NZSA CEO Update

New Zealand Security Association’s Gary Morrison brings us up to speed on the NZSA MSD Work Broker Pilot Programme, Industry Survey, Special Interest Groups, the Industry Awards, and more.

NZSA MSD Work Broker Pilot Programme

We have just passed the halfway stage of the pilot contract, and the results to date have exceeded all expectations.

21 members are signed up to the service, and as at the end of February we have placed 44 candidates into employment with those members. In addition, we have also paid in excess of $90,000 to these members as subsidies to assist with induction and training costs.

It is also pleasing to see that a third of the placements have been outside Auckland and in a range of roles, including patrol officers, event security, communication centre operators and trainee security technicians, as well as security guards. If you wish to find out more about utilising the service, contact Andrea on andrea@security.org.nz or 0274 502 020.

Site Safe – discount for NZSA members

The NZSA is now a Trade Association member of Site Safe, which qualifies members for a 10 percent discount on their annual Site Safe subscription fee. Site Safe has advised that it will recognise the discount on renewal notices to be issued in April, but we recommend that you check it is received and follow up if necessary.

Skills Business Advisory Service

Skills have recently introduced a new initiative targeted at smaller tradespeople type businesses that brings together a group of trade experienced business advisors who will work with a business owner in a business advisory role free of charge and for up to six months (twelve sessions).

This is a great initiative, fully funded by Skills, that could greatly assist the owners of smaller security companies in meeting the challenges of managing a business. For more information, refer to https://skills.org.nz/employers/businessadvisor-programme/ or email ambition@ skills.org.nz.

Security Awards Event 2019

This year’s event will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Auckland on the evening of Friday 23rd August and will be preceded that afternoon with presentations from four keynote speakers, including our industry Registrar, Trish McConnell.

We will provide more information over coming months but in the interim I recommend that you lock the date in your diary and start giving thought towards those deserving of nomination under the various award categories.

Industry survey

Our thanks to all who participated in the survey, which the NZSA conducted in partnership with Massey University. Massey University has been conducting follow up interviews with some respondents, which has slightly delayed the analysis phase. However, we will publish the outcomes in the next newsletter plus a feature article in the New Zealand Security Magazine.

Letters of Support

This is not a service that we have previously promoted, however, we regularly provide letters of support to members to assist with matters such as security licence, work visa and immigration applications.

The NZSA has strong and credible relationships with government agencies, and from feedback received, our letters of support are viewed favourably. Feel free to give me a call to discuss how we can assist.

Special Interest Groups

As reported in the last newsletter, we are in the process of establishing Special Interest Groups that will broaden the NZSA’s reach and provide forums for members and other subject matter experts to raise issues and concerns and to put forward recommended strategies and actions. The ‘foundation SIG’ will be focused on industry training with a remit covering, but not limited to, the NZQA qualifications, training delivery, assessment processes (including recognition of prior learning) and professional development.

I have already received a healthy number of expressions of interest from those wishing to participate in the Training SIG, but I’m happy to receive further enquiries from those who wish to be involved. An update on progress and the formation of further SIGs will be provided in our May newsletter.