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NZSA CEO’s July Newsletter
In his July update, NZSA CEO Gary Morrison covers Fair Pay Agreements, changes to the NZSA Board, conclusion of Skills for Industry programme, NZSA training hub, Filming in Public Places, and more.
I recently spent several days manning our stand at the Facilities Integrate expo including BuildNZ and The National Safety Show.
The number of security exhibitors was slightly down on last year, but it was pleasing to see that the foot traffic was up significantly and many of the attendees were key decision makers within their organisations.
General feedback from the exhibitors was very positive however there was also strong feedback that there has been a noticeable slow-down in the wider economy and with many larger contracts – particularly within the government (national and local body) sectors – being put on hold or even withdrawn. That certainly aligns with recent surveys showing a decline in business confidence and the general sentiment that we are in for some tough times ahead.
I appreciate that my report this month is rather comprehensive but hopefully provides some evidence of the work that we are currently engaged in on behalf of the industry and our stakeholders.
FPA (Fair Pay Agreements) update
This is a very significant issue for the industry and one that we are spending a lot of time on. As one of the first industries to navigate the new FPA legislation it is very evident that the process and the obligations on all parties are administratively complex and will almost certainly result in unintended consequences.
We have issued a number of updates to members and established a separate mailing database for those who are directly impacted by the FPA coverage and that we will use far more detailed information – particularly if we do proceed to bargaining.
If you do have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly to discuss on either gary@ security.org.nz or 021 1229606.
Changes to NZSA Board
We have recently had some changes to our board with the resignation of Caroline Halton (Cityguard Security) following her accepting a new position outside of the security industry, and the secondment of two new board members, Nicky Jones (Independent representative, self-employed) and Teresa Seux (General Manager Human Resources, Advanced Security Group).
Nicky and Teresa bring specialist strategic management, human resources and industrial engagement skills to the board and they have been seconded through to the 2024 AGM where they will be required to re-stand for election.
Saved a Life Medal recipient
Congratulations to our latest recipient of the Saved a Life Medal, Thomas Tofilau, from Armourguard in Auckland.
To see the full story of Thomas’s heroic actions, please see the NZSA website.
We also remind our members, and wider public, that nominations can be submitted via the NZSA website.
Launch of new Member Benefit Programme
Our member benefit programmes provide an important opportunity for our members to source frequently used services through quality providers and at preferential rates.
We are pleased to introduce two new member benefit programmes from July.
Please refer later in this newsletter for details of our newly launched programmes with the following partner organisations - Strategic Defence and GuardhouseHQ.
Conclusion of MSD SFI (Skills for Industry) Programme
It is with regret that I advise that our Skills for Industry Work Broker Programme with MSD concluded on 30 June.
The NZSA was the first industry association to partner with MSD some six years ago and in the proceeding years we have placed in excess of 600 MSD candidates into full-time employment with our members. Unfortunately, the changing employment conditions have severely impacted onto the placement numbers being generated through the SFI programme and hence the financial viability for industry associations such as the NZSA.
We provided notice to MSD that we would not renew our contract this year and that prompted MSD to reassess their strategic direction and to bypass industry screening providers and to use their internal teams to work directly with employers.
The good news is that funding is now allocated directly to employers and where candidates who meet MSD specified criteria are employed, the employer can apply for the Flexi-wage Subsidy.
Employers can list vacancies and access their free recruitment services by calling 0800 778 008.
NZSA Training Hub
We are very pleased to advise we will be including the Foundation Security Core Skills Training programme to the resources and materials available on the NZSA Training Hub which will be launched soon.
The Foundation Security Core Skills Training programme has been developed by Quinton Swanson (Q) from Hard Target who is one of New Zealand’s leading security training experts and was instrumental in the original development of the Mandatory
Training that is a requirement for obtaining a Certificate of Approval as a Security Officer.
The foundation programme is designed to provide comprehensive “refresher training” and to further develop the competencies and skills of those in security officer roles.
We will send updates once we’re ready to launch.
Update for Employment Agreements
The Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment) Amendment Act 2023 came into force on 13 June.
We recommend that members include the following wording into their employment agreements, ideally located in the “personal grievance” section of the agreement.
Personal Grievances
If the problem is a personal grievance for sexual harassment, then you must raise it within 12 months of when the facts that give rise to the grievance occur or come to your attention.
In respect of other personal grievance, then you must raise it with the Employer within 90 days of when the facts that give rise to the grievance occur or come to your attention.
A personal grievance can only be raised outside the applicable time frame (12 months or 90 days) with agreement of the Employer or in exceptional circumstances.
Application for inclusion of Security Technicians on Green List
We have recently submitted an application to MBIE seeking the inclusion of Security Technicians onto the Green List as part of their annual review of approved roles.
From our initial feedback, we have met the qualifying criteria and have cause for confidence pending the publication of the updated Green List, scheduled for late July.
We will certainly keep members posted on any news.
New Zealand Certificate in Security (NZCiS) Level 3 training options
We recently distributed an update on the NZCiS Level 3 qualification from Te Pukenga and confirming cost ($150), duration (10 months), content and delivery (online LMS).
We also note that NZSA member PTEs Ignite College and Stratcom are also delivering the NZCiS Level 3 Qualification – contact details can be found on the NZSA website.
Filming in Public Places (Security Good Practice Guideline)
Earlier this year we were approached by one of our members seeking guidance on the law surrounding the filming of staff whilst they are providing crowd control or security services as part of their role.
As we are all aware, the filming of security staff has become very commonplace. Most members of the public have immediate access to mobile phones with high quality filming capability and other technologies such as Go-Pro, Dash-cam and drones, meaning that security staff should be aware that their actions are likely to be recorded at any time.
It is important that security operators and their staff have knowledge of the law surrounding the use of mobile phones and similar devices for filming in public places. Security staff also need to be aware of, and to be trained, in the practices that should be followed to ensure that they act legally and professionally when filmed by members of the public.
We have included a section headed “Managing public filming whilst providing Crowd Control duties in public spaces” within the Security Services Good Practice Guideline that can be accessed on our website.
New Zealand Security Awards event
The NZSA team has been very busy with planning arrangements for this years NZ Awards Event to be held on the evening of Friday 15 September at the iconic Te Pae Events Centre in Christchurch.
This will be our third attempt at holding the event in Christchurch with the last two events cancelled due to Covid restrictions. Fingers and toes are all crossed for this year!
Make sure you have the date in your diary and look out for information coming out shortly with regards to the nomination process across the 19 award categories and booking details.
As always, we welcome all comments and feedback on NZSA or industry issues and activity.
