Kia ora and welcome to the April-May 2024 issue of NZSM! This is our annual government, transport, tourism, and IT security themed issue, and this edition we’re focusing on active shooter incidents, spectator security, and the protection of crowded places.
We remember the 51 souls whose lives were tragically cut short in Christchurch five years ago on 15 March 2019. Our memory of those who were lost serves to remind us of our responsibility to embrace our collective diversity, to reject ideologies of hate, to counter violent extremism, and to protect our communities.
Inside, Chair of the New Zealand Crowded Places Security Advisory Group Chris Kumeroa calls for more political leadership on raising awareness nationally on how to protect venues from attack and how to stay safe during an attack. We also explore key research from NZ and the US in relation to online extremist footprints, active shooter incidents, and spectator perceptions of threat, safety, and security at sporting events.
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With the start in February of Foodstuffs North Island’s 25-store Live Facial Recognition trial, I explore the need for a bigger conversation – and leadership – around the deployment of this controversial tech.
In our wrap-up of the top security industry stories, TPT Group and FIRST Security both celebrate 25th birthdays, Watchu Security gets a new office, Armourguard returns to Rotorua, Dahua gets a new NZ Channel Director. Also in NZ news, Armourguard looks to purchase ACM New Zealand Limited, and ELE’s security business is snapped up by Red Badge Group.
There’s plenty more great reading inside this issue of NZSM, so I hope you enjoy. Also, if you haven’t already, consider subscribing to our regular eNewsletter THE BRIEF. It’s a great way to keep up to date with the latest. Details on the Defsec website.
As always, a big thanks to our wonderful advertisers Loktronic, The Third Degree, simPRO, Provision-ISR (SWL), HID, Hikvision, and Vivotek (Clear Digital). We’d also like to recognise our association and event partners for this issue, the New Zealand Security Association, ASIS International NZ Chapter, and the Defence Employer Support Council.
Best of luck to all the OSPAs finalists with the ASIS Certification Dinner and OSPAs gala dinner this coming Friday. Also, there’s recently been a call for nominations for this year’s Tohu Awards! Hosted by the Minister of Defence, these awards recognise organisations who employ Reservists, Cadet Force Officers and graduates of Limited Service Volunteer Programmes. They may be among your employees!
Stay safe!
Nicholas Dynon, Auckland
