At the glittering 2018 industry awards night in Queenstown, 19 award recipients were recognised for exemplifying exceptional performance and professionalism. We salute the industry’s finest for 2018!
Security trainer or workplace assessor of the year
Sponsored by the Skills Organisation, this award celebrates those who have made a difference to improving security practice via training, and recognises the individual who has consistently promoted outstanding performance and produced quantifiable results that have benefited their organisation and its workers and customers. The recipient will be a person who inspires others and always leads by example.
The Security Trainer or Workplace Assessor of the Year is Peter Fillet of Red Badge Group. Peters’ extensive experience and ability to use real life examples inspires his students, whether they are brand new to the industry completing mandatory units, Gateway school students, or more experienced security personnel completing their Level 2 or 3 qualifications.
With an extensive 30 plus years in the security sector, Peter came out of retirement last year to return to his passion in security training. He has been an inspiration to his students and has a major impact on youth through the Gateway program, preparing them for a career that they may not have otherwise had the opportunity to obtain.
This award recognises not only his efforts over the last year, but also his previous three decades in the industry.
Outstanding security training initiative of the year
Sponsored by the Skills Organisation, this award recognises the organisation that has made a difference to improving the uptake and outcomes of industry training through the introduction and support of innovative and effective security training initiatives.
The recipient organisation will have demonstrated a commitment towards enabling staff to use the NZQA national qualification framework as a means towards personal and professional development and growth and in achieving positive outcomes
The Outstanding Security Training Initiative of the Year is NZDF Security Training Framework and Up-skilling (Contact Training Systems Ltd). This outstanding training initiative recognises the challenge that many trained and experienced personnel within the New Zealand Defence Force face when finding alternative employment as their qualifications are not recognised within the private sector.
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The initiative has been led by Zac Temaro who has worked tirelessly with both the New Zealand Army and Skills Organisation in developing and implementing security qualifications at Levels 2, 3 and 4 for Army personnel using the Attestation process. The process has led to 927 personnel being trained in Level 2 and 387 in Level 3 to date.
Electronic trainee of the year
Sponsored by the Skills Organisation, this award recognises an individual who has made outstanding progress in professional development and training for their role in the electronic sector of the security industry. They will have displayed commitment towards training and achieving results through the NZQA qualifications framework. The recipient will be a person who inspires others and always leads by example.
The Electronic Trainee of the Year is Carl Durrant of Fortlock. Carl started with Fortlock in April 2016 having previously been a manager in the Navy and having never used a screwdriver in his life! He was older than most apprentice technicians but had decided to see if he liked the job. Two years later he is still with Fortlock.
Carl is currently working through his Security Technician apprenticeship and has now finished all theory and practical models required for completion. His employer describes Carl as a great find. He is competent, outgoing, eager for a challenge, a great communicator and an all-round good guy.
Manpower trainee of the year
Sponsored by the Skills Organisation, this award recognises an individual who has made outstanding progress in professional development and training for their role in the manpower sector of the security industry. They will have displayed commitment towards training and achieving results through the NZQA qualifications framework. The recipient will be a person who inspires others and always leads by example.
The Manpower Trainee of the Year is: Bruce Downs of First Contact. Since leaving school, Bruce had spent his life unemployed and living on the streets. In 2017, having befriended an employee at First Contact, he felt it was time to start taking steps to improve his quality of life so he approached Work and Income to get assistance in obtaining his Certificate of Approval and completing the mandatory training requirements.
Upon gaining his full CoA and with the support of several staff at First Contact, he applied for a position with the company in July 2017. Having spent so much time on the streets, Bruce’s appearance and interview technique were somewhat lacking however he demonstrated a committed attitude and promised that if offered a role, he would not let anyone down.
He was employed on two conditions: (i) attend all training sessions, and (ii) get a haircut as his dreadlocks were not a good image. He arrived at the office the next day to sign his paperwork and with a smart haircut and clean shaven.
Bruce has completed his Level 2 Certificate and is well on the way to completing Level 3. He is described as someone who willingly takes direction and demonstrates excellent commitment. He is an inspiration and an excellent example of how an individual can develop professionally if they are provided with a supportive training environment and have a commitment to their personal improvement.
Design & support electronic sector of the year award
Sponsored by the Gallagher Group, this award recognises the excellence, commitment and professionalism of those providing design and support services to the electronic sector of the security industry. It is presented to an individual who has demonstrated not only technical expertise but also exemplary customer service and continually meets or exceeds best practice. The recipient provides a valuable role within the business and sets incredibly high standards.
The Design and Support Electronic Sector of the Year is Russell Milliken of Red Wolf High Level Security. Russell has an extensive security background and holds a Batchelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Batchelor of Science, and a Diploma in Project Management.
Whilst his qualifications are exceptional, it is Russell’s willingness, versatility, and professionalism that make him stand out. His employer says that he performs consistently at the highest levels – his attention to detail, desire for continuous improvement, along with his positive and professional demeanour, and open and honest approach determines that he takes full ownership for every project he is involved with.
Install & service electronic sector of the year award
Sponsored by the Gallagher Group, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism of those operating as Security Technicians and providing installation and/or service duties. It is presented to an individual who has demonstrated not only technical expertise but also exemplary customer service and continually meets or exceeds best practice. The recipient provides a valuable role within the business and sets incredibly high standards.
The Winner of the Install and Service Electronic Sector of the Year is Stephen Wright of VIP Security. Stephen commenced with VIP Security as a security trainee in 2011. He was a quick learner, both with self-learning and industry training, and now is certified across a wide range of platforms.
Stephen has a real passion for security and for doing the best that he can and that was highlighted by a significant number of glowing customer testimonials and references.
His employer states that Stephen really typifies the company values of enjoyment, quality, passion and responsiveness. He is also very humble and a pleasure to work with. He is an amazing technician and an asset to VIP Security and our customers.
Security Consultant of the Year Award
Sponsored by the Gallagher Group, this award recognises the Security Consultant who has demonstrated outstanding performance in their role. Consultants often play a key role in offering expertise and insight that can transform the quality and effectiveness of service, product or system that is offered.
It recognises the existence of distinct skill sets and crucially, the way they are harnessed and managed, to make a substantial and quantifiable difference to the security strategy and/or practice of their customers. The recipient will be a person who inspires others and sets incredibly high standards.
The Security Consultant of the Year is Andrew Thorburn of Atlas Gentech. Andrew has over 21 years’ experience in physical security and risk management and will be well known to many in the room tonight through his passion and commitment for industry training and standards, and his involvement with ASIS NZ.
In his role with Atlas Gentech, Andrew has taken a lead in educating staff, integrator partners and end users in making risk based and informed decisions for their protective security projects and focused on holistic solutions rather than products.
In addition to his focus on the Atlas Gentech business and the brands he manages, Andrew has continued to voluntarily engage and support the industry through external associations, presenting on topical subjects and technologies, arranging international presenters, driving sector awareness, standards and professional development for all stakeholders.
Security administrator of the year
Sponsored by the Simpro Software Group, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism for those who provide the vital administrative functions that support every business.
The individual will have exhibited not only excellent technical skills but also outstanding customer service, high levels of innovation and superb time management. The recipient will be widely respected and valued as a critical cog in the success of the organisation.
The Security Administrator of the year Award is Arlene Ahorro of Matrix Security. Arlene has worked for Matrix Security since 2011. Initially hired as the Payroll Officer, it was quickly identified that her skills and capacity extended well beyond payroll leading to a promotion to Assistant Accountant.
Her involvement in all finance administration processes demonstrates her comprehensive and natural understanding of all the systems and processes that happen in the background. As a result she has become the established ‘go to’ person if something hasn’t worked properly, or needs improving, or simply just needs getting done because someone is away.
Arlene consistently strives for excellence and continuous improvement while also enriching and inspiring her colleagues. Her standard is simply right first time, and on time every time!
Outstanding new product or service of the year
Sponsored by the Simpro Software Group, this award recognises an organisation that has developed and delivered technical innovation and excellence within the security sector. The product or service will be recognised as being ‘best in field’ and ‘market leading’ and will provide clear differentiation over competitors.
The Outstanding New Product or Service of the Year Award is Just Roster by Just Roster Ltd. Just Roster is a staff management and deployment platform developed specifically for the security industry. It delivers a range of powerful features designed to meet the demands of an industry where staff deployment, government regulations, health and safety, and client requirements can be very complex.
The system provides an affordable and almost fool proof way for business owners to ensure compliance with government, industry and client expectations.
In an environment where deploying the wrong security officer can result in fines, risk to reputation, and potentially the loss of business, Just Roster delivers business owners, operations managers, and supervisors with a powerful tool that virtually guarantees compliance and peace of mind, all from a desk, laptop or tablet and in the palm of their hand.
Outstanding customer service initiative of the year
Sponsored by Rothbury Insurance, this award celebrates an organisation that has implemented a customer service based initiative that has provided a quantifiable improvement in service standards and placed that organisation as a preferred provider for customers. The initiative will have become embedded in the culture and operations of the organisation and provides clear differentiation over other providers
The Outstanding Customer Service Initiative of the Year 2018 is Customer Digital Strategy from Atlas Gentech. The Customer Digital Strategy within Atlas Gentech has been led by RJ Moka, Enterprise Key Account Manager.
RJ developed and successfully implemented a digital strategy for current product updates and new product releases that links with core client and contract information to provide improved analysis and reporting, including identifying and leveraging group relationships and products not in the standard product portfolio and hence better supporting integrator projects.
Security specialist of the year
Sponsored by Hikvision New Zealand, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism within the industry sectors not already covered within the other award categories, including service to customers and outstanding acts.
The award will be presented to the individual who has gone beyond what could have been reasonably expected of them in providing the level of service that exceeds customer and/or manager expectations. The recipient will be a person who inspires others and sets incredibly high standards.
The joint Security Specialists of the Year are Ashley Burkhart and Alysha Smith, both from Armourguard.
Ashley is Armourguard’s National Logistics Manager. His operating knowledge of all aspects of cash security, cash dispensing, cash transportation and processing is second-to-none, and he has used his knowledge of industry best-practice in these fields to further strengthen the company’s offering and drive high performance within the nationwide transport and logistics team.
Alysha runs Armourguard’s second largest cash floor operation. She sets extremely high standards for herself and her team, and also ensures her senior employees are given performance measures so that they can monitor and maintain high standards within the operation. Alysha has led the business in taking on trials for improved processes and customer efficiencies and she consistently sets the benchmark for productivity achievements.
Communications centre operator of the year
Sponsored by Hikvision New Zealand, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism within the “Communications Centre Operator” Sector of the industry. The individual will have demonstrated a high degree of technical competence and outstanding level of service delivery that consistently exceeds customer expectations. The recipient will be a person who inspires others and sets incredibly high standards
The Communications Centre Operator of the Year is Nikolos Berends of FIRST Security. Nick has taken a leadership role in implementing and embedding organisational change in the FIRST Security Logistics Support Centre.
Nick consistently displays dedication, initiative and an ability to perform duties while under pressure, all whilst maintaining exceptionally high standards. A rare quality is his ability to look at an issue from multiple points of view, be that of a customer, contractor, landlord or a Communications Centre Operator. This enables Nick to quickly come to the best decision on how to deal with specific situations.
These skills, along with Nicks ability to share his knowledge, have made him a champion within his team and the wider organisation.
Security supervisor or operations manager of the year
Sponsored by NZ Mobilcard, this award recognises those who through security expertise, operational knowledge, customer service and skilful and innovative leadership, ensure the delivery of services that consistently exceed customer expectations. The recipient will be an inspirational leader and innovator, team focused and committed to delivering exceptional service 24/7.
The Security Supervisor or Operational Manager of the Year is Felise Tamiano of Armourugard. Felise is a senior supervisor in Armourguard’s Auckland Manned Services business, and is responsible for its two largest clients in that region: the Ministry of Social Development and Auckland Council.
The logistics of providing service to these customers is complex and demanding yet Felise handles it with aplomb. As his manager notes, “it’s easy not to notice how good a job he does because he does it so well.” Felise never complains but just goes and does it. Nothing is a problem.
Felise is renowned for his excellent communications with customers and team members alike. He holds a great deal of mana and is widely regarded with respect across the company. As a result, his team happily go the extra mile to help him when things are very busy or the team is short-staffed.
Patrol officer of the year
Sponsored by New Zealand Security Magazine (NZSM), this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism within the patrol sector of the industry, including service to customers and outstanding acts.
The award is presented to an individual who has gone beyond what could have been expected of them in providing a level of service that exceeds customer and/or manager expectations. The recipient will be a person who inspires others within the team and sets incredibly high standards.
The Patrol Officer of the Year is Elizabeth Baker of Matrix Security. Elizabeth started her career in security in 2016 and has excelled in her role since. Her colleagues and management team hold the greatest admiration for her skills, personality and dedication, and this has been exemplified by the professionalism and high standard of care demonstrated in two recent life changing situations.
The first incident occurred in April 2018 while Elizabeth was doing her usual patrol duties in the Judges Bay Reserve. Elizabeth spotted a toddler walking towards the water and couldn’t see any adults around. The child ran into the water and fell over, disappearing below the waves.
Elizabeth ran from the bathroom facilities into the water to pull the toddler from under water, where he had been for close to one minute, and then administer care. The family came running from some distance away having realised their three-year-old son had wondered off. The family was visiting from Rotorua, and will always be thankful for the quick reactions of Elizabeth in saving their son’s life.
A week later Elizabeth was doing her patrol run in Cornwall Park when she saw an elderly gentleman trip over a curb and hit his head, knocking him unconscious and bleeding. Elizabeth quickly approached and placed the man in the recovery position before calling for an ambulance. She then continued to administer care for both the gentleman and his distraught wife. Her actions were praised by the couple and the attending ambulance staff.
Security officer of the year
Sponsored by New Zealand Security Magazine (NZSM, this award recognises excellence, commitment and professionalism within the “guarding” sector of the industry, including service to customers and outstanding acts.
The award will be presented to the individual that has gone beyond what could have been expected of them in providing a level of service that exceeds the customers and/or managers expectations. The recipient will be a person who inspires others within the team and sets incredibly high standards.
The Security Officers of the Year are DJ Singh and Nav Singh of Guardforce Security Ltd. DJ and Nav are senior security officers at Glenfield Mall on Auckland’s North Shore. Both are excellent security officers, diligent and professional in their duties, well respected by their customer and colleagues and great role models for other team members.
Earlier this year because of their combined courage, excellence of performance, total commitment and professionalism, they without question saved the life of a young and severely distressed woman who had self-harmed
Having been alerted to the potential situation, DJ and Nav called for emergency services back-up before forcing their way into the cubicle where the lady had locked herself in. They managed to immobilise the woman and secured the weapon she had used to cause multiple stab wounds. They then concentrated on applying pressure to the numerous wounds in an attempt to stem the flow of blood.
Their manager comments that in his many years in the security industry he has never seen a more dedicated effort to save a life, and for this effort to be conducted in a shopping mall environment with a completely uncooperative patient who was determined to end her life.
He would like to thank DJ and Nav for inspiring us all to not only do our jobs well but if and when a threat to human life arises, to first of all show courage and then do all in our power to protect that human life.
Visionary leadership award
Sponsored by Ask Your Team, this award recognises an individual or organisation that has demonstrated bold and visionary leadership and crated a clear differentiation in the market place between themselves and other completing service providers.
The leadership of the organisation will be closely aligned with the vision, mission and values of the organisation and will be strongly embedded in all interactions with staff, customers and the wider public.
The winner of the Visionary Leadership Award is Alistair Hogg of Aotea Security. Alistair’s career in the New Zealand security industry dates back to 1987, but it wasn’t until 1997 when he became a founding employee of Aotea Security Dunedin that he truly found his calling as a leader.
At that time Alistair and two other security technicians approached Murray Hughes, the Managing Director of Aotea Electrical, to assist them in forming a new entity called Aotea Security. The company grew rapidly under Alistair’s management to a company with 12 branches across the country and recognised as a market leading national provider.
Those who work with Alistair say that what sets him apart from others is his communication skills, industry knowledge and open mindedness to innovation. He is a man that is both commercially attuned but most importantly connected to the people who he works with and leads.
In addition to his commitment to Aotea Security, Alistair has contributed significantly to the wider industry, including involvement as Board Member, Vice Chairman and Chairman of the NZSA between 2008 and 2012, Board Member, Vice Chairman and Chairman of ASIS NZ (including terms as NZ Regional Vice President and Senior Vice President of Oceania) and various Standards Development and Technical Committees.
Alistair is recognised as a humble and reliable member of our industry however who is a mature, inspirational and visionary leader.
Ian Dick Memorial Award for Security Professional of the Year
Presented by the Honourable Aupito Sio, Associate Minister of Justice, the Ian Dick Memorial Award for Security Professional of the year is sponsored by the NZSA and recognises excellence in service performed by Security Professionals who are employed by NZSA Member companies.
This award is in the honour of a stalwart of our industry, Ian Dick. Ian worked tirelessly for the betterment of the security industry and was instrumental in developing and implementing many of the codes and standards that have been the foundation for the delivery of security services.
This year, the award honours a security professional who has through their actions demonstrated their courage, professionalism and commitment and by going beyond what could reasonably be expected of them, has achieved life changing outcomes.
The Winner of the Ian Dick memorial Award for Security Professional of the Year is Elizabeth Baker of Matrix Security. Elizabeth was recognised earlier as the Patrol Officer of the Year.
