New Zealand Security Association announces Guardforce Security team at Pakuranga Plaza in Auckland as second Covid-19 Guardian Award winners.
The first team recipient of the recently instituted awards scheme is Guardforce’s Pakuranga Plaza security team consisting of Lutelo Hausia (Site Security Manager), Kelemete Makalio, Mark Tavoi Solomona, Meketi Silva and Phillip Lova.
This outstanding team was nominated by Allan Wharerau, General Manager of Guardforce Security, with the nomination prompted by multiple commendations received from Pakuranga Plaza retailers and shoppers in addition to the Plaza’s property manager.
“This team have proved to everyone visiting the Plaza that they are rock stars!” said Allan.
“They are caring and friendly and easy to communicate with, always wanting to know if we were okay,” commented a centre retailer. “We value what they do and how much they care about the people that have worked through this difficult time, as well as putting their lives at risk for all of us.”
According to the manager of a pharmacy in the centre, “They have been a tremendous help to our pharmacy team, helping elderly patients and supporting us in various ways.”
In an email to Guardforce, Property Manager Jaki Dwight commented that “it is rare that anyone provides good feedback in any normal situation so getting this kind of feedback in the midst of such a difficult time for the world is truly amazing.
“You guys are making us proud every day and I know that Ziso (founder of Guardforce Security who passed away in 2018) will be looking down and smiling at the efforts you are all going to, to make things safe and run as smoothly as possible,” continued Jaki. “He will be proud as punch!”
The NZSA introduced the Covid-19 Guardian Award as a way for the wider community to recognise security personnel for their efforts.
NZSA CEO Gary Morrison has been thrilled with the number and quality of nominations received. According to the NZSA, judging this week’s round had been tough, but this team stood out because there were so many brilliant recommendations for them.
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With over 25,000 New Zealanders working in the security industry – nearly double the number of police – private security has always had a critical role in keeping Kiwis and their property safe, especially during times of crisis.
The campaign calls on the public, business owners and other essential services who have used private guards to nominate individuals who have gone above and beyond or simply have been a reassuring, kind and considerate face during these testing times.
A web form has been established on the NZSA website where nominations can be made including a place to upload photos or videos of guards doing a great job.
The NZSA aims to award one guard a week with a special trophy in the lead up to the annual New Zealand Security Awards nomination period, starting in late May. The awards are not just for member companies – anyone holding a Ministry of Justice (PSPLA) issued Certificate of Approval (security licence) can be nominated.
The form can be viewed at https://security.org.nz/covid-19-guardian-award-nomination-form/
