Kia ora and welcome to the October-November 2025 issue of New Zealand Security Magazine! It’s awards season, and this year saw Tamaki Makaurau Auckland play host to the big event – we cover all the winners in this issue of NZSM!
Firstly, a big thanks to our wonderful advertisers. Our advertisers are businesses that are committed to our industry. Through their sponsorship of this magazine they play an important role in contributing to a vibrant and informed security sector.
NZSM was again proud to be a category sponsor at this year’s New Zealand Security Awards, and it was an absolute honour to be at the Grand Millennium to celebrate the amazing finalists and award winners. Congratulations to all of you, and especially to Ray Nisbet from FIRST Security who was awarded both the Patrol Officer of the Year and the 2024 Security Professional of the Year Award!
Inside, 17 September saw the launch of a new safety campaign to guide New Zealanders on what to do to stay safe during an armed offender incident in a crowded place. It is hoped that Escape. Hide. Tell. becomes as well known to Kiwis as “Drop. Cover. Hold.” Also during the month, ASIS International introduced its groundbreaking new Executive Protection Standard that provides actionable guidelines for risk assessment, planning, and implementation of executive protection services.
In a timely article, Professor Michael Townsley of Griffith University writes that even with rising retail theft, the evidence doesn’t support a widespread cookie-cutter rollout of fortress-style security measures for all supermarkets. In a recent statement, the Privacy Commissioner warns that even though retail crime is a serious issue, so are the privacy implications of sharing possible shoplifters’ photos online.
In a recent update, the Police Minister notes that the government’s policies are making a positive impact as the numbers of beat police increase amid a drop in the number of serious crimes.
There’s plenty more great reading inside this issue of NZSM, including a great article by ICARAS Security Consultants, mastering physical security risk management is about more than compliance—it’s about cultivating a culture of foresight and fortitude.
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. If you’re not already an NZSM subscriber, make sure you visit www.defsec.net.nz to sign up!
Lastly, from the team here at NZSM, congratulations to all nominees, finalists and award winners at the New Zealand Security Awards, and congratulations to the NZSA for again putting on a great event!
Nicholas Dynon, Auckland
