20 minute read
2019 New Zealand Security Industry Awards
2019 New Zealand Security Industry Awards
At the glittering 2019 industry awards night hosted by the NZSA at Auckland’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, 20 award recipients were recognised for exemplifying exceptional performance and professionalism. We salute the industry’s finest for 2019!
Communication Centre Operator of the Year
David Artis, First Security, Communication Centre Operator of the Year 2019 presented by Jade Johnston, Alarm Watch.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Alarm Watch, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism within the “Communications Centre Operator” sector of the industry. The recipient will have demonstrated a high degree of technical competence and an outstanding level of service delivery that consistently exceeds customers expectations.
The Communication Centre Operator of the Year is David Artis of FIRST Security. David works for FIRST but has been seconded within the Chorus Security Operations Centre for the last six years.
The nomination for David was submitted by Pierre Mosley, Security Operations Manager for Chorus. He notes that David is the lead operator on the queue and every day takes and makes hundreds of calls dealing with everyone from technicians to senior executives. He treats everyone with the same polite, friendly and helpful manner and Chorus regularly receives compliments on how much people appreciate interacting with him.
According to his nomination, David meets every target and more. He uses initiative to deal with problem solving and is empowered to provide the best service possible. He sets his own standards very high and constantly pushes himself to meet and exceed those standards.
Design and Support Electronic Sector – Professional of the Year
Jan Kasprzyk, Advanced Security Group, Design and Support Electronic Sector – Professional of the Year 2019 presented by Sir William Gallagher
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Gallagher, this award recognises the excellence, commitment and professionalism of those providing design and support services to the electronic sector of the security industry. It will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated not only technical expertise but also exemplary customer service and continually meets or exceeds best practice.
The Design and Support Electronic Sector – Professional of the Year is Jan Kasprzyk of Advanced Security Group. Jan is the national lead engineer for the Group, supporting and setting standards for over 100 field-based staff.
According to his nomination, Jan has established a deep technical understanding of the systems and solutions that are used in the field and is a certified or advanced engineer in the bulk of systems the company deploys. Jan leads the establishment of standards that form part of the ISO quality management systems certification. He has also developed into a great leader in the business.
As the organisation has grown, Jan has expanded a team alongside him, where he has been able to impart his knowledge, systems and processes, so that there is now a nationwide engineering team that all operate in the same manner to support the field teams. A major customer says of Jan, “he is totally professional and brilliant at his job, he has always gone the extra mile for us and is always focused on our needs”.
Electronic Trainee of the Year
Sponsored by ETEC/Shift, this award recognises an individual who has made outstanding progress in professional development and training for their role in the electronic sector.
Carwyn Jones, Secom, Electronic Trainee of the Year 2019, presented by Bill Sole, ETEC/Shift
Image: NZSA
They will have displayed commitment towards training and achieving results through the NZQA national qualification framework, and will be a person who inspires others and always leads by example.
The Electronic Trainee of the Year is Carwyn Jones of Secom. Carwyn joined Secom’s pre-apprenticeship programme mid-2017 and was awarded an apprenticeship in February 2018. As part of the apprenticeship he worked in the installation team and service team, and now the IT team where he is currently developing knowledge on high security IT environments.
Carwyn has steadily worked through his NZQA National Certificate in Electronics and completed Level 3 in June 2019. His presentation, conduct and performance for Secom has been exceptional and the company readily put his name forward to feature in the NZSA/MSD Work Broker video as a role model apprentice representing the Security Technician trade.
Secom recognises Carwyn as an outstanding trainee and role model for those trainees around him, stating “his hard work, dedication and attitude towards his security technician education is unparalleled and he will go a long way in the industry.”
Install and Service Electronic Sector – Technician of the Year
Scott Patterson, Aotea Security, Install and Service Electronic Sector – Technician of the Year 2019 presented by Sir William Gallagher
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Gallagher, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism of those operating as Security Technicians and providing installation and/or service. It will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated not only technical expertise but also exemplary customer service and continually meets or exceeds best practice.
Install and Service Electronic Sector – Technician of the Year is Scott Patterson of Aotea Security. According to his nomination, Scott is the consummate professional whose commitment to delivery of project milestones and exceeding and improving installation standards is second to none. Whilst part of a large team, Scott has stood out as a leader and as a quality tradesman and his skills have been regularly commended by a number of high-profile customers.
The judges made specific mention of the photographic evidence provided with the nomination for Scott and the exceptional quality of workmanship demonstrated on highly complex and demanding customer sites.
Manpower Trainee of the Year
Shaun Maletino, Secureflight, Manpower Trainee of the Year 2019 presented by Patrick Rennell, CEO, Horowhenua Learning Centre.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Horowhenua Learning Centre, this award recognises an individual who has made outstanding progress in professional development and training for their role in the manpower sector of the security industry. They will have displayed commitment towards training and achieving results through the NZQA national qualification framework, and be a person who inspires others and always leads by example.
Manpower Trainee of the Year is Shaun Maletino of Secureflight. Shaun’s Manager describes him as “a delightful young man who is developing into a fantastic trainer. He is dedicated to learning and is able to engage with new members of the company immediately”.
Shaun completed his NZQA Security Level 2 qualification in June 2019 and impressed his trainers with his ability to absorb instruction, reflect upon it and then contextualise it in order to validate his level of understanding. He works collaboratively with fellow trainees to ensure that everyone succeeds.
Shaun stands out for his compassion and awareness of his colleagues’ needs, his ability to engage with new staff, his generosity and talent in sharing his skills, but most of all his genuine humility. Always willing to step up to the plate and fill in for emergency shifts, “he is a true and rising star.”
Outstanding New Product or Service of the Year
Marty Blake, Product Manager, on behalf of Gallagher Type A Alarm System for Outstanding New Product or Service of the Year 2019 presented by Matt Jones, Technical Director, Red Wolf High Level Security
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Red Wolf High Level Security, this award recognises an organisation that has locally developed and delivered technical innovation and excellence within the security sector. The product or service will have been developed in New Zealand and be recognised as being “best in field” and “market leading” and will provide clear differentiation over competitor offerings.
The Outstanding New Product or Service of the Year is the Gallagher Type A Alarm System. The Gallagher Type A Security Alarm System is engineered for New Zealand Government sites and is compliant with the most recent NZSIS standards. These standards outline what is required to protect Zone 5 highsecurity locations, as mandated by the New Zealand Government’s Protective Security Requirements.
As part of the design and development, Gallagher undertook extensive research with the New Zealand Defence Force and NZSIS. The result is an intruder alarm system designed to protect the nation’s most important information and locations. It uses stateof-the-art digital cryptography to talk to a network of intruder detection sensors in a way that protects from both cyberattack and physical tampering in a high security environment.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
Gloria McGirr, Stratcom and Michelle MacDonald, Secureflight, Outstanding Security Training Initiative 2019 presented by Lance Riesterer, General Manager Specialist Trades and Business, The Skills Organisation
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by The Skills Organisation, this award recognises the organisation that has made a difference to improving the uptake and outcomes of industry training through the introduction and support of innovative and effective security training initiatives. The recipient organisation will have demonstrated a commitment towards enabling staff to use the NZQA national qualification framework as a means towards personal and professional development.
The recipients of the Outstanding Security Training Initiative award are Gloria McGirr of Stratcom and Michelle MacDonald of Secureflight. Secureflight has a highly skilled workforce that are trained to both international aviation security standards and overseas regulatory requirements. In addition the company has always ensured that staff also meet the New Zealand legislation through the CoA process.
With the valuable input of Gloria McGirr from Stratcom, extensive internal training programmes were aligned to the National Certificate in Security Level 2. This involved a mixture of recognition of current competence, gap analysis, challenge assessments and training courses delivered with internal and external facilitators, resulting in the initial 90 trainees achieving full qualifications.
Outstanding Skills for Industry Employee of the Year
Punipauo (Puni) Crossman, Matrix Security Group Ltd, Outstanding Skills for Industry Employee of the Year 2019 presented by Kal Marsden, Account Manager, Ministry of Social Development
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by the Ministry of Social Development, this award recognises an individual who has gained full-time employment through the MSD/NZSA Skills for Industry initiative and has excelled in their role. The recipient will have displayed those attributes valued by employers and identified themselves as deserving of a long-term career in the security industry.
Outstanding Skills for Industry Employee of the Year is Punipauo (Puni) Crossman of Matrix Security Group Ltd. Puni commenced her employment with Matrix in February of this year after gaining full-time employment through the MSD/NZSA Skills for Industry Initiative.
Puni has excelled in her role and has impressed with her work ethic, her personality and dedication to her newfound career. Her nominator notes that she works at a prestigious private school where she has made such a positive impression that the client requests her any time they have an event or function. Her role includes traffic management and controlling the access to and from the school and she does this in a professional and efficient manner.
Puni is progressing through the NZQA Level 2 qualification and in the words of her customer, “she is a shining star”.
Highly Commended
Arthur Cherrington, Red Badge Group, Highly Commended for Outstanding Skills for Industry Employee of the Year 2019 presented by Kal Marsden, Ministry of Social Development
Image: NZSA
Arthur Cherrington of Red Badge Group was Highly Commended for Outstanding Skills for Industry Employee of the Year.
Arthur returned to New Zealand in late 2017 after spending over 10 years in Denmark, but found it very difficult to find work, with the common response from potential employers that he was too old. Arthur approached MSD for assistance and via the MSD/NZSA programme was successful in gaining employment with Red Badge as a fulltime guard at the Westfield Albany Mall.
It didn’t take long for Arthur to prove himself. His calm nature, punctuality, attention to detail, reliability and willingness to learn soon saw Arthur rostered as second-in-charge on site and more recently promotion to Site Manager running the Albany security team
Outstanding Staff Retention/Staff Development Programme
Ester Nicolay accepting the award on behalf of Advanced Security Group for Outstanding Staff Retention/Staff Development Programme 2019 presented by Matt Jones, Technical Director, Red Wolf High Level Security
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Red Wolf High Level Security, this award celebrates an organisation that has implemented a staff retention or developmentbased programme that has delivered quantifiable and measurable outcomes and placed that organisation as both a preferred employer and provider for customers.
The Outstanding Staff Retention/ Staff Development Programme Award was picked up by Advanced Security Group. Advanced Security Group provides a comprehensive and integrated staff retention and development programme that focuses on team recognition. The judges commented on the extensive list of company programmes and initiatives and the exceptional staff retention rates achieved.
Patrol Officer of the Year
Sue Clark, Auckland Static and Patrols Manager, on behalf of Misbahuddin (Misbah) Khaja, First Security, Patrol Officer of the Year 2019 presented by Garry Stewart, Rothbury Insurance.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Rothbury Insurance Brokers, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism within the “patrolling” sector of the industry, including service to customers and outstanding acts. It is presented to the individual that has gone beyond what could have been expected of them in providing a level of service that exceeds the customers and/or managers expectations.
Patrol Officer of the Year is Misbahuddin (Misbah) Khaja of FIRST Security. According to his nomination, Misbah exhibits consistently high standards of professionalism, with almost perfect attendance, and a “very professional appearance and attitude.”
Misbah consistently delivers a high standard of service to his clients and is renowned for never having received a customer complaint during 10 years of service. His reports are of a very high standard and provide concise and relevant information for both operations and the customer.
Misbah has been instrumental in the successful implementation of a new electronic guard dispatch system and assisted other team members in their understanding of the system. In addition to good personal appearance, his patrol vehicle is always kept to a high standard of cleanliness and he will willingly clean other vehicles that don’t meet his high standards.
Security Administrator of the Year
Mirjana Zubcic, Matrix Security Group, Security Administrator of the Year 2019 presented by Sir William Gallagher.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Gallagher, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism for those who provide the vital administrative functions that support every business. The individual will have exhibited not only excellent technical skills but also outstanding customer service, high levels of innovation and superb time management. The Security Administrator of the Year is Mirjana Zubcic of Matrix Security Group. Mirjana has been with Matrix since 2001. Initially hired as the Operations Administrator she was quickly promoted to the Credit Controller role as her passion and drive became evident.
Over the last ten years Mirjana has been responsible for a 70 percent reduction in overdue debts, even whilst the company has had substantial growth. She constantly strives for excellence and continuous improvement whilst delivering outstanding customer service. She never overlooks an opportunity to lend a helping hand not only to her colleagues but also goes the extra mile for the customers. Her standard is to deliver on time and with no errors.
Mirjana is described as an invaluable walking data bank for the company and it was noted that behind the hard-nosed execution of her duties is a soft and caring heart that touches everyone.
Security Consultant of the Year
Shayne Venn on behalf of Don Beattie, Red Wolf High Level Security, Security Consultant of the Year 2019 presented by Alastair Burgess, Hikvision.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Hikvision, this award recognises the Security Consultant who has demonstrated outstanding performance in their role. It recognises the existence of distinct skill sets and crucially, the way they are harnessed and managed, to make a substantial and quantifiable difference to the security strategy and/or practice of their customers.
The Security Consultant of the Year is Don Beattie of Red Wolf High Level Security. Don previously worked or consulted to a number of government agencies as a security advisor prior to joining Red Wolf in 2012. He bought to the role a highly technical and security knowledge base as well as an intimate understanding of PSR or Protective Security Requirements.
As well as continuing to provide advice to a number of government agencies, his role with Red Wolf also provides exposure over a number of critical infrastructure and major commercial and industrial environments.
Don brings a consultancy-based approach that takes customers on a journey developing a strategic plan and providing a long-term, future proofed solution. His approach allows the customer to take ownership of their own solutions and outcomes, engaging all stakeholders throughout the process and ensuring measurable outcomes are achieved.
Security Integrator of the Year
Mike Marr accepting the award on behalf of Advanced Security Group for Security Integrator of the Year 2019 presented by Alastair Burgess, Hikvision.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Hikvision, this award recognises an individual or organisation who has embraced the role of integrators in bringing together security subsystems into a whole and ensuring those subsystems function together effectively. The recipient will have demonstrated technical expertise, sound knowledge of security risk and needs assessments, and exemplary customer service.
The Security Integrator of the Year is Advanced Security Group. Advanced’s focus is on advanced access control, intruder detection and CCTV systems but other areas of expertise include intercoms, motorised gates, barrier arms, identification cards, cyber security, cloud computing, security robots, drone security systems and off-site monitoring.
Security Officer of the Year
Adele Tuhega, Armourguard Security, Security Officer of the Year 2019 presented by Nicholas Dynon, Chief Editor, New Zealand Security Magazine.
Image: NZSA.
Sponsored by New Zealand Security Magazine (Defsec Media), this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism within the “guarding” sector, including service to customers and outstanding acts. It is presented to the individual who has gone beyond what can reasonably be expected of them in providing a level of service that exceeds the customers and/or managers expectations.
The Security Officer of the Year is Adele Tuhega of Armourguard Security. What initially appeared to be a straightforward intervention in February this year quickly escalated into a potential suicide situation. According to her nomination, Adele’s astute and compassionate actions de-escalated the situation and prevented a tragedy from occurring.
Adele intervened in an assault between a teenaged male and female at a train station where she was providing a security presence. On being informed that the male had previously raped the young woman, she managed to separate the youths and remove the immediate conflict.
The young woman was however extremely distressed and threatened to jump in front of a train. Thinking quickly, Adele signalled to her colleague to call 111 and then distracted the teenager and engaged with her by telling her stories about her own three kids and her love for them and in the process affirming to the young woman how much she had to live for.
All the while Adele positioned herself between the girl and the tracks subtly guiding her away from the edge until Police arrived. In 2017, Adele was nominated for this same category award for a similar life -saving action and was recognised with a Highly Commended citation.
Security Specialist of the Year
Graeme McKenzie, Alarm Watch, Security Specialist of the Year 2019 presented by Ricky Sevta, General Manager, simPRO Software.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by simPRO Software, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism within the industry sectors not already covered within the other award categories, including service to customers and outstanding acts. It will be presented to an individual who has gone beyond what could have been reasonably expected of them in providing the level of service that exceeds customers and/or managers expectations.
The Security Specialist of the Year is Graeme McKenzie of Alarm Watch. Graeme first started working on security alarms for the Post Office in 1983 while completing his electrical training. He still carries the same enthusiasm and pride for the industry now as when he started. Graeme has been with Alarm Watch for 28 years and has occupied many different roles including Alarm Technician, Senior Technician, Team Leader and now Technical Manager overseeing the technical aspect of the monitoring centre and providing support to resellers and bureaus.
As well as being the tech support “go to person” for 250+ resellers and bureaus, Graeme has established and runs (mainly in his own time) an online Facebook page for over 600 Alarm Technicians throughout New Zealand, where he moderates discussion, shares new product information, publishes training videos, connects people with jobs, gives advice – all done with passion, not as a job.
Security Supervisor/Operations Manager of the Year
Reremoana (Rere) Keremete, Watchdog Security Group, Security Supervisor/Operations Manager of the Year 2019 presented by Matthew John, Mobilcard.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by Mobil, the Security Supervisor or Operations Manager of the Year recognises those who through security expertise, operational knowledge, customer service and skilful and innovative leadership, ensure the delivery of services that consistently exceed customer expectations.
The Security Supervisor/Operations Manager of the Year is Reremoana (Rere) Keremete of Watchdog Security Group.
Rere has experienced some challenges in life having had her career as a Security Officer with Watchdog interrupted when she was diagnosed with cancer. She approached her fight with cancer with her usual degree of positivity coupled with
her never give up attitude and within five months of having surgery followed by chemotherapy she was well enough to return to work.
Rere’s nomination notes her unfailingly polite and respectful way of dealing with members of the public, clients, or the “inevitable problem people” that security staff engage with on a daily basis however she combines it with a steely toughness that lets offenders know she is not someone to be crossed or disrespected.
Rere’s positive impact on the business operations doesn’t stop when she is off duty. As an example the business had a young guard who unfortunately had to give up work due to a brain tumour. Once he was back from hospital, Rere rounded up eight staff and went to his house to put on a welcome home barbeque.
Her employer states Rere is “the epitome of a security professional at work, the caring mother figure outside of work and an outstanding example of leadership, especially to Maori woman in our community.”
Whilst this was not taken into account in the judging process, it was noted at the awards presentation that on 15 August Rere saved a choking baby whilst on duty at the Mall she oversees. By the time Rere arrived on the scene the baby was blue, limp and not breathing. She followed the first aid protocols, removing the food blockage with back blows and caring for the now conscious and breathing baby until ambulance staff arrived. When bystanders wanted to contact the local press, Rere refused politely saying she didn’t want publicity for doing her job.
Security Trainer or Workplace Assessor of the Year
Joint winners Gloria McGirr, Stratcom, and Peter Fillet, Red Badge Group, Security Trainer or Workplace Assessor of the Year 2019 presented by Lance Riesterer, General Manager Specialist Trades and Business, The Skills Organisation.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by The Skills Organisation, this award celebrates those who have made a difference to improving security practice via training, recognising the individual who has consistently promoted outstanding performance and produced quantifiable results that have benefitted the organisation and its workers and customers.
The Judges were unable to separate two stand out candidates and believed it appropriate that both were recognised. Joint winners of Security Trainer or Workplace Assessor of the Year are Gloria McGirr of Stratcom, and Peter Fillet of Red Badge Group.
According to her nomination, Gloria has a fantastic ability to bring out the best in all of the trainees that she works with. These trainees come from a variety of backgrounds and for many English is their second language or the traditional educational system has failed them because of literacy issues.
Gloria “takes these all in her stride” and works with the individuals one on one when required to find ways to demonstrate their competence to the required standards. She is able to turn abstract concepts into relevant workplace examples and replace confusion with understanding and clearly demonstrable competence.
Peter has been in the security industry for most of his life. His extensive experience and ability to use real life examples inspires his students, whether they are new to the industry completing mandatory units, Gateway school students, or more experienced security personnel completing their NZQA Level 2 qualifications.
Peter has also had a major impact on a number of youth through the Security Gateway Programme, preparing and inspiring them for a career they may not otherwise had the opportunity to obtain.
Visionary Leadership Award
Sir William Gallagher, Visionary Leadership Award 2019 presented by NZSA Life Member, Bruce Couper.
Image: NZSA
Sponsored by NZSA, this award recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated bold and visionary leadership and created a clear differentiation in the market place between themselves and other competing service providers. The leadership of the organisation will be closely aligned with the vision, mission and values of the organisation and will be strongly imbedded in all interactions with staff, customers and the wider public.
Sir William Gallagher is the winner of the Visionary Leadership Award The Gallagher Group was established in 1938 by Bill Gallagher (senior) and is one of New Zealand’s largest and most successful privately-owned companies.
At the helm, Bill’s son, William Gallagher (junior) has been leading the business and inspiring Gallagher staff for an amazing 57 years to date. He is an incredibly passionate and intelligent leader who personifies the heart of the family-led business.
A natural leader, William has a relaxed, approachable, and down-to-earth “kiwi” style. His passion for ingenuity has created a culture of innovation and a focus on research and development. He also has an eye for talent and is committed to growing and developing people within the organisation.
William is the biggest evangelist of the Gallagher brand and he continues to be an inspiring leader for the people of Gallagher, the technology sector, and the industries in which Gallagher operate.
Ian Dick Memorial Award for Security Professional of the Year
Graeme McKenzie, Alarm Watch, Ian Dick Memorial Award for Security Professional of the Year 2019 presented by the Honourable Aupito William Sio, Associate Minister of Justice.
Image: NZSA
Graeme McKenzie of Alarm Watch, who was the winner of the Security Professional of the Year award, is also the recipient of the Ian Dick Memorial Award for Security Professional of the Year 2019. Graeme was presented the award by the Honourable Aupito William Sio, Associate Minister of Justice.
