’re proud to lead the way in delivering smart, future-focused security solutions, and deeply appreciate the New Zealand Security Association for championing excellence in our industry.”

These latest awards follow Advanced Security’s earlier success at the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), where the company was honoured with the Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator Award. That achievement qualifies the business for the upcoming Global OSPA Awards, to be announced in early 2026.

Judges at the OSPAs praised Advanced Security highlighted the company’s deep expertise, innovative approach, and robust ISO 9001-certified systems. The company’s strong engagement and comprehensive service offering were key factors in its selection, underscoring its consistent delivery of high-quality, future-ready security solutions.

Beren Boden Electronic Security Trainee

Andrew Francis Install and Service Electronic Sector Technician of the Year

Michael Pepper Award for Outstanding Security Training Initiative

Gallagher Security celebrates double win at 2025 New Zealand Security Awards

Gallagher Security is proud to celebrate two major wins at the 2025 New Zealand Security Awards, recognising the contributions of its people to the industry.

Honoured as Customer Champion of the Year, Steve Cooke, Sales Manager, marks more than 20 years at Gallagher and a 40-year career in security. Trusted by some of New Zealand’s most complex and high-profile sites, Steve is known for his ability to turn technical expertise into practical solutions that create real outcomes for customers.

“This award is a testament to Steve’s unwavering commitment to putting customers first,” said Wayne Scott, General Manager – New Zealand Sales at Gallagher Security. “Steve has an exceptional ability to apply technology in ways that deliver real value, helping customers feel supported every step of the way.”

“For me, it has always been about more than just technology,” said Steve, “it’s about building lasting partnerships and ensuring customers know we’re by their side. To be recognised as Customer Champion is an incredible honour, and it reinforces the importance of trust and collaboration in everything we do.”

Also celebrated on the night was Gallagher Security Sales Solutions Engineer, Hennie Lombard, named Design and Support Electronic Sector Professional of the Year. With over a decade at Gallagher, Hennie has built a reputation as one of the country’s most technically skilled engineers, supporting some of New Zealand’s most complex security projects.

From multi-server architecture for law enforcement to advanced system upgrades for education and utilities sites, Hennie is known for his ability to solve challenges with persistence and precision.

“Hennie exemplifies excellence in our industry,” said Wayne Scott. “He doesn’t just provide solutions, he takes ownership of challenges and ensures customers are fully supported from start to finish.”

“Every project is an opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible,” said Hennie. “I always want our customers to feel confident that no matter how complex the challenge, we’ll find a way to deliver. Receiving

this award is humbling, and it’s a reflection of the incredible teamwork at Gallagher Security and the strong partnerships we’ve built with our customers.”

The New Zealand Security Awards celebrate the people and achievements shaping the industry’s future. For Gallagher Security, this double win reflects both the technical expertise and customer-first values that define the team.

Gallagher Security was event sponsor for the awards and also sponsor of the Monitoring/Communication Centre Operator of Year, Patrol Officer of the Year, and Security Consultant of the Year categories.

Sales Manager Steve Cooke wins Customer Champion of the Year Award

Sales Solutions Engineer, Hennie Lombard, wins Design and Support Electronic Sector Professional of the Year

Optic Security Group celebrates double win at 2025 New Zealand Security Awards

Optic Security Group has recorded an exceptional two category wins at the 2025 New Zealand Security Awards.

Optic Security Goup’s Victoria University of Wellington upgrade team, led by Aaron Johnson and including Anthony Taingahue, Ruperake Charles Lave, and James Sutherland, took out the coveted Security Integrator of the Year category.

“A highly performing team has many component parts. The sum of those parts produces the results, and our Wellington team has set the standard for all of us meet at Optic Security,” said Managing Director Michael Cunningham.

“Well done team, you have been recognised for what you have worked hard to deliver, the deep customer relationships built on service and ownership of the results. National champions, we are all very proud of you!”

According to NZ General Manager Nik Boeinghoff, the Wellington team consistently goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding results for their customers.

“Whether it’s their strong customer service, operational performance, or team collaboration, they continue to set a high standard for others to follow, and it’s truly gratifying to see that effort recognised,” he said.

Auckland-based Group Brand Strategy & Innovation Director Nicholas Dynon took out the prestigious Security Consultant of the Year category.

It’s the latest in a string of accolades for Nick, who just months ago was

named Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director at The New Zealand Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) and was also listed in the Life Safety Alliance 2025 Top 40 Global Thought Leaders in Security & Life Safety - the first-ever New Zealander to receive this accolade.

According to the judges, as a security consultant, Nick has demonstrated outstanding technical and leadership skills that have not only influenced his consultancy customers but also his professional peers within the security industry and beyond.”

“It’s a great honour to receive this award,” said Nick. “The opportunities I have to work with such amazing customer organisations is something that sets Optic Security Group apart,

and I’d like to acknowledge my talented colleagues who have been critical in my professional development, in particular Lee Ashton, who is a previous recipient of this award.”

As category winners at the 2025 New Zealand OSPAs, both Nick and Optic Security Group’s Victoria University of Wellington Upgrade Team (as winners of the Outstanding Security Partnership category) will compete as finalists in the 2026 Global OSPAs.

Optic Security Group congratulated all 140 or so nominees, 51 finalists and 19 award winners! As sponsors of the Outstanding New Product or Service of the Year category, the company also made special mention of the winner of that category, Alarm Watch.

Aaron Johnson, Ruperake Charles Lave, and Nik Boeinghoff accept the coveted Security Integrator of the Year award on behalf of the VUW upgrade

Nicholas Dynon took out the prestigious Security Consultant of the Year category.

i-PRO Marks Sixth Anniversary as Independent Company

Company poised for continued growth with new factory operations, a focus on ethical AI innovation, and an expanded global leadership team.

i-PRO Co., Ltd. (formerly Panasonic Security), a provider of professional security, public safety and medical applications today marked its 6th year as an independent organisation.

Underscoring its strong market momentum and commitment to innovation, the company reported several key milestones, including the opening of a new factory in Japan, the industry’s first ISO/IEC 42001 certification for AI management, the launch of Active Guard 3.0 with generative AI capabilities, and the expansion of its global leadership team.

Since its inception, i-PRO has experienced continuous doubledigit growth and maintained sound profitability, fuelled by strong demand for its edge-processing AI cameras for security, safety and medical applications, and a reputation for quality engineering and cyber resilience.

The company’s annual turnover is now more than 70 percent higher than it was prior to becoming independent.

New Saga factory strengthens manufacturing resilience

As of October 1st, 2025, the company’s new Saga factory (Tosu City, Saga Prefecture, Japan) will be fully operational as an i-PRO production facility, strengthening global manufacturing resilience and ensuring long-term supply stability for partners and customers.

By relocating production to Japan, i-PRO is planning to bring design and manufacturing teams under one roof, improving collaboration and accelerating testing and production. The site also aims to introduce agile, high-mix, low-volume manufacturing, combining standardized core modules with custom configurations.

Th is approach aims to reduce production time, boosts efficiency, and enables faster global delivery of a wider variety of products tailored to customers’ unique needs.

Industry-first ISO/IEC 42001 certification for AI management

Earlier this year, i-PRO became the first company in the security industry to achieve ISO/IEC 42001 certification for AI management, setting a new benchmark for transparency, ethics, and security governance.

i-PRO has been at the forefront of AI research and development for many years, delivering innovative

camera hardware that utilises edge AI technology in the security, public safety, and medical fields.

Enhanced AI search capabilities with Active Guard

3.0

In September, i-PRO released Version 3.0 of its Active Guard intelligent search software, adding generative AI features that give operators more intuitive ways to find critical evidence.

The update enables free text search in natural language across leading VMS platforms to return precise results without predefined tags. By combining edge-processed metadata from i-PRO AI cameras with an onpremises generative AI engine, Active Guard 3.0 delivers powerful search and situational awareness while keeping data under customer control.

A new Person Image Similarity Search feature further improves investigations by helping locate visually similar appearances, even when conditions like clothing or lighting change.

Police patrol hours up as victimisation rates trend down

The government claims its policies are making an impact as the number of beat police increase amid a drop in the number of serious crime victims.

“Police are continuing to roll out beat teams across the country, with Henderson in West Auckland the next cab off the rank,” said police minister Mark Mitchell said in a 31 August statement.

Since receiving funding through Budget 2024, Police have deployed 63 beat officers across major cities, and into Dunedin, Rotorua and New Plymouth districts. That number was expected to grow to 70 with the launch of Henderson’s beat team of seven in September.

“Having Police visible out on our streets goes a long way to deterring crime, and ensuring the public are and feel safe,” said Mr Mitchell.

From August 2024 to the end of July 2025, our beat teams in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have racked up 16,498 foot patrol hours, compared with 7,749 the previous year - a 113 percent increase.

With the six, soon to be seven, beat teams, as well as Retail Crime Units or operations now running across most of the country’s police districts, we will continue to see this highly visible police presence having an impact.

“Police are focussed and working incredibly hard to get on top of crime, and there is no doubt our beat teams are contributing significantly to keeping our communities safe,” Mr Mitchell says.

According to the Government, new data is showing fewer victims than last reported. “We announced nine targets in March last year, which

included ensuring there are 20,000 fewer victims of serious violent crime by 2029, equating to 165,000 victims,” said Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith.

“The latest New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey shows there were 156,000 victims of serious violent crime in the 12 months to May. That’s 29,000 fewer than when we came into government, and 1,000 less than our last update.

There were also 4,000 fewer Māori victims, a nine percent decrease on the last update. Māori are disproportionately more likely to be the victims of crime, so this is another

positive step in the right direction.

We know our plan to restore law and order is working and we make no apologies for getting tough on crime. We’ve given police and the courts more tools to go after gangs, we’ve put a stop to public funding of background reports, we’ve toughened up our sentencing laws, and reinstated the Three Strikes legislation.

“We do expect the data to remain volatile, and there’s still more work to do to continue driving these numbers down. Ultimately, there are still 156,000 victims too many,” Mr Goldsmith said.

Court backlogs shrink as justice moves faster

Courts Minister Nicole McKee says that a focus on faster justice is delivering results, from resolving civil disputes sooner, to reducing wait times for coroners’ findings.

“Justice delayed is justice denied. Every day a case drags on is another day of stress for families, victims, and businesses. That’s why we’re focused on fixing what matters and getting the courts moving again,” said Mrs McKee.

“Attention often goes straight to the criminal jurisdiction of the District Court, but progress is also being made in a number of other jurisdictions that also have a big impact on the lives of New Zealanders,” she said.

“The civil courts have focussed on completing older cases, the Disputes Tribunal is modernising with electronic case files, and associate coroners are easing the backlog in the Coroners Court. Together these changes are giving people a justice system that works better and faster.”

In the civil jurisdiction of the District Court, the active caseload decreased by 20 percent in the 12 months to 31 July 2025 from 12,795 to 10,267, with completed cases increasing by eight percent and new cases decreasing by seven percent.

“This improvement in performance has been driven by targeting and managing older cases to completion along with careful judicial oversight, direction and guidance,” said Mrs Mckee.

The average age of active civil cases has also dropped. The average age of all active civil cases in the District Court decreased by 36 percent to 211 days.

“We’re seeing the effects of a focus on completing older cases over the past year,” she explained. “The average active age of cases is expected to decrease even

further in the coming months as more of these older cases are completed.”

Progress is also being seen in the Disputes Tribunal – one of the busiest forums in the civil justice system. Over 900 more cases were completed in the 12 months to 31 July 2025 than in the previous year, due to targeted case management.

The Tribunal has really focused on completing aged active cases –. The past year saw a 21 percent decrease in aged cases (cases over 180 days old)

with 134 fewer than in July 2024.

“I expect this to move even faster as work progresses to remove the Tribunal’s dependency on physical files by creating an electronic case document repository,” said the minister.

In the year to 31 July 2025, active cases in the Coroners Court decreased by 15 percent from 5,882 to 4,990. This has been aided by the introduction of associate coroners and clinical advisors, which has enabled cases to progress more quickly.

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ASIS International Introduces Groundbreaking Executive Protection Standard

Industry-leading standard provides actionable guidelines for risk assessment, planning, and implementation of executive protection services.

ASIS International, the world’s largest association for security management professionals, has announced the release of its latest standard, the Executive Protection Standard. This new document sets forth comprehensive industry best practices for the protection of executives and other high-profile individuals, ensuring their safety and security in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

“The Executive Protection Standard represents a critical advancement in our profession’s ability to safeguard leaders who drive global commerce and innovation,” said Joe M. Olivarez, Jr., 2025 President of ASIS International.

“As threats to executives become increasingly sophisticated and complex, this standard provides the comprehensive framework our members need to deliver world-class protection services while maintaining the highest professional standards.”

The Executive Protection Standard was developed by a dedicated team of industry experts and practitioners, drawing on their extensive experience and knowledge to create a robust framework that addresses the unique challenges faced by executive protection professionals.

Representing an industry first, this standard establishes a comprehensive program framework that aligns strategic objectives with protective operations using a structure approach that encompasses leadership, strategy, operational functions, and resource management to address specific security needs for executives, their families, and associated assets.

“This standard reflects the collective expertise of seasoned executive protection professionals who understand that effective protection requires more than just physical security. It demands strategic thinking, meticulous planning, and seamless coordination,” said Charles Tobin, chair of the technical committee that developed the standard.

“We’ve created a practical roadmap that will elevate the entire executive protection industry while ensuring consistent, professional approaches to safeguarding our most valuable assets; the people who lead our organizations.”

Executive Protection represents a comprehensive security discipline focused on safeguarding high-profile individuals through systematic threat identification, risk assessment, and mitigation strategies. Effective executive protection programs require structured leadership and strategic planning that encompasses intelligence gathering, physical and digital security integration, close protection operations, transportation security, and emergency response protocols.

The foundation rests on thorough security risk assessments that evaluate an individual’s visibility, organisational value, and threat history to determine appropriate protection scope and resource allocation. Success depends on meticulous operational planning, regulatory compliance, continuous monitoring, and regular program evaluation to adapt to evolving threats.

This standard provides organisations with the framework to implement comprehensive executive protection programs that effectively manage security risks while ensuring the safety of executives, their families, and associated assets through coordinated protective operations and ongoing performance assessment.

The release of the Executive Protection Standard marks a significant milestone in the efforts of ASIS International to support the security management community.

“ASIS International is committed to advancing the security profession by providing our members with the tools and resources they need to excel in their roles,” said Susan Carioti CAE, CSP, Vice President, Certifications, Standards and Guidelines at ASIS International.

“The Executive Protection Standard is a testament to our dedication to promoting excellence and professionalism in the field of security management.”

REACH NEW HEIGHTS in Professional Excellence

ASIS accredited certifications can help you reach your career goals.

Validates your ability to conduct security investigations through the effective use of surveillance, interviews, and interrogations. Designed for those with 5 years of related experience.

WH Y EARN THE PCI DESIGNATION?

• Provides independent confirmation of your specialized skills in security investigations

• Gain global recognition by your peers and industry

• Get a competitive edge in the marketplace

• Enhance your career and earnings potential

• Enjoy personal satisfaction and professional achievement

Be one of the many ASIS board certified practitioners who are leaders, mentors, and trusted strategic partners, serving both their organizations and the profession.

“PCI is an important element in the ASIS C ertification programme, dovetailing into both CPP a nd PSP for a comprehensive understanding of broader security industry objectives. An effective and reliable investigation depends on objectivity, thoroughness, relevance, accuracy and timeliness. PCI helps identify critical investigative outcomes, including evidence collection, case management, and the process of offender detection, iden tification, interview and prosecution. Good physic al security designs, together with robust policies and procedures are key elements in a successful investigation. The PCI certification p rov ides an insight into how these pieces interrelate."

- D avi d H orsburgh, MSc CPP PSP PCI

WHY SHOULD AN EMPLOYER HIRE ASIS CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS?

• Build a strong, dedicated team committed to high standards and continuing professional development

• Promote ongoing education of critical job knowledge and skills

• Feel confident that your staff are using best practices

• Recruit the most qualified professionals

• Reinforce or elevate your organization’s reputation and credibility

Increase the competency level of your staff by supporting your security professionals in their certification journey.

Regulations for events to be streamlined under law change

Speaking at the New Zealand Events Association’s annual conference, Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee has outlined proposed changes to special licensing rules for the events sector.

“This Government recognises the enormous economic, social, and cultural value of New Zealand’s events sector. To operate effectively, innovate, and plan ahead with confidence, you need simple, stable, and practical rules,” Mrs McKee said at the annual events sector event on 02 September.

The proposed changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 follow from the previous week’s announcement. These included flexibility around televised national events, allowing applicants the right to respond to licence application objections, improved age verification under the Digital Identification Trust Framework, and clear responsibilities for alcohol delivery services to prevent sales to intoxicated or underage people.

According to the associate minister, the reforms are intended to “reduce unnecessary red tape and provide greater certainty and consistency for the events sector,” while continuing to prioritise the reduction of alcoholrelated harm.

The reforms to special licensing are to include:

• National Risk-Based Framework: To remove inconsistent decisionmaking across the country, a nationally applied, risk-based framework will be introduced for assessing special licence applications. District Licensing Committees (DLCs) will be required to apply this framework, with the details, including risk

ratings and conditions, set in regulations to allow for flexibility and regular updates.

• Coordinated Approach for MultiDistrict Events: Where an event spans multiple council areas, DLCs will be required to consult each other within a specified timeframe to ensure consistency and avoid repetitive processes and costly delays for organisers.

• Large-scale Events: The threshold for large-scale events, which require complete event management plans, certificates of compliance and to work with Police on event management, increases from 400 to 2000 people. This will reduce costs associated with obtaining a special licence for many events.

• National Events Flexibility: As announced the previous week, the responsible Minister will now have the power to declare televised

national events exempt from special licensing requirements, removing the need for legislative amendments each time. This will allow largescale events to be planned and approved more efficiently.

“These are sensible, targeted changes which support the Government’s creative sector strategy Amplify, which aims to streamline regulation to enable the sector to thrive,” said Mrs McKee. “We know this kind of red tape can lead to events being cancelled, delayed or scaled down.”

The special licensing changes are part of a broader package of reforms designed to modernise the alcohol regulatory system and eliminate unnecessary compliance burdens.

“This is about striking the right balance. We are creating a more efficient, consistent, and businessfriendly environment for events, while keeping strong safeguards in place to reduce harm where it matters most.”

Retail Crime and Privacy: It’s not a game to blame and shame

According to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, retail crime is a serious issue but so are the privacy implications of sharing possible shoplifters’ photos online.

Retail crime is a serious issue. The Privacy Commissioner has been engaging with retailers, who paint a grim picture of the challenges they currently face with threats to staff and customers, and persistent shoplifting.

The Privacy Act means that businesses can report retail crime to the Police. But a word of caution; businesses sharing photos online or on a public wall of shame might think it’s a quicker way to catch possible shoplifters, or a useful deterrent, but it’s a blunt tool that can cause real harm and potentially break the law, the Privacy Commissioner warns.

“We’ve almost become immune to shared grainy CCTV images and their associated accusations, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good or legal thing to do,” said Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster.

It’s a human reaction to see if you recognise someone shown to try and “solve the case.” In a country the size of New Zealand, it might be easy to know or think you know the person and to judge them as a result, even if they’re totally innocent.

“My Office has seen past examples where real hurt was caused through people having their image wrongly linked to a crime or an allegation of a crime. This can cause emotional harm and potentially put them at risk of a strong reaction including public shaming and violence,” said Mr Webster.

“The Privacy Act protects people’s personal information, which includes their image. It seems that the practice of creating a ‘wall of shame’ is something New Zealand businesses need to be reminded has legal consequences.

“I understand the need to address retail crime and that business is hurting but this method, which also includes appealing on social media sites, isn’t the answer”.

The Privacy Act provides clear principles for how personal information, such as an image of a person, can be collected, used, or disclosed. That includes taking reasonable steps to ensure personal information is correct before sharing it, and with limits on the public sharing of images of suspected shoplifters.

“Good questions businesses can ask before displaying someone’s image are, do you know who it is, have you got their permission, are they identifiable,

is it fair to post it, will it embarrass or hurt them?”

“It’s not okay for people to be publicly shamed; it’s hurtful and a breach of their privacy. The impact on people can be huge, with children and young people especially at risk. There can also be tikanga Māori considerations, which can be significant and sensitive for Māori because of the tapu (restrictions) concerning the human body and images, including tā moko, mataora or moko kauae.

“It’s important that businesses stop and think before posting someone’s image and making a claim about them. This can also have serious reputational consequences for the business posting the allegation,” says the Commissioner.

OPC has developed some guidance for retailers on displaying people’s photos in store and sharing these images on social media .

Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority enforcing the Act

So far in 2025 the PSPLA has posted to its website 110 decisions that it has made in relation to objections against licence/CoA applications and complaints against licence/COA holders.

Reasons for complaints can include a security operator not having a licence or COA for the class of work they’re doing, not wearing a visible identification badge while working, not giving the name and address of their employer, not completing training, breaking a condition of their licence or certificate, and misconduct or gross negligence.

Additionally, there are reasons covered under section 62 or section 63 of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 (PSPPI Act), which include things like criminal convictions, driving disqualifications and licences that have been cancelled or suspended in the past.

The grounds for making an objection include the applicant’s character, circumstances or background, as well as the things covered under the abovementioned section 62 and section 63 of the PSPPI Act.

The following is a small selection of recent PSPLA decisions (acronyms rather than full names used:

[2025] NZPSPLA 109 (03 October 2025)

A member of the public, WB made a complaint against JS whom they said is an unlicensed/uncertified private investigator.

W B alleged that JS conducted an investigation into him and his property in the capacity of private investigator.

TrishMcConnell,PSPLAChair.Image:NZSA.

He says he collected and reviewed his personal records and questioned him extensively regarding unrelated matters to his insurance claim. WB noted that JS was not certified or licensed with the PSPLA.

JS attended WB’s home to undertake an insurance investigation following an insurance claim by WB. JS was employed by IAG New Zealand Limited.

From the information provided it appeared that JS was employed by IAG to assess WB’s claim. Insurance assessors are not covered by the Act unless they are doing so as private investigators.

There is no evidence that JS was acting as a private investigator but was acting exclusively in his capacity as insurance investigator. The PSPLA found that neither JS nor IAG were in breach of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. Accordingly, the Authority had

no jurisdiction to take WB’s complaint further, and it was therefore dismissed.

[2025] NZPSPLA 104 (26 September 2025)

Police requested that JH’s certificate of approval (COA) be cancelled. Since JH’s COA was granted in October 2021, he has been convicted of 22 separate offences, including offences of violence and dishonesty.

J H’s most recent conviction was in June 2025 for theft of over $1,000 for which he is still to be sentenced. JH also had numerous more historic convictions mainly for offences of dishonesty and failing to comply with court-imposed sentences.

The PSPLA noted that JH’s 2025 conviction for theft and his 2022 convictions for offences of violence are grounds for disqualification under s 62 of the Act and therefore a mandatory ground for cancelling JH’s COA,

unless the grounds for disqualification are waived.

J H did not attend the hearing and has neither filed any written response to the Police complaint nor applied for waiver of the grounds for disqualification.

W hen JH applied for a COA, he and his referees said that he had turned his life around and was working hard on making a better life for himself and his son. However, his criminal record shows between the time he applied for his COA and it was granted he offended by shoplifting, driving while disqualified, and failing to stop.

Police established that several grounds for disqualification apply to JH. Because of the number and nature of JH’s convictions since he was granted his COA, the PSPLA considered JH is no longer suitable to be a responsible security worker.

J H’s certificate of approval was cancelled effective immediately, and he was required to return his security ID to the PSPLA within 7 days.

[2025] NZPSPLA 105

(29 September 2025)

Police requested the cancellation of VA’s COA as they considered him to be unsuitable to be a security worker due to his history of drink driving and

failure to comply with court-imposed sentences.

VA was convicted of driving while his licence was suspended, driving with excess blood alcohol, and a separate charge of refusing an officer’s request to give blood 3rd or subsequent on 5 February 2025.

On his third drink driving related conviction he was disqualified from driving under s 65 of the Land Transport Act, which is a sentence that disqualifies VA from holding a security certificate under s 62(e) of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010.

VA has since been convicted of breaching the conditions of the intensive supervision sentence imposed on him in February 2025 and a third charge of driving while disqualified or while his licence was revoked.

VA’s certificate of approval had only been granted after he wrongly declared he had not been disqualified from driving under s 65 of the Land Transport Act and had only declared one conviction for drink driving and one conviction for driving while disqualified.

Making a false statement in an application for a certificate of approval is discretionary grounds for cancellation of a certificate under s 83(h) of the Act.

VA did not attend the hearing or provide any written response to the police complaint. Given VA’s history of breaching court-imposed sentences, the PSPLA considered it is likely that he would also fail to comply with his obligations as a certificate holder.

The PSPLA ordered that VA’s certificate of approval be cancelled effective immediately, and VA return his security ID to the Licensing Authority within 7 days.

[2025] NZPSPLA 102 (22 September 2025)

In August 2025, a complaint was laid against JS via notification from JS’s employer that he had been discovered to have stolen fuel from a site he had been guarding. As a result, his employment had been terminated.

I n response to the complaint, JS took responsibility for his actions, he apologised and advised that he was repaying the cost of the fuel. He stated that his actions do not reflect his character and that it was a mistake that he would not repeat. He also provided a character reference.

The PSPLA found that JS was guilty of misconduct because he had abused his position as a security guard for illegal purposes.

Section 83(e) of the Act states that the Authority may cancel a person’s COA if they are guilty of misconduct in the course of carrying out the work to which the certificate relates.

The PSPLA considered that because Mr Singh took responsibility for what appeared to be a one-off event, apologised for his actions, engaged fully with the Authority, and had faced the significant repercussions of losing his employment, it was appropriate that JS retain his COA with a formal reprimand and on the conditions that he not come to the negative attention of Police and that he disclose his actions – and the PSPLA’s decision –to any future employer.

[2025] NZPSPLA 101 (22 September 2025)

In January 2025 EF applied for a COA, together with a temporary COA, in the guarding classes. Police opposed the application as EF was facing potentially disqualifying charges.

At an earlier hearing Police had agreed for EF to be granted a temporary COA if he could obtain employment with a reputable security company. They however confirmed they would continue to oppose EF’s

application for a full COA if he was convicted on the charges he was facing.

On 4 September 2025 EF was convicted of possession of cannabis for supply, selling or dealing in cannabis and ketamine, and failing to carry out obligations in relation to a computer search. He was sentenced to six months community detention with a 12-hour curfew and one year of supervision.

The drug convictions are grounds for disqualification under s 62(f)(v) of the Act. Police accordingly continued to oppose EF’s application for a full COA.

Prior to the initial hearing EF advised that the Judge dealing with his criminal charges had agreed he could relocate to Auckland so that he could get a job with his brother who was working for a security company. Work and Income had paid for his application fee for a COA and for EF to complete the required training.

EF did not attend the hearing or provide any further written submissions in response to the police objection. Since three of EF’s recent convictions disqualify him from being granted a COA, his application for a COA was declined

[2025]

NZPSPLA 097

(09 September 2025)

In May 2024 Police made a complaint against SV as he had been charged with several offences of violence. Other than suspending SV’s certificate of approval the complaint was put on hold until there was an outcome on the criminal charges.

On 03 September, SV was convicted of impeding breathing (x2) assault, threatening to kill, assault with intent to injure and doing a threatening act towards a dwelling house. He was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment on each of the charges, to be served concurrently.

Both the convictions and prison sentences are grounds for disqualification under s 62 of the Act and therefore a mandatory ground for the cancellation of SV’s COA, but the PSPLA noted that his certificate had expired on 01 September 2025 and had not been renewed.

Given the seriousness and nature of SV’s offending, the PSPLA made an order under s81(1)(v) of the Act barring him from applying for a new certificate for four years.

Mall of America deploys AI-powered analytics to enhance parking Intelligence

Advanced car counting and surveillance solutions from Axis Communications boost operational efficiency across one of North America’s largest tourist destinations.

Mall of America, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, recently announced an expansion of its partnership with Axis Communications to deploy car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations.

Home to more than 500 retailers, restaurants, and more, MOA hosts more than 300 events each year, and has more than 32 million visitors annually from around the globe. Scheduling those events, ranging from concerts to outdoor food festivals, requires careful planning to ensure the Mall can support parking operations and provide safety and security to visitors.

By expanding its surveillance system and investing in AI-enabled video analytics, the Mall was able to meet its requirements for a reliable, accurate, and scalable solution to support its 24/7 security and safety operations.

“We needed technology that could keep pace with our evolving needs and make sure our security team could focus on the highest-priority tasks,” said Aaron Nielsen, Vice President of Information Technology at MOA.

“Our previous solution struggled with the unpredictable Midwestern weather, including snow, rain, and cold, all impacting accuracy and reliability.

Car counting is one of the most important operational metrics we have. Implementing a system that delivers

accurate data allows us to quickly scale from one location to more than a dozen additional locations throughout the Mall, providing efficiency and invaluable information for our team.

The success of the initial test led MOA to expand the implementation to more than a dozen locations. The car-counting data now drives macrolevel decisions about Mall hours and event planning, as well as micro-level scheduling for vendors and staff, empowering operational agility across the organisation.

By deploying AI-enabled linecrossing analytics at the edge, MOA benefitted from a more rugged, scalable, and cost-effective approach to decision-making, powered by the business intelligence these devices gather. This proved especially useful in locations where Mall entrances meet busy intersections, as the line-crossing technology can draw the distinction between a car entering the Mall versus one that is merely passing by.

With unpredictable Minnesota winters, keeping employees and customers safe was key to this technology deployment. With this new system, adjustments to the devices no longer required ladders or lifts. Non-technical team members could review audits, make changes, and immediately analyse results from a safe location.

“Mall of America presented us with a challenge that required not just technology, but collaboration, trust, and innovation,” said James Stark, Segment Development Manager, Retail at Axis Communications.

“We’re honoured to be part of their forward-looking approach to safety and operational intelligence.”

Looking ahead, MOA is exploring additional possibilities from advanced capabilities like people counting and license plate recognition to leveraging line analytics to better understand visitor trends—such as distinguishing hotel guests from shopping center visitors.

New foreign interference resources

The Ministry for Ethnic Communities has released new resources to support Ethnic Communities to stay safe from foreign interference.

Ethnic Communities can receive unwanted attention from foreign states, which can erode trust and wellbeing and can undermine social cohesion, that’s according to a recent announcement by the Ministry of Ethnic Communities.

Foreign interference can take many forms, from online harassment to interfering with community leadership and organisations. These actions are disruptive; they can affect people’s sense of security and the connections that hold communities together.

“Foreign interference is a complex and evolving issue,” said Chief Executive Mervin Singham. “It can be subtle and deeply personal, and can affect individuals, communities, and our shared sense of belonging.

“New Zealand’s first line of defence against foreign interference is resilient ethnic communities, and they do not have to face these challenges alone. Together we can protect what makes New Zealand strong.”

The new resources for communities include information on:

• Doxing

• Online abuse and harassment

• Examples of foreign interference

• Information on New Zealand Government agencies

The release of these new resources builds on the eight published in April this year. Most of the resources have been translated into 30 languages so they can be used by a wide range of communities.

In July, as part of the Ethnic Advantage 2025 conference, the

Ministry hosted a panel discussion about foreign interference. The session highlighted real experiences of Ethnic Communities in New Zealand and Australia, how both Governments are responding to the challenge of foreign interference, and how communities can stay vigilant.

In 2026, the Ministry will launch a new online platform that puts trusted information and tools in the hands of communities, helping everyone stay informed, connected, and protected against foreign interference.

All members of the community can help keep New Zealand safe by reaching out to the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) or the Police about any concerning behaviour or activity.

In an emergency

If it is happening now, call 111 and ask for Police.

If you can’t talk and you are on a cell phone, stay quiet and listen for the ‘press 55’ prompt. If you can’t talk and you are on a landline phone, stay quiet and listen to the operator who will tell you to press any button for help.

Report foreign interference to the NZSIS

You can report foreign interference using the secure online form on the NZSIS website.

If you want to talk to someone at NZSIS, you can call them on +64 4 472 6170 or 0800 747 224 .

Report foreign interference to the Police

If it’s not an emergency, you can contact the Police by:

• using the 105 online form

• calling 105 from any mobile or landline, this service is free and available 24/7 nationwide.

Immigration Update: Electronic security system and alarm technicians

The NZSA recently provided its members with an update on significant changes to immigration policy, including the addition of electronic Security System and Alarm Technicians to the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme.

In a 04 September advisory, the NZSA advised its members that Immigration New Zealand had made significant announcements, including the addition of approximately 90 new roles at skill levels 1 to 3 for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), including electronic Security System and Alarm Technicians (National Occupation List 399922).

“A skill level of 1 to 3 occupation entitles the AEWV holder to a maximum continuous stay of up to 5 years, whereas for a skill level 4 and 5 occupations this is only 3 years,” stated the NZSA.

“This is significant, as it means employees may have from 03 November onwards to apply for an extension to their visa which they were otherwise not eligible for.”

There is also a Temporary Pathway for those who have visas expiring between now and 03 November. The NZSA stated that it will provide information on this when available but that there is a requirement that the individuals have a minimum three years directly relevant experience to the role. Alternatively employers/visa holders should contact Immigration New Zealand for guidance.

Whilst not a full residency pathway, stated the NZSA, “this is a positive step forward and we will continue our advocacy with the Minister and

Immigration NZ for inclusion on the Green List.”

The changes announced by Immigration New Zealand were summarised by the NZSA as follows:

National Occupation List (NOL)

ANZSCO is being phased out, with NOL becoming the new job classification system. This is good news for those in the electronic security sector as Security Technicians have their own classification (NOL 399922) rather than being a sub-set of electrical workers under the ANZSCO classification.

90 New roles recognised

From 3 November 2025, INZ will recognise 90 new roles, including Security Technicians, at skill levels 1 to 3 under the AEWV. This is positive for

employers as it will help you to retain skilled staff for up to 5 years (and effectively provides a potential pathway to the Green List once change over to NOL is completed).

30 Roles eligible for extension

Of the 90 new roles recognised, 30 of them (including Security Technicians) have a temporary pathway for extension if their visa expires before 3 November 2025.

Student work hours increased

From 3 November 2025, student visa holders will be able to work up to 25 hours per week during term time (up from 20 hours), providing employers with greater access to part-time staff, increased flexibility in rostering, and a larger potential talent pool.

ADT Guard: Keeping Kiwis safe with proactive video monitoring

Having watched over New Zealand homes and businesses for 50 years. ADT introduces ADT Guard, a new video monitoring solution that doesn’t just record crime, it prevents it.

According to an ADT announcement, the ADT Guard video monitoring solution delivers immediate action. When armed cameras detect movement, ADT’s monitoring team checks in real time, verifies threats, and intervenes before damage or theft can occur.

“Security isn’t just about watching footage after the fact - it’s about taking action when it matters,” said ADT New Zealand General Manager Alison Kingdon. “ADT Guard gives Kiwis proactive protection, with real-time monitoring and immediate intervention to stop incidents before they happen. It’s a smarter, faster way to keep homes and businesses safe.”

How ADT Guard works

ADT Guard is a real-time video monitoring solution that transforms standard security cameras into proactive surveillance systems:

• AI-powered detection: Smart technology identifies people and vehicles, eliminating false alarms.

• Live talk-down: ADT’s team can speak directly to intruders through cameras and speakers with live audio warnings.

• Proactive intervention: Instead of waiting for a break-in, ADT acts before anything happens.

ADT Guard is built to protect homes and businesses in real time, removing unnecessary patrol costs and false alarms. According to ADT, its monitoring centre holds the highest security grading possible.

Smarter, more cost-effective security

Traditional video surveillance and security patrols can cost hundreds of dollars a week, with guards checking sites randomly and often unable to intervene until police arrive.

Monitored alarms are better than nothing, but by the time an alarm is triggered and guards arrive, the culprits are often gone, and the damage is done. You’re paying for presence, but not necessarily protection.

With ADT Guard, CCTV cameras become 24/7 security guards, with

ADT’s professional monitoring team responding as soon as a threat is detected. Instant response reduces false alarms, eliminates patrol callouts, and provides direct police dispatch when needed, without the administrative headaches.

According to ADT, its ADT Guard transforms CCTV cameras into a 24hour security guard that detects and responds to threats in real time.

With a monitored solution that talks back, ADT Guard is more than a security system, it’s total peace of mind.

Combining intelligent video surveillance with 24/7 monitoring, ADT Guard recognises threats as they happen, which means ADT can respond immediately and, if needed, contact police within minutes.

NCSC quarterly report: Scams and fraud rise, financial losses decline

The National Cyber Security Centre’s Cyber Security Insights report for Q2 2025 records over 1,300 incidents and draws attention to social engineering techniques used by cyber criminals.

For the period from 1 April to 30 June 2025, a total of 1,315 incidents were reported to the NCSC. Scams and fraud continue to be the mostreported category of cyber security incident.

Direct financial losses of NZ$5.7 million were reported to the NCSC, compared with $7.8 million in the previous quarter.

The Cyber Security Insights report for Q2 2025 report illustrates an example of cyber criminals using social engineering techniques to gain access to sensitive information.

“We are seeing a type of attack where a cyber criminal calls up an organisation’s helpdesk and pretends to be a staff member who needs help getting access to their account,” said NCSC Director Mission Enablement, Mike Jagusch.

These attackers use the access they gain to take malicious actions such downloading sensitive information or deploying ransomware.

“They use social engineering techniques to sound more convincing. This might be using a sense of urgency, appealing to authority, or tricking you into feeling sympathy towards them.”

Of the 1,315 reported incidents, 56 were triaged for specialist technical support because they were of potential national significance.

A case study for an incident that required NCSC’s specialist support is also included in this report. It demonstrates how a sophisticated actor attempted to infiltrate a New Zealand organisation.

“This case study highlights the effectiveness of good cyber hygiene. Due to the organisation successfully implementing strong passwords, multi-factor authentication and network segmentation, the NCSC could verify that no data had been stolen,” said Mr Jagusch.

“There are valuable lessons to be learned from every incident we’re involved with. We hope organisations find our insights useful in bolstering their defences. In today’s challenging cyber environment, being well-prepared for an incident is more important as ever.”

Key data highlights from 1 April to 30 June 2025:

• 1,315 total incident reports were recorded by the NCSC. Of these, 56 were triaged for specialist technical support because they were of potential national significance.

• The remaining 1,259 incidents were handled through the NCSC’s general triage process. These incidents were largely reported to the NCSC by individuals and businesses.

• Compared to Q1 2025, this is a 3% decrease in total incident reports.

• Direct financial loss recorded was $5.7 million. This is a 27% decrease compared to the previous quarter’s $7.8 million.

• The most common loss value reported was less than $500, however incidents $10,000 and over made up $5.3M (94%) of reported loss, despite consisting of only 50 incidents.

• With 514 total reports, Scams and Fraud was again the most-reported incident category. The second-highest number by category was Phishing and Credential Harvesting, with 374 total incident reports.