Each of the nine WiSAA categories correspond to the protection of specific threats that New Zealanders face. Due to the dynamic nature of the threat landscape, categories are likely to undergo change from one year to the next. Our categories for 2023-24 were:
1. Preventing crime and protecting communities
Brazen property crimes, such as ram raids and aggravated robberies, along with violence and aggression within our communities, have loomed at major societal challenges.
This category recognises a law enforcement or security professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, advocacy, innovation, and/or leadership made a significant contribution to the prevention of crime and/or the protection of communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
2. Securing organisations and infrastructure
Securing critical infrastructure is quickly assuming national importance with the commencement in June 2023 of the New Zealand Government’s consultation with the public in relation to the strengthening of critical infrastructure resilience.
This category recognises a professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, innovation, and/or leadership made a significant contribution to the security of an organisation or critical infrastructure asset. Note: the organisation or asset may be part of a network of such organisations/assets essential to the functioning of Aotearoa New Zealand’s society or the economy or to the safety of its citizens.
3. Safeguarding networks and people online
Aotearoa New Zealand faces cyber threats and online harm from state and non-state actors. From government agencies to big enterprises, small to medium business, public institutions, and individuals, we’re all vulnerable.
This category recognises a professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, advocacy, innovation, and/or leadership made an exceptional contribution to driving cybersecurity or online safety outcomes within an organisation or beyond.
Securing critical infrastructure is quickly assuming national importance.
4. Countering incivility and violent extremism
It may be a cliche, but we live in unprecedented times in which incivility and intolerance are threatening whole societies and social cohesion. Trust in government and traditional institutions is being eroded as disaffected individuals gravitate towards identity and ideology-based extremes.
This category recognises a professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, advocacy, innovation, and/or leadership made a significant contribution to the countering of incivility or violent extremism, or who has contributed to promoting open, tolerant communities.
5. Contributing to defence and international security
We live in an era characterised by geopolitical instability, great power rivalry, and regional insecurity in which the Indo-Pacific is becoming a locus of competition and potential conflict.
This category recognises a professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, advocacy, innovation, and/or leadership made a significant contribution to the defence of New Zealand and its national interests or, more broadly, to regional or international security..
6. Combatting fraud and misrepresentation
Tough times and periods of economic uncertainty are boom times for insurance and employment fraud, and online the internet brings scams from all over the world into lounge rooms and offices across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This category recognises a professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, advocacy, innovation, and/or leadership made a significant contribution to combatting fraud and misrepresentation – either in general or in relation to a specific case or cases.
Incivility and intolerance are threatening whole societies and social cohesion
7. Protecting borders, trade, and biosecurity
The importance of protecting our borders was highlighted during COVID-19, and everyday in the work of professionals involved in protecting our borders and the air and sea approaches to them.
customs, immigration, biosecurity, and the protection of ports and the air and sea approaches to Aotearoa New Zealand forms a front line of defence from transnational crime, illicit drugs, and public health and biosecurity hazards.
This category recognises a professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, advocacy, innovation, and/or leadership made a significant contribution to the protection of the New Zealand community either at the border or along the routes through which people and goods pass prior to arriving at the border.
8. Responding to natural disaster events
Whakari White Island eruption, Kaikoura earthquke, Cyclone Gabrielle, North Island floods; these are just some of the recent natural disasters and extreme weather events that have impacted communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This category recognises a professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, advocacy, innovation, and/or leadership made a significant contribution in responding to an emergency, natural disaster or extreme weather event.
9. Building resilient communities
Delivering safety and security is often associated with reactive measures, such as responding to threats and disasters, but it’s also about learning from these events and making our communities more resilient for the future.
This category recognises a professional who has through their commitment, capability, professionalism, advocacy, innovation, and/or leadership made a significant contribution to building an organisation’s or community’s resilience to future threats.
Responding to threats and making our communities more resilient for the future.
