Security industry awards: Make your nomination count

With nominations for the 2019 New Zealand Security awards for excellence now open, nominators are being urged to ensure they fully address the category criteria.

“The award nominations are now open and I encourage employers, customers and colleagues of those who are worthy of recognition to ensure that a nomination is submitted before the close off on Friday 12th July,” said NZSA CEO Gary Morrison.

“The nomination process is online via our website and very straight forward. We have even provided guidance on what the judges are looking for in determining the finalists.”

Winners of the 2019 New Zealand Security awards for excellence will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held at Crowne Plaza, Auckland, on Friday 23 August. The awards dinner recognises companies and individuals across the security sector who have demonstrated exceptional achievement.

Nominations are open, and will close on Friday, 12 July.

This year’s awards categories reflect a number of changes made since the 2018 awards, and include:

• Manpower Trainee of the Year

• Electronic Trainee of the Year

• Security Trainer or Workplace Assessor of the Year

• Outstanding Security Training Initiative

• Outstanding Skills for Industry Employee of the Year

• Security Consultant of the Year

• Security Integrator of the Year

• Design and Support Electronic Sector - Professional of the Year

• Install and Service Electronic Sector - Technician of the Year

• Security Officer of the Year

• Patrol Officer of the Year

• Security Specialist of the Year

• Communication Centre Operator of the Year

• Security Supervisor/Operations Manager of the Year

• Security Administrator of the Year

• Outstanding Staff Retention/Staff Development Programme

• Outstanding New Product or Service of the Year

• Visionary Leadership Award

The judging panel for this year’s awards is unchanged from last year except for the inclusion of David Tomoana from ANZ Bank, who takes a seat on the panel vacated by Doug McCormick. Continuing as judges from last year are Ngaire Kelaher (ASIS New Zealand), Nick Dynon (Defsec Media), and Gary Morrison (NZSA).

Given an anticipated large number of entries over the 18 categories, the NZSA advises that nominations should:

• Be fully compliant with the Conditions of Entry.

• Directly address the “recognition” requirements specified in the Category Criteria in a clear and concise manner.

• Use examples, stories and references to demonstrate the attributes and achievements of the nominee, ensuring they are accurate and factual. These can be supported by attachments to the nomination, but this should be limited to key documents only as it is difficult for the judges to review and assess multiple attachments.

• Keep to the brief provided by the Category Criteria and do not get side-tracked with superfluous or unnecessary information and detail.

“Well-deserving nominees can be let down by poorly completed nominations,” said judging panel member Nick Dynon. “Take your time to complete a well thought-out nomination that addresses the category criteria directly... the nomination is the only basis we have upon which to consider a nominee.”

For more information on how to submit an award winning nomination, visit the NZSA website at https:// security.org.nz. Bookings for the awards dinner can also be made on the NZSA website.