2024 Winners’ Summaries

Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Isaac Taingahue – Optic Security Group

Optic Security Group’s Wellington Operations Manager Isaac Taingahue has a notable track record of having impressively managed several significant customers including Victoria University of Wellington, Transpower NZ, The Great War Exhibition, the Department of Conservation, and Te Whatu Ora, to name just a few. Isaac is committed to delivering value-add to his customers, a trait that has characterised his career. The continued high satisfaction of the Wellington team’s long-term customers is testament to this.

Outstanding Security Team sponsored by Evotek Technologies
Facility Security Officer Team – Beca

The Beca Facility Security Officer Team has made remarkable strides in enhancing protective security, significantly bolstering the safety of New Zealand Inc. Its deep involvement in Defence, National Security, and Critical Infrastructure underscores the impact of its work. By designing and delivering intuitive, engaging training they’ve elevated the effectiveness of security awareness and national security clearance management across Beca. This initiative extends beyond Beca’s boundaries, reaching a broader spectrum of clients and new commercial partners.

Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
FIRST Security

FIRST Security, a forward-thinking company, aims to revolutionize the New Zealand security industry. The company focus lies in solving clients’ challenges by leveraging its people, systems, and technology to deliver bespoke security solutions. Beyond products and revenue, FIRST prioritizes its people. To enhance flexibility and engagement, the company has introduced tiered pay rates for retail security officers, aligning with clients’ needs and budgets. This approach ensures optimal service delivery, especially at high-need sites where experienced officers collaborate with store teams to enhance safety outcomes.

Outstanding Security Consultant sponsored by Crosbies Security Ltd
Lee Ashton – Optic Security Group

Lee Ashton, a champion of customer-driven advisory services, excels in clear communication, imparting knowledge, and offering standards-based, evidence-based, and fit-for-purpose security risk consultancy. As part of Optic Security Group, Lee led significant security work for Southern Cross Healthcare Limited during 2022-23. His contributions included Site Security Risk Assessments across 15 hospital and clinic sites nationwide, as well as an organisational-level security risk assessment overview. Lee’s holistic understanding spans physical security, health and safety, personnel security, privacy, data protection, cyber security, and organisational resilience. His extensive knowledge of enterprise-level security systems enriches his advisory and design work, setting him apart in the industry.

Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator
Rishu Sharma – Evotek Technologies

Rishu, as a leader, embodies a team-oriented approach. He not only leads by example, but also fosters a culture of zero tolerance for failure. His team wholeheartedly embraces this ethos; valuing customers and generating respect from clients. Rishu excels at presenting compelling business cases, showcasing the full spectrum of benefits from capital or operational investments. Moreover, he has innovated beyond expectations, devising an integrated technology solution that has bridged security and non-security domains, addressing an operational challenge well beyond the formal scope of the Evotek engagement. His leadership style is characterized by professionalism, patience, and a keen eye for strategic opportunities.

Outstanding Security Officer
Lositoa Moala – FIRST Security

Lositoa Moala (Losi), an Outstanding Security Officer, has been an integral part of FIRST Security for nearly three years. His unwavering commitment and dedication to safeguarding all sites he works on are commendable. As a Retail Security Officer at Chartwell Mall, Hamilton, Losi’s actions exemplify selflessness and courage. During a recent aggravated robbery at a Michael Hill jewellery store, he went above and beyond to ensure public safety. Losi bridges the gap between clients and the security team, fostering strong partnerships. His efforts extend beyond mere loss prevention; they contribute significantly to overall crime deterrence. Losi’s professionalism and proactive approach make him an invaluable asset to the security industry

Outstanding New Security Product sponsored by Aotea Security
Controller 7000 (C7000) – Gallagher Security

The Controller 7000 (C7000), released to combat the rising tide of cyber-physical attacks, offers unparalleled cyber protections and advanced capabilities. Designed for longevity, it integrates security features at the silicon level. Key features include Gallagher-Approved Firmware: Only authorized firmware runs on the C7000, preventing vulnerabilities; Anti-Cloning Measures: The device cannot be cloned or counterfeited; Secure Cryptographic Keys: Critical keys are stored securely, ensuring authenticity; Industry-Leading Security Infrastructure: It generates, processes, and stores cryptographic keys and certificates, thwarting supply chain attacks. The C7000’s robust cybersecurity layers empower users to adapt and defend against sophisticated threats for years to come.

Outstanding Female Security Professional sponsored by Aotea Security
Jemima Briggs – FIRST Security

Jem, with 20 years of experience in the retail sector at Procter and Gamble across the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, brings a customer-centric perspective to security solutions. Since joining FIRST in 2020, she has challenged norms and made a significant impact. Jem’s contributions include strategic client account management, focused sales, cultural awareness, improved employee benefits, and environmental sustainability initiatives. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, she continues to drive innovation in an ever-changing market. Jem swiftly crafted a strong sales strategy and assembled a formidable sales team.

Outstanding Young Security Professional sponsored by Aotea Security
Pascale Howell – Gallagher

Pascale is the Customer Research Manager at Gallagher Security. She plays a crucial role in enabling data-driven and customer-centric business strategies that directly impact End User and Channel Partner outcomes. Joining Gallagher in 2018, Pascale works closely with the Research and Development (R&D) teams. By integrating thorough research into the development process, she ensures that the products and services delivered by Gallagher Security consistently meet the evolving needs of customers. Pascale presents an unwavering commitment to customer centricity and her innate ability to transform data into actionable insights allows Gallagher Security to thrive as a trailblazer in the security industry.

Lifetime Achievement
Brian Switalla

Brian’s illustrious career in the security industry spans over 40 years, during which he has honed his expertise and risen through the ranks. His journey began as a security guard and patrol officer on the streets of Dunedin in 1982. Over time, he transitioned to supervisory roles, eventually becoming a seasoned manager.   Brian’s extensive qualifications include a Certificate of Approval (CoA) in guarding classes, private investigation, and security consultancy. His deep understanding of security science enables him to provide consultative advice to clients, ensuring solutions are tailored to real risks and practical needs.  As the General Manager Strategic Accounts, Brian oversees FIRST Security’s National Accounts throughout New Zealand, collectively valued at approximately $18 million annually. His reputation precedes him: clients admire his integrity, commitment, and mentorship. Whether advising the CEO, COO, or frontline guards, Brian remains a legend in the industry, fostering trust and excellence.