From the Editor

Kia ora and welcome to the April-May 2023 issue of New Zealand Security Magazine!

In this issue we kick the new financial year off with an eclectic issue extending from cyberattacks to country risk, hotel security to all the recent hooha around Chinese CCTV brands, as well as all the latest industry news.

Firstly, a big thanks also to our wonderful advertisers (both print and online) who have already signed up for 2022. Quality journalism and expert commentary comes at a cost, and our advertisers play an important role by contributing to a vibrant and informed security sector through their sponsorship of the magazine.

Our gratitude for this second issue of NZSM for 2023 extends to our supporters and leading manufacturers and distributors Loktronic, ASSA ABLOY, simPRO, Provision-ISR (SWL), and Vivotek (Clear Digital). We’d also like to recognise our association partners for this issue, the New Zealand Security Association, the New Zealand Institute of Private Investigators, ASIS International, Risk NZ, the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) and the New Zealand Security Sector Network.

Inside this issue, I play devil’s advocate in relation to the demonising of Chinese branded CCTV cameras, picking holes in the hawkish narratives that are pushing our governments to curb their use of hitherto trusted brands. We’re being fed science fiction stories about Beijing backdoors, and it’s become apparent that we’re having difficulty sorting fact from fiction.

Times are tough, and inflation and interest rate hikes are making many of us more indebted than before. An article by three Auckland University of Technology academics explores the consequences of increasing indebtedness and how open conversations can help ease the practical and psychological burden of debt.

Also in this issue of NZSM we have the pleasure of reporting on the inaugural round of NZSA Saved a Life Medal recipients. A big congratulations to recipients Leitualamavae Vaa and Shelley Herbert of Armourguard Security and Lily Wilson of Alpha Protection Services, and to highly commended awardee Mike Fairbrother of Alarm Solutions.

According to a report by the Evidence Based Policing Centre, a recent evaluation of New Zealand Police’s Tactical Response Model fails to identify evidence that the just-launched Tactical Response Model will make communities safer despite the fact that safer communities are listed as one of TRM’s three intended outcomes. I explore this re-imagining of the ill-fated Armed Response Team concept.

All this, plus the latest industry and product news. Also, if you haven’t already, consider subscribing to our twice-weekly eNewsletter THE BRIEF. It’s a great way to keep up-to-date with the latest. Details on the Defsec website. Lastly, from the team here at NZSM all the best to the 2023 NZ OSPAs finalists, and we look forward to seeing you at the OSPAs and ASIS NZ Chapter Certification Dinner on 14 April!

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.