2025 Winners’ Summaries
Outstanding In-House Security Manager/Director
Ellie Moriarty – SkyCity
Ellie Moriarty, Security Manager at SkyCity Auckland, has revolutionised security operations with over 26 years of dedicated service. She introduced advanced technologies like body-worn cameras and stab-proof security controls, significantly enhancing safety. Her strategic partnerships and unwavering commitment to safety have made her an invaluable asset, ensuring a secure and welcoming environment for all SkyCity visitors. Judges commented that Ellie is a true leader who has achieved outstanding outcomes.
Ellie Moriarty, Security Manager at SkyCity Auckland, has revolutionised security with 26 years of expertise, pioneering technology and partnerships, ensuring safety. Judges commend her leadership and outstanding achievements in creating a secure, welcoming environment.
Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director
Nicholas Dynon – Optic Security Group
Nicholas Dynon leads Optic Security Group’s security consultancy practice, a role he has performed as Enterprise Security Risk Manager and, since December 2024, as Group Brand Strategy & Innovation Director. Through the quality of his outputs, evidence-based approach, and focus on knowledge production, Nick has profoundly influenced the business operations of his customer organisations, as well as influencing his security consultant peers within New Zealand’s security industry, and internationally. Judges felt that Nick’s deep technical knowledge coupled with on the ground grass roots experience makes him stand out.
Nicholas Dynon leads Optic Security Group’s consultancy, shaping industry standards with expertise, evidence-based insights, and grassroots experience. Judges commented on his profound influence and standout technical knowledge.
Outstanding Security Team
Freight Screening Team – Secureflight
The Secureflight freight team are leaders in x-ray interpretation and security screening within the freight forwarding and aviation industry, having established global partnerships and showcasing skill-based performance through compliance of Zealand’s national regulations. Their aim, to ensure the appropriate security controls measures have been applied to International outbound Cargo and Mail to safeguard Civil Aviation against acts of deliberate and unlawful interference. Judge’s commented on their innovation coupled with great execution for the client and the delivery team.
The Secureflight freight team excels in x-ray interpretation and security screening, ensuring compliance and safeguarding aviation. Judges praise their innovation and execution.
Outstanding Contract Security Company (Guarding)
FIRST Security
FIRST Security’s aim is to be the most ethical, trusted provider – putting people and clients first. By combining skilled people, smart processes, and innovative technology, they deliver safer, reliable security services. In the past two years alone, their proven ability to deliver and continuously improve has helped them win over $23 million in new contracts – while retaining another $34 million in existing business. Judges said their submission highlighted they were passionate about quality and committed to providing good value.
FIRST Security prioritises ethics, trust, and client-focused service, combining skilled people, smart processes, and technology. Judges commented on their quality, value, and impressive contract success.
Outstanding Security Training Initiative
National Training Programme created by Michelle Macdonald – Secureflight
Secureflight entrusted their Training Manager Michelle Macdonald to create a workforce founded on a training programme that not only delivered outstanding practices but set a benchmark in excellence. Through embedding literacy, creating development plans, upskilling instructors, aligning and producing Secureflight nationally recognised certifications, their training has become influential in producing competent, credible and responsive staff. Judges commented that their training was innovative and customised for a unique environment.
Secureflight’s Training Manager Michelle Macdonald developed an innovative training programme, setting excellence benchmarks and producing skilled, responsive staff. Judges praised its customisation and influence.
Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator
Advanced Security Group
Advanced Security is a national security integrator dedicated to providing exceptional security solutions for their clients. Their primary strengths include extensive security expertise, innovative technology applications, and an unwavering commitment to customer service. They excel in highly regulated and complex environments by employing a systematic approach supported by the ISO 9001 quality management systems. Judges said they had excellent engagement and a wide service base which is very comprehensive.
Advanced Security excels as a national security integrator, leveraging expertise, innovation, and supported by ISO 9001 systems. Judges praised their engagement and comprehensive service base.
Outstanding Security Partnership
Asset Upgrade Project – Optic Security Group and Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University Wellington
The Asset Upgrade Project has taken the Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University Wellington electronic security system environment from one where the University routinely had CCTV or controllers go down and create significant reactive work and risk, to an environment that is stable and functioning well. Working together the University security team and Optic Security Group have put in place outcomes that have seen a marked decrease in hardware failures, with any hardware failures now managed as part of a formal asset replacement programme. Judges felt that the creation of a two-way street of mutual trust and respect, enabled continuous improvement and mutual learning and growth.
The Asset Upgrade Project stabilised Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University Wellington’s security systems, reducing failures through strategic collaboration. Judges praised its trust-driven continuous improvement and mutual learning and growth.
Outstanding Security Officer
Shaun Laifone – Global Security
Shaun Laifone, Supervisor at Princes Wharf for Global Security, exemplifies frontline leadership in action. With over seven years on-site, Shaun is trusted by clients and staff alike, known for his calm, decisive responses – even during critical incidents like a nearby shooting. His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to service excellence have elevated their standards and reinforced strong community and client relationships. Judges felt that the entry showed demonstrable performance of a highly effective security operator combining mutually beneficial front line activity with back end operational oversight.
Shaun Laifone, Global Security Supervisor, demonstrates exceptional frontline leadership, earning trust through professionalism, integrity, and decisive responses. Judges commend his operational oversight and strong community relationships.
Outstanding Female Security Professional
Chelsea Wallis – Optic Security Group
Chelsea’s professional trajectory has been impressive, advancing from Executive Assistant to Office Manager to Strategic Projects Lead, and now serving as Key Account and Customer Experience Manager. Chelsea consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, an insatiable curiosity for learning, and a growth mindset that set her apart in every project and challenge she takes on. Chelsea’s ability to influence client operations, build effective relationships, and add value is delivering superior client satisfaction and security outcomes. Judges felt that the supporting comments clearly articulate the value that Chelsea brings to her role and the sector.
Chelsea’s rapid career progression reflects her strong work ethic, curiosity, and growth mindset. Judges applaud her influence, relationship-building, and impact on client satisfaction and security outcomes.
Outstanding Young Security Professional
Ruth Tongotongo – Beca Applied Technologies
Ruth has made an outstanding start to her security consultancy journey, consistently demonstrating a growing blend of technical competence, client engagement, and business acumen. Her qualities of determination, curiosity, and charisma ensure her continued success, promising a bright future.
Ruth has made an outstanding start to her security consultancy journey, consistently demonstrating a growing blend of technical competence, client engagement, and business acumen.
Lifetime Achievement
Kenneth Eccles
Ken Eccles’ continuing contributions to crime detection, law enforcement, national security, emergency response and safer communities throughout New Zealand are unparalleled. His technical innovations in audio and telephone interceptions, tracking devices, wireless transmissions and CCTV have earned him respect internationally. He was the recipient of the Queen’s 1990 Commemoration Medal, the New Zealand Police Certificate of Merit for technical skills, administrative ability and operational competence displayed in establishing the Police Technical Support Unit, and the New Zealand Customs Comptroller Award for his contribution to the reputation and effectiveness of the New Zealand Customs Service.
Judge’s said Ken is an unassuming and silent practitioner who has touched multiple facets of the industry, leaving people, processes, and products all the better for his involvement.