New Zealand Security Magazine - December 2024 - January 2025

NZ S M

New Zealand Security Magazine

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.

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this publication is given in good faith and has been derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, neither the publishers nor any person involved in the preparation of this publication accept any form of liability whatsoever for its contents including advertisements, editorials, opinions, advice or information or for any consequences from its use.

Copyright:

No article or part thereof may be reproduced without prior consent of the publisher.

Kia ora and welcome to the December 2024 – January 2025 issue of New Zealand Security Magazine! It’s that time of the year again when gift giving is in the air and we flex our collective consumer muscles at shopping malls across Aotearoa. This edition of NZSM is, of course, our annual retail issue.

As always, a big thanks to our wonderful advertisers. Our advertisers play an important role within New Zealand’s security sector by contributing to a vibrant and informed security sector through their sponsorship of the magazine.

Our advertisers are part of a legacy that began in 1994 with the first ever edition of New Zealand Security Magazine. With this issue we celebrate our 30th anniversary and acknowledge the vision of publisher Craig Flint who has steered NZSM through good times and bad over the past three decades, all the while ensuring the magazine has stayed relevant and respected as Aotearoa’s trusted source of security news and views.

In an era of online clickbait and media industry consolidation and internationalisation, the longevity of local trade publications such as NZSM is less assured than ever. Yet here we are, punching above our weight with our gaze firmly on the future.

I’ve been lucky enough to edit the magazine over 10 of its 30 years, and I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise Craig as an unsung dead-set legend of our industry, a most generous and forgiving colleague, and a friend.

A big issue in retail security since COVID has been the widely reported increases in retail crime, theft, and antisocial behaviours towards retail workers. Ram raids and smash-and-grabs for a good while clogged our news feeds, and a Ministerial Advisory Group has been set up to offer solutions.

Facial recognition CCTV has been touted as an answer to recidivism in retail crime, with Foodstuffs North Island having recently conducted a trail of FRT in some of its stores. Far from being a silver bullet, a recent determination by Australia’s privacy commissioner on the deployment of FRT in Bunnings stores suggests that facial recognition is more of a sledgehammer.

“Facial recognition technology may have been an efficient and cost effective option available to Bunnings at the time in its well-intentioned efforts to address unlawful activity, which included incidents of violence and aggression,” said Commissioner Carly Kind. “However, just because a technology may be helpful or convenient, does not mean its use is justifiable.

According to Commissioner Kind, deploying facial recognition technology “was the most intrusive option, disproportionately interfering with the privacy of everyone who entered its stores, not just high-risk individuals.”

Many retailers are understandably uncomfortable about the idea of FRT as a security measure. While the collection of individuals’ biometric facial data at international airports and in certain other use cases appears to enjoy widespread public acceptance, the deployment of FRT in retail settings does not. More on this topic inside.

Season’s greetings from the NZSM team, and here’s to a fantastic 2025!

Nicholas Dynon Auckland

Contact Details:

Chief Editor, Nick Dynon

Phone: + 64 (0) 223 663 691

Email: nick@defsec.net.nz

Publisher, Craig Flint

Phone: + 64 (0)274 597 621

Email: craig@defsec.net.nz

Postal and delivery address: 27 West Crescent, Te Puru 3575, Thames, RD5, New Zealand

Upcoming Issue

Feburary /March 25 Banking, Insurance and Finance Loss Prevention, Industry Training

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In other news… updates from industry

A collection of recent appointments, events, milestones, and happenings across New Zealand’s security sector during the month of November.

Inception Release

The Wesco Anixter NZ team completed one of its most significant product launches ever with the release of the Inner Range Inception Express system – a video, access and security solution specifically designed for the residential and small business segments.

Hundreds of customer partners attended events in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, making it the biggest launch event in the distributor’s 30+ year history.

For customers unable to attend, an online launch webinar was to be held on Thursday 5th of December at 10.30am.

HSM onboards

Since August, the Hawkes Bay-based company’s security officers’ team has welcomed several new joiners, including Champika, Bless, Alkaid, Warren and Bill.

Jimmy Thompson is also joining the team again over Christmas to provide cover at New World Whanganui. The company’s monitoring team has welcomed Shekina Lesa-Sipaia and Breeze Paku, while Paige Stevenson and Tania Pira will be joining HSM again over the Christmas period to help out.

Fraud Film Festival

The FFF is back for 2025 and heading to Wellington’s Roxy Cinema on March 17 and 18 next year. Discounted early bird tickets to the two-day event are now on sale.

With the support of key partners Deloitte, Meredith Connell (MC) and the NZ Banking Association, the event

will include two days of fraud-themed documentaries, panel discussions, Q&A and networking opportunities for those in the business of fraud prevention.

A recent launch event was attended by Minister of Police Mark Mitchell, new Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, and an array of private and public sector anti-fraud specialists.

A panel discussion moderated by Fraud Film Fest chair Paul O’Neil saw Roger Beaumont (NZBA), Ian Tuke (Deloitte) and William Fotherby (MC) examine key anti-fraud themes in a

taste of what’s to come at the festival’s post-film expert discussions.

FIRST Welcomes Carl Trask

Recently appointed as General Manager Central Region, Carl joins FIRST Security with a 27-year career that spans the Airline, Freight, Food Assurance and Dairy industries.

In a LinkedIn post to welcome him, FIRST notes that Carl’s strengths are in leadership, operational excellence, financial management, logistics and planning, along with managing customer and stakeholder relationships.

FIRST noted that a key focus for Carl will be to identify how things can be done better to deliver for customers and the business.

Rising Star Awarded

Taskforce Kiwi’s National Intelligence Manager, Ash McBride, has received the 2024 Rising Star Award from the New Zealand Institute of Intelligence Professionals.

The Rising Star Award recognises the performance of any member of the New Zealand intelligence sector below the age of thirty-five who has demonstrated an exceptional capability and dedication in their role as an intelligence collector or analyst.

Ash received the award at Parliament last week for her work establishing and managing Taskforce Kiwi’s Intelligence Program, which has exponentially increased our impact. The award also recognises her previous work in the New Zealand Defence Force and in the public sector, including her efforts during the response to the Christchurch Mosque shootings in 2019, and the 2021 evacuation of Kabul.

SECOM Celebrates Milestone

Adrian Softley, a Secom Account Manager, marked his 30th anniversary with SECOM last month.

In a special ceremony, Secom Chairman, Mr. Minoru Takezawa, presented Adrian with a commemorative trophy in recognition of his outstanding contributions.

Congratulations Adrian on a truly impressive work anniversary!

Serious Fraud Office

A former IT contractor has pleaded guilty to receiving over $4 million in kickbacks in an SFO case involving bribery and corruption. A trial, now not needed, was due to begin in the Auckland High Court on 4 November.

The plea was made in the Auckland High Court with the former contractor pleading guilty to two representative charges of accepting gifts to an agent.

“The second guilty plea is a key milestone in the SFO’s prosecution of this case and illustrates the severe harm that arises when someone abuses their position of trust for personal gain,” said SFO Director Karen Chang.

“Participating in schemes that involve bribery and corruption undermines the integrity of New Zealand’s business sector but also erodes public confidence in fair business practices.”

NZSA Update on Building WoF Scheme

The Building (Earthquake-prone Building Deadlines and Other Matters) Amendment Act came into effect on 26 November 2024. As well as providing an extension of earthquake remediation deadlines it also strengthens the building warrant of fitness scheme and includes other minor technical changes.

The NZSA stated that the Bill closes a regulatory gap by clarifying that IQPs must only issue a certificate for a specified system if the inspection,

maintenance, and reporting procedures stated in the compliance schedule have been fully complied with during the previous 12 months.

BWOF fines increase from $250 to $1000 for failing to supply a territorial authority with a building warrant of fitness and failing to display a building warrant of fitness (when required to be displayed).

According to the NZSA, these amendments will address concerns around instances where an IQP has issued a certificate for specified systems that have not met the requirements of the compliance schedule.

2024 iSANZ Awards

Over 230 attendees gathered at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the iSANZ Awards; an evening that showcased the finest in cybersecurity innovation, leadership, and collaboration. Winners included:

Security Project / Awareness Initiative of the Year: NCSC / CERTNZ – for its impactful ‘Exposed - Own Your Online’ campaign.

Security Team of the Year: Fidelity Life’s Cyber Guardians of Trust – for their dedication to building strong cybersecurity defenses and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Security Company of the Year: Kordia Group – for their unwavering commitment to client security and talent development.

Start-up or New Business of the Year: Qubit Cyber – for their cuttingedge approach to digital safety in sectors like med-tech, IoT, and aviation.

Cybersecurity Leader of the Year: Paul Connolly CISO at @Kiwibank – for his exceptional leadership in growing and guiding a highperforming cybersecurity team.

Up and Coming Cyber Security Star of the Year: Rachel Parangi from Northpower – for her transformative contributions to the organisation’s cybersecurity posture.

Hall of Fame Award: The New Zealand Cyber Security Challenge (NZCSCS) The University of Waikato for a decade-long commitment to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity talent.

Transport minister floats potential privatisation of aviation security services

Debate has ramped up in recent months around a proposal by transport minister Simeon Brown to privatise aviation security services at airports around the country, writes chief editor Nicholas Dynon.

Nicholas Dynon is chief editor of NZSM, and a widely published commentator on New Zealand’s defence, national security and private security sectors.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown wants New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority to be more efficient and to deliver quicker for the travelling public.

In June 2024, he noted, 87 percent of domestic passengers and 77 percent of international passengers were screened within 10 minutes at Auckland airport. That figure, he said, should be at least 95 percent.

“As the saying goes, time is money, and many people’s time has been chewed up through an inefficient aviation security service,” he said at a 27 August speech to the Aviation Industry Association Conference.

“It has become clear to me that AvSec is not operating as efficiently as it should.”

“For example, under current legislative settings, instead of outsourcing for staffing when a plane arrives at a smaller airport or outside normal hours, Avsec is required to set up full teams to do this service,” he said. “This lack of flexibility is a significant issue, especially when it limits airlines and airports from establishing new flights at different hours.”

“We have also seen significant queues at our major airports with airports telling me that they want to have the option of being able to provide this service themselves and that they can do this more efficiently and cost effectively than it is currently done.”

Minister Brown outlined his argument in a document to Cabinet,

stating that he wanted to use the opportunity the Civil Aviation Authority funding review “to test the appetite of industry to take on a role in aviation security services, including seeking the views of those who are enabled to deliver these services after the new Act comes into effect.”

Industry support for consultation

NZ Airports’ submission into the government’s consultation Investigating alternative delivery arrangements for aviation security services confirmed a strong appetite from airports to see these functions opened up to industry.

“This is a milestone consultation on an issue NZ Airports has been raising for many years,” stated a 22 October statement by the industry group. “We appreciate the work of Hon Simeon Brown, Minister of Transport, to move it to the next stage.”

Hon Simeon Brown, Transport Minister

“While we have high regard for CAA and AvSec officials, airports consider the current aviation security model to be inefficient and inflexible in meeting the needs of New Zealand’s air transport system. We see clear efficiencies to be achieved through greater government-industry collaboration,” stated the group.

“This collaboration should include the transfer of functions to industry where we are able to deliver secure, lower cost and more flexible services.”

The minister’s proposal also received strong endorsement from the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA).

“New Zealand security providers would welcome the opportunity to work with airports, airlines and Avsec in providing a reliable and efficient aviation security service similar to those offered by third-party providers overseas, such as Australia and the United Kingdom,” stated Gary Morrison, NZSA Chief Executive Officer.

“The private security industry in New Zealand employs over 35,000 people, including over 25,000 licensed security personnel and generates $3.0 billion in annual revenues, so the industry is well resourced and very capable of providing high quality, secure and cost-effective services that would create a favourable and positive experience for travellers and visitors.”

“NZSA member companies are currently providing security and screening services at high security government and corporate sites and have supported Police and government agencies at large scale events including APEC, the America’s Cup and the Woman’s Football World Cup,” he said.

“We welcome the opportunity to engage with the Minister and key stakeholders accordingly.”

Unions point to ‘risks’

One of the three unions involved in Aviation Security, the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE), says that it is “alarmed” by the government’s proposal to outsource aviation security services (AVSEC).

NUPE Secretary Janice Gemmell stated that the Minister’s proposed outsourcing of the aviation security function reflected a desire for greater “flexibility” in service delivery.

“Flexibility”, stated Ms Gemmell, “is also another term for potential job losses and privatisation, which could significantly impact passenger safety and security.”

The NUPE stated that it “is opposed to any compromise on safety.”

“The rules that govern security on planes are not arbitrary; they have been carefully discussed and established at both domestic and international levels,” Ms Gemmell said.

She also emphasised NUPE’s opposition to outsourcing to private security firms or organisations that “usually offer inferior terms and conditions, potentially leading to less experienced staff and higher staff turnover.”

NUPE also opposed the idea of airports directly delivering the service, arguing it would lead to inconsistencies airport practices being profit driven.

E tū, Aotearoa, the country’s largest aviation union, sang a similar tune.

“Avsec’s sole mission is to keep our airports safe, and they do it with highly skilled workers,” said Michael Wood, E tū Negotiation Specialist. “Once you bring in private companies with a commercial interest, profit becomes a key priority instead.”

“Experience from other privatised services shows that when a profit motive is introduced to a sector where revenue is fixed, service quality often suffers as costs, including investment in staff, get slashed. If profit is the driver, there’s a real danger of services being compromised. New Zealanders have seen this happen before in many other sectors.”

E tū also expressed its concern that “conflicting operational pressures” could apply if either airlines or airports were to operate aviation security.

“Asking airlines to run security services introduces a conflict of interest that could undermine the thoroughness and consistency of screening and other security measures. While our airlines are committed to safety, the thoroughness of screening processes would be in direct conflict with their goal of getting people onto planes as quickly as possible.”

“While everyone agrees the system should be more efficient and minimise delays,” said Wood, “privatisation isn’t the solution”.

“Avsec’s costs are covered by passenger levies, which are intended to fully fund operations. It’s unrealistic to expect private operators to save money, keep levies low, improve safety and functionality, and still turn a profit. The idea that privatisation could magically solve all these problems doesn’t stack up.”

‘Be Kind in Retail’: Industry joins forces to launch Australiawide Christmas campaign

A coalition of retail, fuel and convenience, pharmacy, security and cleaning industry groups launch a nation-wide campaign for the Christmas period to combat levels of abuse, violence and the use of weapons against workers.

The coalition, comprised of the Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA), National Retail Association (NRA), Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS), Australian Security Industry Association Limited (ASIAL), Pharmacy Guild of Australia, and Building Service Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA), announced the initiative on 7th November.

With a central message of ‘Kindness Never Goes Out of Style’, coalition is calling on the Australian community to be kind to security guards, cleaners, retail and pharmacy staff, across the upcoming Christmas trading period.

The new nation-wide campaign has gained increased urgency, says the coalition, as anti-social behaviour and crime in retail settings increases, including causing serious mental and physical harm to workers who are simply doing their job.

Such incidences include workers being yelled and sworn at, pushed and shoved, threatened and intimidated, punched, and weapons being displayed and used on them – and many incidences are apparently not associated with the attempted theft of goods.

The ‘Be Kind in Retail’ campaign will see advertisements and messaging displayed on digital and print media across the nation’s major shopping centres.

SCCA members are running the campaign advertisements for free across more than 300 shopping centres, and 3,500 digital screens, and an estimated commercial advertising value of AUD 7 million.

“It’s really pleasing to launch the ‘Be Kind in Retail’ campaign with our partners from the retail, pharmacy, fuel and convenience, security and cleaning industries, with simple message for the community to be kind and show respect in our retail environments this Christmas,” said Angus Nardi, Chief Executive of the SCCA.

“Any incident that causes harm to someone is simply tragic, and we are calling on the community to help stamp out needless aggression and violence against workers in retail settings,” he said.

“Security officers play a key role in community safety and are often on the frontline of terrible incidents and putting themselves in harm’s way,” commented Bryan de Caires, Chief Executive Officer of ASIAL.

“The tragic incident at Westfield Bondi this year highlights the dangers faced by security officers, and we are asking the community to treat security officers with kindness and respect as they assist and interact with you during the busy Christmas period.”

“Australia’s retailers employ 1.3 million people, a lot of them being young Australians, and it is essential that all retail workers are free of abuse and violence in their workplace,” said Lindsay Carroll, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NRA.

“We are proud to be part of the ‘Be Kind in Retail’ Campaign and continue to advocate for reforms to make retail settings safer for everyone.”

HID Signo Readers line-up expands to deliver even greater versatility

Already known for its versatility, the latest additions to the Signo™ reader line-up provide options to meet varying climatic, aesthetic and budget demands.

The world’s most versatile access control reader has just become, well, more versatile, with HID announcing new additions to its signature line of Signo™ Readers.

Renowned for their open architecture, compatibility, and ability to simultaneously accommodate a range of traditional and frictionless credential options, the Signo™ range now offers even greater versatility in meeting customer needs for style, reliability, and affordability.

Readers in white

White. It’s the colour of the blank canvas, the timeless hue of interior design, and the neutral palette of the walls we surround ourselves with.

Security does its best work when it’s keeping a low profile. With Signo™ Readers now available in white, access control no longer stands out – it blends into the contemporary spaces we work and live in, delivering a new spin on ‘security by design’.

Providing a clean, minimalist, and stylish look, the new readers offer architects and designers with a bright and neutral aesthetic, achieving new levels of both form and function.

Framed with HID’s standard Silver Trim, the following Signo™ models are now available in white:

• Signo 20

• Signo 20K (with Capacitive Keypad)

• Signo 40

• Signo 40K (with Capacitive Keypad)

All weather readers

But, of course, New Zealand isn’t all stylish interiors and haute design. From maritime to alpine, Aotearoa offers a range of testing climatic conditions.

For this reason, another welcome addition to the Signo™ family is the new Signo™ Mechanical Keypad Reader, which offers a high-performance, reliable push-button option for harsh environments.

The Ultimate Reader for Harsh Environments. Designed to excel in challenging conditions, the HID Signo™ 40T Mechanical Keypad Reader provides unmatched performance even in cold and wet weather. Its IP-65 rated robust construction and traditional mechanical push-button input ensure reliability and ease of use, even when wearing gloves or in low-visibility situations.

The IP (Ingress Protection) rating means that the reader has been tested against international standard EN 60529 for the effectiveness of design against intrusion from dust, dirt, and moisture.

At IP65, the reader is totally dust tight, delivering full protection against dust and other particulates. It’s also protected against low-pressure jets (6.3 mm) of water from any angle.

This makes the 40T Mechanical Keypad Reader ideal for use cases where cold and wet weather conditions require gloved hands or when users may have low visibility. They also provide an option when there is a preference or specification for a traditional mechanical device. It’s also perfect for users who may be visually impaired, ensuring accessibility for all users.

Helping Organisations meet dynamic security needs

HID Signo™ Readers feature a sleek, upscale design and deliver innovative features to help keep organisations secure, including:

• Versatility — Support for the widest range of credential technologies, including HID Mobile Access via native Bluetooth and near field communication (NFC) capability, Apple Wallet, and support for mobile credentials in Google Wallet.

• Enhanced performance — Secure storage, plus a surface detection feature that enables the reader to automatically recalibrate and optimize read range performance.

• Connected to the future — Out-of-the-box support for Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) for secure bidirectional communication.

To get up-to-date on the latest in HID Signo access control readers, visit https://hid.link/JbR.

New data on violence against LGBTQ+ people makes ‘grim reading’

Crime victimisation continues to disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals, writes Dr Alexander Plum and Dr Lee Zhuge of the Auckland University of Technology.

Alexander Plum is a Senior Research Fellow at the Auckland University of Technology.

Lee Zhuge is a Research Fellow at the New Zealand Policy Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology.

New Zealand is ranked the tenth most inclusive society by international legal standards , with a reputation for being forward-thinking and progressive – especially when it comes to the rights of sexually and gender-diverse individuals.

But recent high-profile hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community suggest we may not be as progressive as our global reputation suggests.

The painting over of rainbow pedestrian crossings in Gisborne and Auckland might seem like comparatively minor crimes. But they highlight the insidious – and increasingly overt – nature of prejudice against the rainbow community.

A major concern for members of this community is how easily this kind of prejudice spills over into criminal acts against them. And there are indications of a concerning trend.

The number of reported hate crimes against transgender people rose by 42% between 2022 and 2023.

This is backed by overseas research. According to a study from the United States, gay/lesbian and bisexual individuals are significantly more likely to be victims of violence than heterosexual men and women.

But how do rates of violence and crime faced by LGBTQ+ individuals here compare to the general population in New Zealand? For the first time, our new research sheds light on crime victimisation rates among the LGBTQ+ population in New Zealand. It’s grim reading.

High rates of crime victimisation

Our research used data from the New Zealand Crime and Victims Survey ( NZCVS).

The NZCVS surveyed approximately 32,000 New Zealanders between 2018 to 2022.

Participants were asked about their experiences with crime. The survey collected information on reported and non-reported offences, and asked the participants about their socio-demographic characteristics, including sexual orientation and gender identity.

LGBTQ+ individuals include those whose sexual orientation is gay/lesbian, bisexual, or other, or when being gender diverse or when gender identity and biological sex differ (also called transgender).

We found LGBTQ+ individuals were much more likely to be victims of crime than non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

Almost half of LGBTQ+ respondents (46%) reported being a victim of at least one crime in the previous year, compared to a third of non-LGBTQ+ people (31%).

Members of the LGBTQ+ community were also much more likely to be a victim of crime more than once. According to the survey, approximately 22% of LGBTQ+ individuals experienced more than one victimisation in the previous year, compared with 11% of non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

Two groups stood out in particular: bisexual individuals and transgender/ gender-diverse people.

One potential explanation for the crime rates against LGBTQ+ people is that they have higher-than-average risk factors that are unrelated to their sexual orientation or gender identity. For example, they are younger and have lower incomes on average.

But our research refutes this explanation. Even after accounting for these other risk factors, the crime victimisation rates among LGBTQ+ individuals were much higher than among non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

Motivating factors

The NZCVS also collected information on the perceived motivation behind the crime. Response options included sexual orientation, sex or general discrimination.

We found LGBTQ+ individuals were more likely to say the perceived reason for crime was their sexual orientation or their sex compared to non-LGBTQ+ individuals.

The consequences of these offences were also more severe for LGBTQ+ individuals.

They were more likely to suffer from physical injuries or need time off work. They were also more likely to feel less noticeable effects of the violence: lower life satisfaction and a greater sense of feeling unsafe.

Living up to NZ’s inclusive reputation

In the long term, understanding how victimisation affects LGBTQ+ individuals can help shape policies that are better tailored to prevent crime and support victims. This includes building greater awareness and knowledge in the sexual and family violence sectors to prevent and support affected rainbow communities.

But until that happens, crime victimisation continues to disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals. New Zealand needs to do something to close that gap.

Our research highlights a serious gap between how New Zealand is perceived on the global stage (safe and inclusive), and the reality of life for our LGBTQ+ community (increasingly unsafe and threatened by intolerance).

New Zealand’s laws must ensure crimes against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity will not be tolerated. The ongoing review of the Human Rights Act is a step in the right direction but more needs to be done to explicitly protect trans, non-binary and intersex people against discrimination.

This article was first published in The Conversation on 01 November 2024.

Police station returns to Auckland CBD after decade absence

According to Police Minister Mark Mitchell, increasing police visibility across New Zealand’s main CBDs is a key part of the Government’s law-and-order programme.

“Having a central police base, alongside the city’s beat team, is exactly what people expect and what our major city needs,” he said. “It will enable police to respond more quickly to crime and ensure the public feel safer when going about their daily business.”

Mayor Wayne Brown praised the announcement. “I want to acknowledge the new police commissioner Richard Chambers who is making a great first impression by opening a new police station in the Auckland CBD,” wrote Mayor Brown in a 25 November statement.

“This is something that residents, business and I have advocated for [and] I am happy this has come [to] fruition,” he said.

“The central city has improved greatly compared to 12 months ago and even 6 months ago, additional police, additional support services and additional wardens funded by council have all helped.”

Business and residents’ groups also voiced their support for the return of a permanent police presence in the CBD.

“A public facing Police Station in the City Centre is a positive step forwards in providing a much-improved policing service to this community,” said Antony Phillips, Deputy Chair of the City Centre Resident’s Group (CCRG). “At present, the nearest public-facing police counter is out at Ponsonby and for a community of this size and is largely a walking community, that is unacceptable.”

“The landscape has changed significantly since 2013, there are more residential dwellings and the needs are more complex,” he said. “Drug and alcohol issues remain as well as the rise of mental health related problems, which require a more nuanced approach.”

“Along with a new public-facing police station, we hope community policing models are included in the local policing strategy, as well as a joined-up approach with social services providers and other key stakeholders.”

“We’re very pleased with today’s announcement of a permanent police station for the city centre,” commented Viv

25 November saw the announcement of a new police station in central Auckland, marking a return to CBD after a decade-long absence.

Beck, Chief Executive of Heart of the City. “With overall crime trending down over the last year, this is a key piece of the safety solution we have been seeking. It will enable a faster and more effective response to crime in the city centre, act as a deterrent and provide a place people can go to report crime in person.”

“With pedestrian counts of around a million here each week and growth forecast ahead, it’s important to keep a strong focus on safety improvements as we strive to be a vibrant, safe 24/7 international city,” said Ms Beck.

“And with the City Rail Link due to open in 2026, with its own specialised safety needs underground, this central location will be well placed to service the city centre and meet these changing needs.”

Minister Mitchell stated that Police have set up Community Beat Teams across New Zealand cities, and that this has resulted in a 30% increase in police foot patrols.

“500 additional Police officers… will be deployed, by the new Commissioner, across New Zealand to meet, prevent, and reduce crime demand across New Zealand,” he said

New police station announced. Image: Mayor Wayne Brown/LinkedIn.

The Digital Disconnect: How Our Online World is Reshaping Society

By fostering digital literacy and engaging critically with our digital world, we can harness the power of technology while mitigating its risks, writes Jamie Williams, ICARAS Security Consultants’ Security Risk Management Lead.

Jamie Williams is Security Risk Management Lead at ICARAS Security Consultants

Imagine waking up one morning to find that your smartphone, computer, and favourite apps have disappeared. No Facebook, no Instagram, no Twitter. No online games or dating apps. How would you feel? Lost? Relieved? Disconnected?

Now, picture a world where these technologies not only exist but have become so deeply ingrained in our lives that they’re reshaping the very fabric of our society. Welcome to our reality – a world where the digital and physical realms are increasingly blurred, bringing unprecedented opportunities and unforeseen challenges.

In this article, we’ll examine the complexities of our digital landscape, focusing on the often-overlooked costs of our interconnected lives and the potential risks embedded in our modern technological environment.

The Echo Chamber Effect: When Algorithms Divide Us

Picture this: Sarah, a college student, logs onto her social media account. As she scrolls through her feed, she notices that almost every post aligns perfectly with her views. It’s comfortable, reassuring even. But what Sarah doesn’t realise is that she’s trapped in an echo chamber, a digital bubble created by algorithms designed to keep her engaged.

These algorithms, the silent architects of our online experiences, reshape how we perceive the world. They’re not inherently malicious – their primary goal is to keep us scrolling, liking, and sharing. But in doing so, they’re creating digital environments where diverse perspectives are suppressed, and our existing beliefs are constantly reinforced.

The result? A society increasingly polarised, where opposing groups become more extreme and less willing

to engage in constructive dialogue. It’s like we’re all attending parties in the same house, unable to hear the music playing in the other rooms.

This polarisation isn’t just a theoretical concern. It has real-world consequences that strain societal bonds. When individuals are exposed only to viewpoints that mirror their own, it creates divisions within communities, making it difficult to engage in meaningful dialogue or find common ground on critical issues.

Additionally, the anonymity provided by social media platforms has given rise to troubling behaviours. Public shaming and trolling have become normalised, as people feel emboldened to attack or spread rumours without consequence, shielded by their screens. This toxic environment further exacerbates divisions, drowning out meaningful dialogue with extreme rhetoric.

The

Misinformation Wildfire:

When Lies Spread Faster Than Truth

Now, let’s zoom out and look at how this polarisation plays out on a larger scale. The London riots earlier this month serve as a stark example. What started as a local incident quickly

escalated into widespread national unrest, fueled by misinformation that spread like wildfire on social media platforms. False information about the identity of a stabbing suspect ignited far-right protests and violence, demonstrating how our digital environments can exacerbate societal tensions and lead to real-world harm.

This isn’t an isolated incident.

From the COVID-19 pandemic to elections worldwide, we’ve seen how misinformation can erode trust in institutions, fuel vaccine hesitancy, and even incite violence. It’s a stark reminder that in our interconnected world, a lie can travel halfway around the globe while the truth is still putting on its shoes.

In the lead-up to it, the U.S. 2024 Presidential Election was already vulnerable to disinformation campaigns that threatened to undermine trust in the electoral process. These campaigns can spread false narratives and conspiracy theories, potentially leading to political unrest and eroding confidence in democratic institutions.

On a global scale, disinformation campaigns have evolved into sophisticated operations that threaten to reshape public opinion and deepen societal divides. One such campaign,

known as “Shadow-play,” exemplifies the potential of these digital influence operations.

“Shadow-play” is a coordinated effort, allegedly linked to state actors like China, that uses a network of at least 30 YouTube channels to promote pro-China and anti-US narratives. What makes this campaign particularly concerning is its use of cutting-edge technology. By leveraging AI-generated content, including synthetic voices and even entire personas, “Shadowplay” has managed to amass nearly 120 million views and 730,000 subscribers. Its goal? To shift perceptions among English-speaking audiences on critical issues like international politics, the global economy, and the US-China technology rivalry.

But what drives the rapid spread of such misinformation? Several factors come into play:

1. Social media algorithms prioritise content that elicits strong emotional reactions, leading to the promotion of sensational and often false information.

2. Psychologically, we’re more likely to share information that aligns with our personal beliefs or social identity.

3. The novelty and emotional impact of false information further increases its shareability.

Research shows that false news can spread up to ten times faster than trustworthy news on social media, driven by these platforms’ rapid peer-to-peer sharing capabilities. This speed of spread, combined with the echo chamber effect we discussed earlier, creates a perfect storm for misinformation to flourish.

The Gaming Paradox: Connection or Isolation?

Let’s shift gears and step into the world of gaming. Meet Tom, an avid gamer who spends hours daily immersed in vibrant digital worlds. For Tom, gaming is an escape, relieving stress and connecting with friends online. However, as the hours tick by, Tom withdraws from real-world interactions, and his social skills slowly atrophy.

Tom’s story highlights the paradox of online gaming. While these platforms offer unprecedented global connections and entertainment opportunities, they also risk increasing isolation and reducing face-to-face interactions. The immersive nature of video games can contribute to social isolation, making it challenging for individuals to build meaningful offline relationships.

This isolation can have significant impacts on mental health. Studies have shown that social isolation is linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The lack of physical and social connections can lead to feelings of loneliness and exacerbate existing mental health conditions.

Additionally, excessive gaming can strain real-life relationships, as individuals may prioritise gaming over spending time with family and friends. This can create a cycle where individuals retreat into virtual worlds to escape real-life problems, further exacerbating their isolation.

But the impacts go beyond social skills and mental health. The tragic incident at the Jacksonville Landing in 2018, where a competitive gamer opened fire at a tournament, serves as a chilling reminder of how toxic gaming culture, combined with emotional distance and mental health issues, can escalate into real-world violence.

This incident highlights a broader concern about the potential link between violent video games and real-world aggression. While the vast majority of gamers do not commit violent acts, research indicates that excessive exposure to violent video games can desensitize individuals to aggression.

Since 2013, there have been 562 school shootings in America, with a peak of 82 incidents in 2023. While untreated mental health conditions played a significant role in these tragedies, experts believe that exposure to violent gaming may have contributed to desensitization in some cases.

Addressing these risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including better mental health treatment, educational programs teaching critical

life skills and empathy, and further research into the effects of violent media exposure.

The Dark Side of Convenience: When Apps Become Threats

In our quest for convenience, we’ve welcomed countless apps into our lives. Dating apps promise to help us find love with a swipe, while other apps offer to manage our finances, monitor our health, or entertain us. But at what cost?

Consider the unsettling statistic from the Australian Institute of Criminology: three in four respondents experienced sexual violence through dating apps in the past five years. This includes sexual harassment, abusive language, and unsolicited sexual images. Even more troubling, one in three respondents reported experiencing in-person sexual violence, such as sexual assault or coercion, after meeting someone through a dating app.

There have been tragic cases where criminals used dating apps to lure their victims. For example, in November 2022, Tuer Jang, an artist from Minnesota, was found dead in Colombia after being kidnapped and killed when he couldn’t pay a ransom. This case is part of a broader pattern in Colombia, where there has been a spike in dating app-related murders, leading to increased concern and calls for stricter verification measures on these platforms.

Beyond dating apps, every time we download an app, we potentially open a door to our private lives. Through various tracking methods, apps collect vast amounts of data about us – often more than we realise. When misused or breached, this data can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and significant harm to individuals.

High-profile incidents like the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica

scandal have exposed how user data can be harvested without consent and used for purposes far beyond what users intended. This scandal led to increased regulatory scrutiny and influenced the development of data protection laws worldwide.

In light of these risks, it’s crucial for users to be aware of the data they’re sharing and for companies to be transparent about their data collection and usage practices. As we continue to integrate apps into our daily lives, we must balance the convenience they offer with the need to protect our privacy and security.

The Future Security Landscape: The Widening Digital Divide

As we peer into our digital future, the disconnect we’ve discussed throughout this blog isn’t just persisting—it’s evolving into new, more complex threats. These challenges stem directly from our increasingly fragmented digital landscape.

Consider how our current digital divides might amplify in the coming years:

1. Echo Chambers on Steroids:

As AI becomes more sophisticated, personalised content could create even deeper echo chambers. Imagine social media feeds so tailored that users from

different political spectrums might as well be living in different realities.

2. The Misinformation Arms Race: With the rise of deep fakes and AIgenerated content, distinguishing truth from fiction will become increasingly difficult. This could further erode trust in digital platforms and widen the gap between informed and misinformed populations.

3. Algorithmic Manipulation: As we become more reliant on algorithms for decision-making, those disconnected from digital literacy might find themselves increasingly vulnerable to manipulation, from targeted political messaging to financial exploitation.

4. The Privacy Paradox: As data breaches and privacy violations become more sophisticated, we may see a growing divide between those who can protect their digital identities and those who can’t, leading to real-world consequences in areas like employment and financial security.

5. Digital Dependency vs. Digital Detox: We might see a growing chasm between those fully immersed in the digital world and those who choose to disconnect entirely, creating new social and economic disparity forms. These evolving threats all stem from and contribute to our digital disconnect. They highlight the urgent need for digital literacy, critical thinking, and a renewed focus on building genuine connections in our increasingly virtual world.

As we navigate this complex digital future, the question becomes: How can we bridge these divides and create a more connected, informed, and secure digital society for all?

Charting a Path Forward: Solutions and Hope

But don’t despair just yet. While the challenges of digital disconnection we face are significant, they’re not insurmountable. By working together – governments, companies, and individuals – we can create a safer, more secure, and more connected digital future. Here’s how we can start bridging these digital divides:

Education is key. By enhancing digital literacy and critical thinking skills, we can build a population more resilient to misinformation and better equipped to navigate the complexities of our digital world. This approach can help reduce the gaps between the informed and the misinformed, reconnecting divided online communities. Countries like Finland and Sweden have already taken steps in this direction, integrating media literacy into their education systems.

Here are some strategies to educate users on digital literacy and bridge our digital divides:

1. Integrating Media Literacy into Education: Schools should incorporate media literacy into their curricula, teaching students to critically evaluate sources, recognise misinformation, and understand the mechanisms behind digital disconnection.

2. Community-Based Interventions: Tailoring digital literacy programs to specific communities can enhance their effectiveness and address unique disconnection challenges faced by different groups.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns: Governments and organisations can launch campaigns to educate the broader population about the dangers of misinformation and the importance

of maintaining genuine connections in the digital age.

4. Partnerships with Tech Companies: Tech companies can provide users with tools and resources to identify misinformation and understand how their platforms might contribute to digital isolation.

5. Lifelong Learning Opportunities: Providing continuous education through workshops and online courses can help individuals stay updated on the evolving digital landscape and adapt to new connection challenges.

We also need stronger privacy laws and security measures to rebuild trust in digital platforms. Suggestions include strengthening privacy regulations, implementing privacy by design, enhancing consent mechanisms, conducting regular security audits, and focusing on children’s privacy.

As individuals, we play a crucial role in reconnecting our fragmented digital world. By being mindful of our digital interactions, advocating for stronger safeguards, and engaging responsibly with digital platforms, we can contribute to a safer, more inclusive online environment.

Remember, every small step we take to bridge these digital divides brings us closer to a future where technology brings us together rather than drives us apart.

The Choice is Ours

As we stand at this digital crossroads, our path will shape not just our individual lives but the very fabric of our society. Will we allow ourselves to be further disconnected by echo chambers and misinformation? Will we trade our privacy, security, and genuine connections for mere convenience? Or will we take control of our digital destinies, demanding better from the technologies that have become integral to our lives?

The choice is ours. Let’s make it wisely. By fostering digital literacy, advocating for stronger protections, and engaging critically with our digital world, we can harness the power of technology while mitigating its risks. Together, we can build a digital future that reconnects rather than divides, informs rather than misleads, and empowers rather than exploits.

The journey ahead may be challenging, but it’s one we must undertake. Our digital world is here to stay – it’s up to us to shape it into a force for good, one that brings us together instead of pushing us apart. So the next time you pick up your smartphone or log into your favourite app, remember: you’re not just a user, but a digital citizen.

As citizens, we have the power –and the responsibility – to create the connected digital world we want to live in.

Let’s bridge the digital divide, one thoughtful interaction at a time. Our shared digital future depends on it.

This article was originally published on the ICARAS Security Consultants website on 16 August.

How to avoid being scammed during the end of year sale season

The end of year sale season delivers a rich bounty for scammers as shoppers hunt for gifts and bargains, giving thieves more opportunities to take advantage.

Mark Jones, Senior Partner, Tesserent cyber solutions from Thales stresses it is important to be wary of deals that look too good to be true. When shopping online he advises people to go directly to a retailer’s website and not to use links in an email or click on ads in social media.

Shopping scams can take several forms. Most common are sales, often broadcast across social media, that offer products at reduced prices. A common tactic for scammers is to simply not supply a product that has been paid for. But many will also harvest credit card details and use them to steal money from bank accounts in the future.

According to Mark Jones, scammers are also becoming more adept at using SMS.

“It’s quite easy for a scammer to send a text message that has a retailer’s name on it,” he said. “If you receive a sale offer over SMS, don’t click the link. Go directly the retailer’s website to find the offer.”

Fake shipping notes are also common. With many people opting for delivery rather than shopping in-store, copies of shipping notifications from well-known courier companies and Australia Post are common. Fake charity scams are also on the rise as criminals prey on people’s good will over the holiday season.

Jones says retailers can stay safe and help protect their customers by:

1. Proactively check for scam sites and fake advertisements.

Scammers often replicate legitimate retail websites and create fake social media ads to deceive shoppers. Retailers should invest in DRPS (Digital Risk Protection Service) tools to monitor for fraudulent websites and ads mimicking their brand.

2. Verify shipping notifications with customers.

Fake shipping notifications are common as scammers exploit online delivery demand. Businesses can reduce confusion by clearly communicating order tracking procedures and encouraging customers to crossreference notifications directly with their accounts on the retailer’s website.

3. Encourage secure payment options. Promoting payment methods like PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay offers customers added security and reduces the risk of direct card fraud.

4. Educate staff on phishing and fraudulent activity. As the holiday season often coincides with increased leave, temporary or

less experienced staff may need extra training on identifying phishing emails and fake promotions.

5. Engage customers with fraud awareness tips.

And four ways consumers can stay safe online in the lead up to Christmas and retail sales:

Be sceptical and trust your instincts.

If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary particularly when looking or clicking through on ads on social media. Trust your instincts. If you’re not sure - move on.

Don’t click on links or advertisements.

When shopping online, go directly to the retailer’s website and don’t use links in email. Phishing emails are becoming increasingly difficult to detect (in part because criminals are now using AI to create more convincing emails).

Keep records and monitor deliveries.

Keep a record of online purchases and how they are being shipped so you can identify if a shipping or delivery notification is real.

Use secure payment methods

Where possible, do not pay by providing a credit/debit card number. Services such as Apple Pay, Google Pay and PayPal can be used to pay without the retailer ever receiving or seeing your actual card details.

Mark Jones, Senior Partner, Tesserent cyber solutions from Thales

New Zealand Network for Women in Security celebrates five years

The New Zealand Network for Women in Security, a non-profit organisation promoting the advancement of women and minorities in New Zealand’s cybersecurity industry, has turned five.

Run by volunteers, the NZNWS has implemented several networking and training events over its five years, including female-led technical workshops and thought leadership events featuring predominantly female speakers to cast a spotlight on diverse talent in the cyber and physical security industry.

Today, the network has grown to a community of over 2,000 followers on its LinkedIn page and 600 members in its LinkedIn group.

Over the past five years, the NZNWS has organised and collaborated on more than 30 events, built a network of ambassadors and corporate supporters across Aotearoa New Zealand and formed partnerships with several professional groups, including ISACA, ASIS International New Zealand Chapter, and WISECRA.

“We established the network in 2019 because, as women working in the security industry, we wanted to encourage and support more women and minorities to both enter and remain in the field of cyber security,” said Tash Bettridge, co-founder of the NZNWS.

“As someone transitioning careers, while also being a student and a single mother, I sought to create a space where women and allies could connect, learn from one another, and provide mutual support.”

According to fellow co-founder Sai Honig, gender bias and a lack of inclusion has been a major barrier to women entering the industry in New Zealand.

“The network was created as a place for women, nonbinary and minorities working in or interested in security to exchange ideas and cultivate relationships,” she said. “This milestone is a testament to our collective commitment to empowering women and fostering a supportive network across New Zealand.”

According to statistics from LinkedIn, only 18% of people in the cybersecurity industry in NZ identify as female. Despite this, there remains a massive skills gap in the industry both locally and globally.

“Diversity in any field adds to the sum of knowledge, and yet security is typically perceived as a profession for men,” said Honig. “It can be incredibly isolating as a woman or minority in this industry, so building a supportive network has been a central part of our work.”

“There is still much work to be done to encourage more women and people of colour into the security industry and retain them.”

Bettridge, who transitioned from education to a career in cybersecurity, was struck by the lack of women pursuing cybersecurity at the tertiary level. This curiosity led her to begin a master’s degree focusing on strategies to increase the representation of women in cybersecurity.

Her research revealed that female role models significantly influence the recruitment and retention of women in the security industry. This played a pivotal role in shaping the strategy for the NZNWS.

According to Abby Zhang, an Ambassador for NZNWS, the network has been an invaluable resource for her as she builds a career in cyber security.

“Connecting with inspiring females has been a big motivator for me and helped me transition into a career in cyber. It has inspired me to give back to the community through volunteering with NZNWS, to encourage more women to thrive in this industry.”

The NZNWS celebrated its fifth anniversary at an event in Wellington on 24 October 2024.

Licence Plate Recognition

what it is and how does it work?

From reducing queues at drive-throughs to improving campus security, LPR technology is making a worldwide impact, writes Milestone Systems’ Jordan Cullis.

Jordan Cullis is Director of Sales, Asia Pacific, at Milestone Systems.

License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology uses cameras and software to read vehicle plates, automating processes like traffic management, law enforcement, and parking access, making it essential for efficient urban mobility and security in various sectors. LPR technology is a widely adopted solution for automatic vehicle identification across a variety of public and private sectors. This system uses optical character recognition (OCR) to read and interpret vehicle registration plates from images or video footage captured by cameras, providing valuable insights and automating several processes.

The technology has been adopted by corporate retail chains, commercial car parks, local councils and more.

The detection of license plate data has a diverse range of useful applications.

Key Applications of Licence Plate Recognition

1. Traffic Management: LPR assists in monitoring vehicle flow, detecting traffic violations, and managing congestion by automating toll collection or lane prioritisation. It also helps facilitate faster response times for emergency vehicles by identifying them in traffic.

2. Law Enforcement: Police departments use LPR systems to track stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and flag vehicles with outstanding violations. These systems enable real-time monitoring and historical tracking of vehicle movements, which helps law

enforcement build evidence for criminal cases.

3. Parking Management and Access Control:

LPR systems have transformed parking management, making it easier for vehicles to enter and exit paid parking lots without needing a physical ticket. This has become a common feature in schools, office buildings, residential areas, and critical infrastructure where vehicle access control is crucial. By identifying licence plates, systems can automatically grant or deny access based on preset permissions.

How LPR Systems Work

LPR technology functions by using cameras that capture vehicle licence plates and software that decodes the images into readable plate numbers. Once the plate number is recognised, the system matches it against predefined databases or rules. These databases may consist of trusted vehicles (e.g., employees or authorised visitors), flagged vehicles (e.g., suspects or violators), or other customisable categories.

Technical Requirements for LPR Systems

LPR systems are flexible in terms of camera hardware, but effective performance depends on factors such as:

• Camera quality and placement: Cameras must be correctly calibrated for optimal results,

including positioning for multi-lane detection if necessary.

• Server capacity: LPR systems need adequate server resources based on the number of cameras and the scale of the project. Larger systems with many LPR-enabled cameras may require dedicated servers.

Integration and Features of LPR Systems

LPR systems can integrate with existing video management software (VMS) or other security systems. Users can search video records by plate number, country of origin, or vehicle characteristics.

Advanced features may include wildcard searches (allowing partial matches for plates with missing or obscured characters), vehicle make and model identification, and real-time updates of vehicle lists.

Match Lists, Country Modules, and Style Aliases

• Match Lists: These are predefined lists of plate numbers, enabling systems to automatically trigger actions like opening gates for authorised vehicles or raising alarms for unauthorised ones.

• Country Modules: These allow the system to recognise plates from various regions, especially useful in border areas where vehicles from multiple countries pass through.

• Style Aliases: Grouping licence plate variations under common names, such as assigning special rules for emergency vehicles.

Benefits of LPR Systems

LPR technology streamlines many aspects of traffic and parking management, law enforcement, and facility security. It promotes easy access for employees and customers in many cases, which enhances their experience with either a place of work or a commercial shopping centre. It also provides both real-time and historical data on vehicle movements, enhancing efficiency, security, and response times.

With flexible integration into existing security infrastructure, LPR offers a wide range of possibilities for improving urban mobility, law enforcement effectiveness, and access control across multiple sectors.

LPR: solving challenges globally

For drivers, businesses and more, LPR video technology can make a big difference in people’s lives. It can help stop accidents before they happen, smooth out the friction in everyday processes and help businesses create better experiences. Users can compare recognised number plates with pre-defined lists and initiate automated actions.

From reducing queues at drivethroughs to improving campus security, LPR technology is making a worldwide impact. Any business or organisation that is building for a more efficient future should be excited by its potential.

Using the technology in conjunction with a real-time analysis tool, operators can rapidly pinpoint vehicles of interest and respond quickly. Acting at speed in this way can help prevent the kind of accidents that might slow down or endanger our driver on their journey.

It can also help when gathering evidence for prosecution. Using the reporting functionality in systems such as XProtect, forensic investigators can create a report showing the movements of a particular vehicle within a specified timeframe, including video thumbnails of the vehicle and license plate, as well as details about the detection time.

$15 million to protect bus drivers from attacks

Auckland’s bus drivers set to benefit from a range of new security measures, including more transport police, driver safety screens, and justice changes.

Tougher sentences to improve transport safety

Announced 24 September, the Government is introducing a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers as part of its law and order plan.

“In recent months, there has been a worrying increase in abuse and attacks on public transport workers,” said Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith. “We want to send a strong message that any attacks on bus drivers, taxi drivers, and anyone working on a public transport train or ferry will not be tolerated.”

“Our Government is responding to

these terrible incidents by introducing tougher consequences for those who engage in this cowardly behaviour,” said Transport Minister Simeon Brown.

The Government is investing $15 million through Budget 2024 to deliver practical improvements to bus driver safety and working environments.

The Government is working with the public transport sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety.

“Following a horrific attack on a young student travelling on a bus in July, I asked officials to look at what can be done to ensure greater

safeguards for passengers and drivers on buses while the Government continues to restore law and order,” said Minister Brown.

“Each bus operator is currently responsible for setting its own procedures for responding to attacks or altercations onboard. As a result, inconsistent processes are plaguing the system within the same city, let alone across the country, ultimately putting passengers and hardworking bus drivers at risk.

“Our Government is working with the sector to develop new national guidance on managing passenger safety

and responding to incidents to ensure greater consistency and to improve bus safety,” Mr Brown said.

Police to increase presence on Auckland public transport

Just one month after the announcement on tougher sentences, Minister Brown and Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced that Aucklanders would see a greater Police presence on public transport services to boost safety and reassure public transport workers and passengers.

“Minister Brown and I are working together, alongside Police and Auckland Transport in response to the horrific attack that took place in Onehunga,” Mr Mitchell said.

“I want to acknowledge the outstanding Police work in identifying, locating and arresting the alleged offender.

“This attack has shaken Aucklanders, and particularly public transport users. The Government utterly condemns this senseless and horrific loss of life, and is taking

action to make public transport safer for workers and passengers alike,” Mr Mitchell said.

To increase safety and provide reassurance to public transport workers and users, Police have increased staff presence and visibility across public transport modes in the city.

Minister Brown said he would be asking the Justice Select Committee to explore if changes are needed to the Sentencing (Reform) Amendment Bill for an expansion of aggravating factors to include offences to all public transport users.

“An expansion could include making offences against all public transport users an aggravating factor, ensuring greater protection for those who rely on buses, trains, and ferries. The Bill already provides for a new aggravating factor for offences against public transport workers.

“This is about making sure that public transport remains safe for everyone, whether you are a worker or a passenger. It sends a clear message that violence and abuse in these spaces will

not be tolerated,” Mr Brown said.

The Ministry of Transport and NZTA are also working together to ensure there is a consistent policy across New Zealand for how public transport workers can address antisocial or violent behaviour aboard public transport services.

Discussions were to continue with Police and Public Transport Authorities about other measures that may be needed for commuters to have greater assurance in their use of public transport.

Driver safety screens to be installed on Auckland buses

According to a 22 November announcement, the NZTA will install bus driver protection screens across Auckland’s bus fleet by 2026 as part of the government’s budgeted $15 million driver safety funding.

According to Minister Brown, the NZTA had concluded assessments on the first round of nine bids from Public Transport Authorities (PTAs) for funding across Auckland, Greater Wellington, Nelson-Tasman, and Hawke’s Bay.

Today, I am pleased to confirm that an agreement has been reached to approve a bid for funding to retrofit full length driver screens for 80 percent of Auckland Transport’s bus fleet by 2026, or approximately 1,100 buses.

Bus drivers do an important job in our communities and the Government is committed to helping keep them safe as they go about their work. These hardworking New Zealanders often work with little to separate them from their passengers. Safety screens will provide protection and ensure our service continue to run smoothly and safely.

In addition, NZTA is also considering funding to deliver driver toilet facilities and an on-board live CCTV trial for 30 buses, with results of this trial informing how Auckland Transport will roll out further CCTV cameras in future.

I look forward to these initiatives being delivered as soon as possible, and other funding bids to be confirmed in due course once final agreements are made.

Strengthening New Zealand’s Cyber Defences in the New Security Landscape

Steve Bray, Vice President at Cloudflare ANZ, provides insights on the state of New Zealand’s cybersecurity and the critical steps businesses need to take to strengthen their defences in an increasingly volatile environment.

It’s no secret that New Zealand’s digital landscape is evolving, bringing with it both opportunities and unprecedented challenges. As businesses and government continue to develop and become more reliant on modern digital infrastructure, cyber threats become a pressing concern.

Cloudflare recently conducted a market report in New Zealand, surveying over 200 cybersecurity decision-makers and leaders. The findings underscore the significant challenges they face in protecting their businesses and customers from global cyber threats.

The report revealed that 42% of New Zealand’s cybersecurity decisionmakers experienced data breaches within the past year. With nearly half of businesses impacted by a data breach, it highlights an increasingly volatile environment where malicious actors are continuously developing more sophisticated attack methods. These threats, from phishing to ransomware, are not merely disruptive— it is known, they have the potential to cause severe damage, not just to organisations and their customers, but also the wider economy. In the global scheme of things, New Zealanders have been relatively successful in their strategies to prevent and combat cyber threats, but staying ahead requires constant evolution. To

Steve Bray is Vice President at Cloudflare ANZ.

maintain this edge, businesses must continue to elevate their cybersecurity efforts, investing in stronger protections and proactively adapting to new risks.

It’s no longer enough to simply respond when threats arise— organisations need to anticipate risks before they emerge, staying agile in the face of an ever-shifting threat landscape. By doing so, they’ll not only safeguard their own operations, but also help protect the broader economy.

Cybersecurity Investment Priorities and Challenges

Across New Zealand, organisations are increasingly recognising the need to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks. With businesses now allocating 10% of their IT budgets to cybersecurity, it’s clear that protecting digital assets has shifted from being an optional expense to an essential investment.

This investment is directed at key areas, with 24% going towards protecting company financial information, 22% to defend against cyberattacks, and 21% in place to secure networks and data. This investment is critical and equally important for businesses to ensure effective resource allocation.

Cybersecurity is also being shaped by the rise of AI and automation. While AI has the potential to enhance defences, it also poses a growing threat by enabling more sophisticated cyberattacks. Organisations in New Zealand are grappling with the dual challenge of

integrating AI into their defences, while protecting themselves from AI-driven threats becoming an investment priority.

New Zealand’s Strengths in Cybersecurity

Despite the challenges, New Zealand has demonstrated considerable resilience in its cybersecurity approach, standing out in the Asia-Pacific region. The study reveals that 82% of New Zealand’s cyber leaders feel their organisations are prepared to prevent data breaches, positioning New Zealand as a leader in cybersecurity innovation, particularly in its proactive stance towards tackling cyber threats.

Organisations in New Zealand have also demonstrated strong strategies when it comes to tackling ransomware. While ransomware remains a growing global threat, New Zealand businesses are notably less likely to pay ransoms compared to their regional counterparts—a stance that serves as a significant deterrent to cybercriminals.

This reflects a broader commitment to resilience, with 67% of businesses focusing on proactive measures like employee training and two-factor authentication to protect their operations.

What also sets New Zealand apart is its relatively stronger talent pipeline. While many APAC countries struggle with a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, only 32% of New Zealand organisations report this as a major challenge. This highlights the country’s continued focus on building

and maintaining robust defences against rising cyber threats.

New Zealand’s Path Forward

New Zealand is in a solid position when it comes to cybersecurity, but can’t afford to be complacent. To stay ahead, it’s important to focus on simplifying security solutions. Many organisations struggle with the complexity of managing multiple vendors, and by consolidating these, not only can businesses make things more manageable, but they can also better use resources—a challenge that 57% of organisations already face.

Another critical step for companies is embracing Zero Trust models, which are becoming essential for securing supply chains by ensuring threats are contained before they cause damage. With 37% of organisations already on board, this approach is clearly taking root as a key component of modern cybersecurity.

Combating ongoing issues such as ransomware resilience and AI is important for businesses to not forget about amongst upcoming pressures. Staying prepared for ransomware or AI-driven attacks will be key in AI adaption.

Finally, as compliance pressures grow, streamlining regulatory processes is essential to keep organisations agile, especially considering that 41% of respondents are already dedicating significant time to regulatory demands. So, while New Zealand is in a good place, it is important they don’t rest on their laurels—there’s still work to be done to ensure they stay ahead of the evolving threats.

New Zealand is in a prime position to emerge as a regional leader in cybersecurity. With the digital landscape becoming more interconnected, there’s the chance to set the standard by adopting a proactive and resilient approach. By focusing on innovation and staying adaptable, New Zealand businesses can not only tackle the challenges of today’s cyber threats but also influence the direction of cybersecurity across the region.

It’s about being forward-thinking and making smart investments to keep New Zealand’s digital world secure.

New Zealand Security Association CEO’s November newsletter

In this November update, NZSA CEO Gary Morrison covers the NZSA 3-Year Strategic Plan, Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime, ACC premium consultation, Apprenticeships, and more.

Gary Morrison is CEO of the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA). A qualified accountant, Gary was GM of Armourguard Security for New Zealand and Fiji prior to establishing Icon Security Group.

In opening I would like to pass on my congratulations to our 20 award winners at the NZ Annual Security Awards event held at the Crowne Plaza in September.

It was fantastic to have in excess of 230 attendees there to celebrate excellence within the security industry and to hear some of the fantastic stories about what our workers are achieving.

I had the pleasure of sitting with Ministers Mark Mitchell and Nicole McKee along with Sunny Kaushal, Chair for Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime, and Trish McConnell, Registrar for the PSPLA, and all were amazed by the work being performed by the industry and the professionalism and capability of the award category finalists and winners.

As mentioned in our last newsletter, I have been working closely with the NZSA board in finalising our threeyear strategic plan and I’m pleased to provide an overview of our key objectives, and links to further detail, in my report below.

NZSA 3-Year Strategic Plan

During July we facilitated a two-day meeting for the NZSA Board and Executive team to formalise a Strategy and Business Plan for the next three years.

The plan is built around three key Strategic Objectives: 1. Enabling a stronger, smarter, and more effective security industry.

2. Advocating for an accountable, safe and thriving security industry.

3. Listening to, understanding, and promoting our industry and stakeholders.

Each of the strategies are supported by key goals and an action plan which is available on the NZSA website.

A critical component of the strategy that targets developing a stronger, smarter and more effective security industry involves the implementation of a stepped NZSA membership structure including a strengthened auditing and accreditation process.

In early 2025 we will hold an online Special General Meeting (SGM) where we will seek member support for the introduction of a new membership category – Provisional Corporate Member – in addition to Corporate Member and Accredited Corporate Member.

It is proposed that new members from 1 April 2025 will be treated as Provisional Corporate Members and must within the first year of membership successfully complete a self-audit and assessment in order to be recognised as a Corporate Member.

The self-audit programme with be at no cost to the member and is intended to ensure that they are operating in accordance with the NZSA Codes of Practice and recognised good practice. Where deficiencies are identified, the NZSA will assist (at no cost) by providing template documents and

guidance to assist the member in lifting their standards and performance.

The self-audit is complimentary to the full audit process, which will be expanded to also include an annual selfaudit, and we will also look to further strengthen and promote the benefits of Accredited Corporate Membership.

Ministerial Advisory Group for Victims of Retail Crime

As mentioned in our September report, the government has formed a Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for Victims of Retail Crime under the chairmanship of Sunny Kaushal and with members comprising Michael Bell (Michael Hill), Lindsay Rowles (Foodstuffs), Carolyn Young (Retail NZ) and Himanshu Parmar (Community Advocate).

The MAG will be in place for at least two years and is targeted with achieving a reduction of 20,000 victims of retail crime by 2029 and reducing serious repeat youth offending by 15%.

Initial communication from the MAG has indicated that legally empowering security staff to retrieve

property and detain offenders will be one of their first priorities and it is pleasing to note that we have already had several productive discussions with the group and that we are closely aligned on matters such as legislation, licensing, training and the need for greater police engagement and support.

We will keep members informed as discussions progress.

ACC Premium Consultation

It has recently been announced that the ACC will record a $7.2 billion deficit this year prompting the need to look at significant changes across the work, earner and motor vehicle accounts over the 2026 to 2028 period.

The changes being proposed by ACC result in an average increase in ACC premiums of 14% over the three-year period, however the proposed claims framework includes a number of weighting factors that will see certain industry sectors carry a disproportionate amount of increase.

For the security industry, this would see protective security providers (guards, event security, cash-in-transit,

etc) facing a total increase of 42.6% over the three-years, monitoring companies an increase of 30.8%, and electronic security providers an increase of 4.5%.

We appreciate that this would significantly impact many of our members and the NZSA has provided a comprehensive submission to the consultation providing strong recommendation that measures be taken to ensure appropriate weightings be used and applying a cap to individual levy classifications to prevent large changes to current settings.

We will keep members updated as far as possible.

Fees Free/Apprenticeship Boost Updates

The government has recently made several policy changes that impact onto those undertaking the NZCiES (New Zealand Certificate in Electronic Security) Level 3 and Level 4 qualifications.

Fees Free – The Fees Free arrangement for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of

2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025. For those who are first-time tertiary learners in 2025, they may be able to get Fees Free for the final year of study or training. If eligible, they will need to apply for their entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards (for more information visit the FeesFree website.

Apprenticeship Boost – The Apprenticeship Boost support has been targeted at key sectors and occupations. Security Technicians are included within the grouping Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology, so the coverage includes Apprentice Security Technicians undertaking the NZCiES Level 4.

SSWSD – Security Systems with Smoke Detectors

There has been a change across councils with regards to their approach to enforcement of the NZ Building Act and this has the potential to have significant consequences for those installing and servicing security systems, and our customers.

Our main concern relates to SSWSD (Security Systems with Smoke Detectors) which are a Specified System and require a building consent for installation.

Unfortunately, there are a number of non-compliant legacy systems and as they are identified by council, rectification is required through submission of a building consent or certificate of acceptance.

This can be an expensive process, and we are aware of customers/building owners instructing their security provider to remove the smoke detectors in the mistaken belief that this will address the system and ignoring the increased threat and risks associated with such action.

For guidance on this issue please refer to the NZSA Position Statement Compliance concerns with regards to SSWSD on the NZSA website.

ANZSCO Codes

In an earlier newsletter this year, we advised that we had made a submission to Stats NZ promoting a replacement for the existing ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard

Classification of Occupations) codes that group jobs into “occupations” based on similar tasks and responsibilities.

The ANZSCO codes are used by Immigration NZ for various visa applications for residence, including Job Check applications, which are an employer requirement to support Accredited Employer Work Visas.

Our submission highlighted the existing shortfalls in lumping various jobs into common occupations and also significant variances between role terminology in New Zealand and Australia.

The good news is that it has been announced that the ANZSCO codes will soon be replaced by New Zealand’s own National Occupation List (NOL) with the first version launching on 20 November 2024.

Hopefully this will assist with our lobbying to have Security Technicians added to the Immigration Green List and in obtaining accurate and relevant industry data that is specific to our sector rather than being grouped with associated industries and roles.

Security of Critical Infrastructure

Whilst attending the ASIAL conference almost every presenter made reference to the SOCI (pronounced Sock-E) Act and how it was influencing, or even dictating, security focus and expenditure in Australia.

The Australian Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI) outlines the legal obligations that apply if you own, operate, or have direct interests in critical infrastructure assets. It also outlines how government can provide support if an incident occurs that impacts onto a critical infrastructure asset.

The SOCI Act applies to 11 specified sectors: Communications, Financial services and markets, Data storage or processing, Defence industry, Higher education and research, Energy, Food and grocery, Healthcare and medical, Space technology, Transport, and Water and sewerage.

Whilst we have yet to see similar legislation in New Zealand, it is currently on the radar and is an area that our security providers need not

only to be aware of but should be planning resources around.

A discussion document Strengthening the resilience of Aotearoa New Zealand’s critical infrastructure system was published in June 2023 and provides a good introduction to the topic and notes that by not having a comprehensive or coordinated approach to critical infrastructure regulation we are increasingly out of step with global best practice.

Given the governments focus on critical infrastructure it is highly likely that regulation will be implemented during this government term.

New Member Benefit Programmes – Samsung and Barker Business

We are thrilled to offer a new ground-breaking member benefit programme with Samsung that offers up to 45% in savings on standard retail prices for our members and their staff.

Samsung is a well-known and topend brand, recognised for creating superior electronic products and services that contribute to a better global society.

For information on the benefit programme, refer to the launch information later in this newsletter. In coming weeks, we will also launch a new benefit programme with Barker Business, specialists in business sales and brokerage.

For many business owners, succession planning and exit strategies are front of mind issues however it is difficult to obtain independent and skilled advice and guidance.

Barker Business has been connecting business owners and buyers for over 15 years and is well experienced in the security sector.

We will provide details of the benefit programme offering as part of the launch but will include free and no-obligation business appraisals and significant discounts on the up-front fees (AML checks and marketing) and commissions.

Look out for the formal launch in mid-November.

As always, we welcome all comments and feedback on NZSA or industry issues and activity.

Keep safe and well.

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This device enhances an outstanding range of unbreakable products which conveniently hold open fire doors. When a smoke/fire alarm is activated the magnet instantly releases the door to the closed position to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. These units feature a choice of 3 covers for optimum aesthetic appeal and durability. The installer can utilise one device for surface mounting or for recess mounting.

Gallagher Security inks premium partnership with Clear Digital for SMB app

Gallagher announces Command Centre v9.20 release, as well as a new partnership with distributor Clear Digital to offer SMB solution in the New Zealand market.

Gallagher Security has announced a partnership with Clear Digital as a Premium Partner of its SMB (Security Made Better) solution for the New Zealand market. According to the announcement, the partnership builds on a successful model transition in Australia, enabling Gallagher to offer our SMB solutions through Clear Digital.

The first official launch event will be held at Clear Digital’s Auckland branch on Tuesday 19 November with more events scheduled in Wellington and Christchurch to follow.

“Clear Digital’s expertise and market presence are brilliant; their customer-first values and extensive reach are going to provide significant value to our End Users,” said Brad Small, Gallagher’s Regional Manager for New Zealand Sales. “This strategic partnership marks an exciting chapter for Gallagher and we’re looking forward to working closely with Clear Digital moving forward.”

“We’re genuinely excited to partner with Gallagher Security and integrate their SMB product into our extensive product offerings,” said Luke Stevenson, Director for Clear Digital.

“World-class support, reliability, and a customer-first ethos are share values at the core of both of our company cultures and makes this partnership a natural fit. Most importantly, this collaboration

unlocks innovative access and intrusion solutions for our customers, empowering them to tailor security to each of their unique needs. Our presence across New Zealand makes purchasing Gallagher’s SMB even easier, aligning seamlessly with SMB’s values of simplifying security.”

Gallagher’s SMB cloud-based security app is currently available in New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.

Command Centre v9.20 release

Gallagher Security has announced the release of its security site management software, Command Centre v9.20.

“Command Centre v9.20 further empowers businesses with greater control, improved efficiency, and robust cyber protection - all in one powerful platform designed to streamline operations and unlock customer value,” said Mark Junge, Chief Executive at Gallagher Security.

This release enables integration with Microsoft Entra ID – a cloudbased identity and access management system that enables synchronisation of

cardholders across systems, centralised cardholder and access management, and improved data integrity.

The introduction of Shift items into Time Reporting and Regulated Zones allows sites to run reports across Cardholders working differing shift patterns and raise alarms for unexpected attendance. This data can then be used to assist with contractor billing reconciliation, safety, compliance, and fatigue management.

Upgrading to Salto’s Native Interface enhances cyber security and user functionality and fortifies the Salto integration within Command Centre – enabling extended functionality into the future.

Command Centre v9.20 provides automatic configuration with Gallagher Security’s new Controller C7000 hardware platform including the recent addition of the C7000 Enhanced.

“Our product vision is simple,” said Mark Junge. “to deliver a complete site management solution that flows from powerful software to next-generation hardware to deliver maximum customer value.”

The qualification develops and advances critical research, critical thinking and writing, analytical best practice as well as exploring relevant twentieth and twenty-first century intelligence operations. It is aimed at those wishing to develop advanced critical skills in relation to their existing or prospective intelligence sector careers in New Zealand.

Graduates of this year long programme will possess an advanced knowledge of intelligence analysis processes, be grounded in relevant previous operational intelligence experiences and have a critical understanding of the ethical and professional issues involved.

The programme of study consists of two 30-credit courses:

Qualification Requirements

Semester ONE, 294741: Intelligence in the International Security Environment

A critical examination of intelligence theory and practice, focusing on key concepts and methodologies of intelligence collection and analysis, analytical tools, frameworks and concepts applied to investigations and operations in the contemporary international security environment.

Course Controller:

Dr Rhys Ball, Centre for Defence and Security Studies (Auckland)

Semester TWO, 294744: Intelligence Operations

A comprehensive grounding in the operational intelligence environment in the second half of the 20th century, into the 21st century. Participants will consider the development of intelligence practices both in New Zealand and around the world, from the evolution of intelligence contributions from the end of World War Two, to the intelligence challenges of the 2020s. Intelligence operations are critically reviewed, including intelligence success and failure, espionage against friends and allies, and policing and private intelligence formats.

Course Controller:

Dr John Battersby, Senior Fellow, Centre for Defence and Security Studies (Wellington)

To enroll in this qualification, students must have been awarded or qualified for a relevant Bachelor's degree, or be able to demonstrate scholarly work in conjunction with extensive relevant professional experience for Admission with Equivalent Status.

For further information, please contact John: j.m.battersby@massey.ac.nz, or Rhys: r.ball@massey.ac.nz.

Retailer breached Australians’ privacy with facial recognition CCTV

Australia’s Privacy Commissioner has found Bunnings Group Limited breached Australians’ privacy by collecting their personal and sensitive information through an FRT system.

According to an Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) statement, the system, via CCTV, captured the faces of every person – likely hundreds of thousands of individuals – who entered 63 Bunnings stores in Victoria and New South Wales between November 2018 and November 2021.

“Facial recognition technology, and the surveillance it enables, has emerged as one of the most ethically challenging new technologies in recent years,” Commissioner Kind said.

“We acknowledge the potential for facial recognition technology to help protect against serious issues, such as crime and violent behaviour. However, any possible benefits need to be weighed against the impact on privacy rights, as well as our collective values as a society.

“Facial recognition technology may have been an efficient and cost effective option available to Bunnings at the time in its well-intentioned efforts to address unlawful activity, which included incidents of violence and aggression. However, just because a technology may be helpful or convenient, does not mean its use is justifiable.

“In this instance, deploying facial recognition technology was the most intrusive option, disproportionately interfering with the privacy of everyone who entered its stores, not just high-risk individuals,” said Commissioner Kind.

As well as addressing issues of proportionality and necessity, states the OAIC, the determination highlights

the lack of transparency around Bunnings’ use of facial recognition technology.

Commissioner Kind found Bunnings collected individuals’ sensitive information without consent, failed to take reasonable steps to notify individuals that their personal information was being collected, and did not include required information in its privacy policy.

“Individuals who entered the relevant Bunnings stores at the time would not have been aware that facial recognition technology was in use and especially that their sensitive information was being collected, even if briefly,” said Commissioner Kind.

“We can’t change our face. The Privacy Act recognises this, classing our facial image and other biometric information as sensitive information, which has a high level of privacy protection, including that consent is generally required for it to be collected.”

According to the AOIC, the determination also points to governance shortcomings, with Commissioner

Kind finding Bunnings failed to take reasonable steps to implement practices, procedures and systems required to comply with Australia’s Privacy Act.

The OAIC commented that Bunnings has been cooperative throughout the investigation and paused its use of facial recognition technology pending the outcome.

The Commissioner has made various orders, including that Bunnings must not repeat or continue the acts and practices that led to the interference with individuals’ privacy.

“This decision should serve as a reminder to all organisations to proactively consider how the use of technology might impact privacy and to make sure privacy obligations are met,” said Commissioner Kind.

“Organisations should be aware that ensuring the use of emerging technologies aligns with community expectations and regulatory requirements is high among our priorities.”

Bunnings has the right to seek review of the determination.

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Facial recognition technology in retail settings: after the Bunnings decision

Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind shares important takeaways from her Bunnings determination for other retailers considering using facial recognition technology.

Today [19 November 2024], the OAIC published my determination that retailer Bunnings Group Limited breached Australians’ privacy by collecting their personal and sensitive information through a facial recognition technology system.

We recognise that many people have been eagerly awaiting the decision and have been looking to the OAIC to provide clarity on how and under what circumstances new technologies can be used consistently with the Privacy Acts.

To that end, alongside the determination, we have published today:

• a one-page summary of the investigation and determination.

• guidance on the application of the Privacy Act to facial recognition technology, which explains the relevant considerations for entities wishing to use technology for facial identification.

• a one-page summary of the facial recognition guidance.

While the decision speaks to the specific facts and circumstances of Bunnings’ use of facial recognition technology, there are some important takeaways for the regulated community, especially around the use of facial recognition technology in retail settings.

The first of those takeaways may seem obvious, but it is important to emphasise – the use of facial recognition technology interferes with the privacy of anyone who comes into contact with it.

Even though advanced facial recognition technology tools may only involve the retention of personal information for mere milliseconds, they nevertheless amount to a collection of sensitive personal information to which the Privacy Act applies.

Using facial recognition technology to collect biometric information of individuals not only enlivens the requirements of the law, but it exposes individuals to risks, such as being

subject to an inaccurate match with a ‘watchlist’ and being expelled from a retail setting, or being contacted by police. Facial recognition technology may occasion additional interferences when individuals’ biometric information is added to such watchlists and retained for comparison within the system.

Because facial recognition technology is a high-privacy-risk technology, it is not justifiable for entities to use it merely because it is available, convenient or desirable. Rather, businesses will need to consider a number of factors to satisfy themselves that it is reasonably necessary to collect this information in order to carry out their functions and activities.

Rather than being caught up in technological hype, entities should consider how suitable facial recognition technology is to their needs. How effective is facial recognition technology in achieving the objectives entities have for it, and is there a less privacy-intrusive way that the same outcome could be achieved?

In this context, it is relevant that facial recognition technology can often deliver false positives and that it can be circumvented through relatively simple means such as the use of face masks or balaclavas.

In my determination, I found that as the technology was geared towards identifying repeat offenders in Bunnings stores, it was relevant only to a small portion of the security threats faced by the retailer. Entities should ask whether other, less intrusive methods could achieve the same outcome.

Even if entities are able to satisfy themselves that facial recognition technology is sufficiently effective in achieving the necessary aims, they also need to look at whether the benefits gained outweigh the privacy interference caused.

To that end it will be relevant how many customers are affected by facial

recognition technology, and how transparent the entity is about its use of the technology, including whether informed consent has been obtained. In the Bunnings matter, hundreds of thousands of people likely had their personal information collected, without their knowledge.

This kind of covert and indiscriminate surveillance undermines individuals’ control over their personal information, and can have larger societal impacts.

Going forward, if entities wish to use facial recognition technology in retail settings, they must first consider the privacy considerations and risks. Entities should adopt a privacy by design approach, assessing the level of risk associated with the practice, and the appropriate tool to mitigate that risk, and documenting this exercise.

If entities determine that the use of this technology is necessary and proportionate to the outcome they want to achieve, they will need to ensure individuals can provide informed consent to the collection of this sensitive information, and that they are transparent about their use of facial recognition technology in the circumstances.

Far from undermining the effectiveness of facial recognition technology, being transparent and clearly communicating that facial recognition technology is in use may have the effect of positively shaping customer behaviour, helping entities to achieve their objectives. In any event, it will empower customers to make a choice about whether they want to frequent that retail setting, in full knowledge that facial recognition technology is in use.

More than a quarter of Australians (27%) feel that facial recognition technology is one of the biggest privacy risks faced today, and only 3% of Australians think it’s fair and reasonable for retailers to require their biometric information when accessing their services.

For entities considering using facial recognition technology, being mindful and acting on the takeaways I’ve identified above will help to ensure the technology is used in a way that is consistent with the Privacy Act and community expectations.

This article was originally published on 19 November 2024 as a blog post on the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner’s website.

Our acceptance of facial recognition technology depends on who is doing it – and where

According to several international studies, facial recognition technology is accepted by publics in certain scenarios and not in others, writes chief editor Nicholas Dynon.

Facial recognition technology is becoming more widely used, but this has not been matched by wider acceptance from the public.

Controversies continue to hit the media , with both public and private sector organisations frequently outed for flawed deployments of the technology.

The New Zealand Privacy Commissioner is currently evaluating the results of retailer Foodstuff North Island’s trial of live facial recognition in its stores. The commissioner is also considering a potential code on the use of biometrics that would govern the use of people’s unique physical characteristics to identify them.

But as facial recognition becomes more common, public acceptance of the technology is inconsistent.

Retail stores, for example, tend to attract controversy when using facial recognition technology. But there has been little resistance to the use of it in airports. And the vast majority of people have no problem unlocking their phones using their faces.

My research [recently published in the Massey University Centre for Defence & Security Studies’ National Security Journal ] draws together 15 studies on the public acceptance of facial recognition technology from the United States, United Kingdom and Australia.

There has been little analysis of New Zealand attitudes to the technology. So, these studies offer a view into how it is accepted in similar countries.

What I found is that public acceptance of facial recognition technology depended on the location of the recording – and why it was being captured.

Trusting personal use

According to the global research, individuals tended to place trust in the facial recognition technology on their own smart phones.

According to a 2019 study from the US, 58.9% of people were comfortable with using facial recognition to unlock their smartphone. And a 2024 survey found 68.8% of Australians felt the same.

This is interesting because while individuals physically “operate” the technology via an app on their phone, they don’t control the app itself or the data it collects.

Acceptance is, therefore, a product of perception. When someone uses facial recognition technology on their own phone they feel in control.

Less trust in the government

Public acceptance of government use of facial recognition varied greatly depending on what it was being used for.

The more familiar people were with a particular technology, the higher their level of acceptance of it was.

People were comfortable with governments using facial recognition for identifying passengers at airport customs, for

example. But they were less happy with its use in identifying voters at polling places.

When it came to its deployment by police, people generally accepted the use of facial recognition technology to identify terrorists and investigate serious crimes.

But research found resistance to it being used to identify minor offences and antisocial behaviours, such as parking violations and littering.

People were also uncomfortable with the idea of it being used in court to gain a conviction in the absence of other forms of evidence.

The more ambiguous the use of the technology was, the greater the degree of discomfort around it

Deployments such as “monitoring crowds as they walk down the street” and “day-to-day policing” lead to concerns over ubiquitous surveillance and the loss of “practical obscurity ” (the idea that even in public spaces, you have the right to some level of privacy).

Wary of the private sector

As mixed as public acceptance of government facial recognition technology may be, it was generally greater than that for the private sector.

People place little trust in businesses’ ability to operate the technology responsibly.

According to a 2024 survey from New Zealand’s privacy commissioner, 49% of respondents said they were concerned or very concerned about the use of facial recognition technology in stores.

But as the acceptability data on government use demonstrated, context is key.

Retail-focused research found the public was more accepting of facial recognition technology to identify shoplifters, antisocial patrons and fraudsters than for other purposes – such as loyalty programs, advertising, payments and the tracking of customer behaviour.

In the workplace, security-related deployments attracted limited although greater acceptance than uses relating to employee location and behaviour tracking.

The need for social licence

The question of why facial recognition technology is controversial in some cases but widely accepted in others is an important one.

The absence of research into the public acceptance of facial recognition in New Zealand means there is no evidence basis upon which to establish the social licence for the technology.

There is also a limited understanding of the range of scenarios social licence might cover.

As private businesses and public organisations increasingly use facial recognition technology, it’s important to understand more about how the public feels about having their faces recorded and matched to their identity in real time.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article

New Zealand’s foreign interference conundrum

A serious counter-intelligence capability and a population who can think for itself, is our best defence against unwanted foreign interference, writes Dr John Battersby of Massey University’s Centre for Defence & Security Studies.

Dr John Battersby is a Senior Fellow at Massey University’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies, and Managing Editor of the National Security Journal.

The Prime Minister has announced there will be no public inquiry into foreign interference in New Zealand. Calls for an inquiry have been prompted by the alleged activities of agents or proxies of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The targets of such activities have been Chinese people, many of whom have opted to leave China or Hong Kong to escape the autocratic and oppressive PRC regime. Their complaints appear genuine. Intimidation is being felt.

China’s money has likely found its way into the coffers of New Zealand political parties, and pro PRC candidates may have entered our local body and national political system. Cyber hacks and cyber infiltration, by perpetrators either directed (or at least unrestrained) by the Chinese

government have also occurred here.

These have all been stringently denied by China. Such activities have always been run under a cover of ‘plausible deniability,’ the euphemism for a lie - “We are not involved,” when they know damned well they are.

China makes no secret that it considers Taiwan, the South China Sea, and Chinese people generally, as rightfully under its domain. Since 2014, China has had legislation (albeit revised since) which more or less requires its commercial entities, and its people, wherever they are, to aid its ‘intelligence’ efforts. It would appear such efforts extend to the activities which have attracted media attention recently.

But do we need a Commission of Inquiry into the matter? Such an

inquiry would likely achieve nothing beyond extending the suspicions we already have – for which we can obtain little by way of concrete proof as it is.

Moreover, while the Chinese government appears to be the most recent perpetrator – they are not the only government up to such tricks.

The reality is that any country with the capability to exert power beyond their own borders will likely be doing so using their intelligence services, or a range of private entities akin to them, in efforts to influence the internal affairs of other states. This is the real world, not the bubble New Zealanders think they live in.

Our traditional friends and allies have historically engaged in propaganda campaigns infusing money or misinformation into financial or media systems in attempts to influence the political direction of other countries. The post World War II ‘West’ did not just fall into its liberal democratic state, it was arguably bought and furnished by American money. It was of course a far more subtle interference than the USSR’s brutality in the Eastern Bloc.

New Zealand’s split with ANZUS in February 1985 and subsequent anti-nuclear legislation was seen by

the USSR as a fissure in the Western alliance; KGB operations immediately stepped up here. In July that year, a French intelligence operative infiltrated Greenpeace, and a French special forces team bombed the Rainbow Warrior in Auckland Harbour.

Palestinian groups, and the Israeli secret service, have both have been detected here stealing New Zealand passports, or the identities of New Zealanders for the purposes of obtaining them to use in more sinister activities.

We are not enemies of any of these people – but their agents were here, nonetheless.

Others are likely still here for the purposes of espionage, or through proxies with bags of money are buying political favour, investing in commercial entities, dropping hints to media outlets to follow one story rather than another, or seeding social media chaff for the emoji generation to tag its likes and dislikes onto.

It is not a commission of inquiry that New Zealanders need, it is the capacity to critically think about how foreign influence works in a country economically dependent on overseas markets, technologically dependent on foreign suppliers, forced to hedge between nations we share a political

system with, and those we need for economic survival. This is the environment in which emerges an influence-to-interference spectrum defying any straightforward attempt to distinguish the sinister from the wellintentioned.

The vast bulk of foreign influence here is simply flashed in front of us, and we not only take it, we pay big bucks for the privilege.

Technology is not neutral. Nor is mainstream or social media, or television, benign; while we use these things, they are collecting our habits, our interests, our likes and fetishes, or through subliminal content, designing them.

That foreign governments set out to do the same should come as no surprise. Stealing our secrets, hacking our systems and intimidating people –are illegal, and we need a solid ability to confront the perpetrators. But nudging us this way or that, by persuasion, offering solutions, gifts and financial support, all comprise a spectrum of greys where one shade differs very little from another.

Not an inquiry then, but a serious counter-intelligence capability and a population who can think for itself, is our best defence against unwanted foreign interference.

Genetec ranks second in latest Omdia report

According to the 2024 Omdia Access Control, consistent market share gains over the last six years gives Genetec #2 global position for access control software.

According to the Omdia report, a broadening in the adoption of access control software beyond strictly security purposes has increased demand for unified security platforms that allow organisations to manage systems - such as access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection - through a single interface.

“While many legacy access control vendors rely on acquisitions to expand their market share, Genetec has achieved rapid organic growth through innovation and investment in new technologies,” said Christian Morin, Vice President of Product Engineering at Genetec.

“Over the last year, we introduced Security Center SaaS, HID Mercury Security MP controllers, Axis Powered by Genetec, and an I/O module in partnership with STid as part of our European high assurance access control system offering. This demonstrates our commitment to expanding our access control portfolio through innovation and partnerships, paving the way for future growth.”

In a highly fragmented EMEA market, Genetec remains among the top 10 access control software providers by focusing on open architecture systems that allow users to integrate components from different vendors.

According to the Omdia report, end users in the region prefer open systems that offer flexibility and customisation, a preference that seemingly aligns with Genetec’s strategy to provide adaptable solutions tailored to the region, as evidenced by its partnership with STid.

In the Asia-Pacific region (excluding China), Genetec continues to rapidly expand its market share, reaching 6th position (up from 10th in 2021).

As enterprise users and multinational corporations modernise their access control infrastructure, they seek feature-rich, cyber-secure systems with strong integration capabilities. Open-architecture solutions allow organisations to secure assets and people, enhance business operations, and easily upgrade technology at their own pace.

The Omdia report also indicates that the access control market is increasingly adopting hybrid cloud deployments. It’s a trend for which Genetec believes its Security Center SaaS is well suited.

A physical security solution that brings access control and video

management to the cloud, Security Center SaaS supports hybrid or full cloud deployments, allowing organisations to move components and sites to the cloud at their own pace.

In addition to its success in access control, Genetec has retained its number one global position in the VMS market while also ranking first in the combined Video Management Software (VMS) and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) market, according to Omdia’s recently released 2024 Video Surveillance & Analytics Database Report.

Omdia’s 2024 Access Control data includes revenue, unit shipments, and ASPs for equipment sales. The 2024 edition has expanded coverage with new segmentations for global sales excluding China as well as vertical splits of mobile credential revenues.

REACH NEW HEIGHTS in Professional Excellence

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Designed, tested and produced in New Zealand to AS4178 A)

Surface and Recess mounting

This device enhances an outstanding range of unbreakable products which conveniently hold open fire doors. When a smoke/fire alarm is activated the magnet instantly releases the door to the closed position to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. These units feature a choice of 3 covers for optimum aesthetic appeal and durability. The installer can utilise one device for surface mounting or for recess mounting.