Guardian Awards: Excellence in post-Covid security New NZSA weekly awards programme promoting the Covid-era efforts of security personnel delivers its first recipients as the public and end users acknowledge essential service security excellence. for them has been noticed by many Dunedin shoppers and has been mentioned a few times on Facebook. Countdown Dunedin South can only thank Marcus for the great work he has shown us all.”
Launched as a way to promote and recognise the efforts of security personnel during the lockdown period and as restrictions are gradually lifted, the NZSA’s Covid-19 Guardian Awards have appeared out of thin air and at just the right time.
Each week, nominations are screened and assessed, and the winning individual or team announced and awarded with a trophy. The awards are open to all security personnel who hold a Certificate of Approval. Winner Week 1: Marcus Hendriksen Marcus joined the Allied Security team in 2019 as a University of Otago Library Security Officer. With Covid-19 hitting all businesses hard and libraries closing their operations, Marcus was able to move into Allied’s rapid response team to assist other customers. According to Chris McDowall, Allied’s General Manager of Operations, Marcus was stationed at the Countdown Dunedin South supermarket and brought with him a personal approach, a positive attitude, and a focus on excellence. “Marcus is a people person and an exceptional officer,” said Chris. “We are pleased to see Marcus rewarded by the industry through this recognition, and these actions by the NZSA are a key reason to be involved in our industry body.
14
Inaugural awardee Marcus Hendriksen of Allied Security. Image: NZSA.
Marcus is working with Countdown supermarkets in the Dunedin area, representing his employer Allied Security, and the security industry, as an outstanding individual.” “Throughout Covid-19 Level 4 lock-down Marcus has been absolute treasure at the door, he’s very welcoming and helpful to our customers,” stated a representative from Countdown, Dunedin South, on the award nomination form. “Marcus has excelled in every way to the point where we would love to employ him here with us.” “It’s been uncertain times for our customers who visit the store but Marcus’ way of easing that unknown
Winners Week 2: Guardforce’s Pakuranga Plaza security team The first team recipient of the recently instituted awards scheme is Guardforce’s Pakuranga Plaza security team consisting of Lutelo Hausia (Site Security Manager), Kelemete Makalio, Mark Tavoi Solomona, Meketi Silva and Phillip Lova. This outstanding team was nominated by Allan Wharerau, General Manager of Guardforce Security, with the nomination prompted by multiple commendations received from Pakuranga Plaza retailers and shoppers in addition to the Plaza’s property manager. “This team have proved to everyone visiting the Plaza that they are rock stars!” said Allan. “They are caring and friendly and easy to communicate with, always wanting to know if we were okay,” commented a centre retailer. “We value what they do and how much they care about the people that have worked through this difficult time, as well as putting their lives at risk for all of us.” According to the manager of a pharmacy in the centre, the team “have been a tremendous help to
June / July 2020
