In New Zealand a Security Guard can be called by a few terms:
Crowd Controller
Property Guard
Personal Guard
The route to becoming a Security Guard (Private Security Personnel) in New Zealand is similar to a lot of other places: you need to meet basic requirements such as age, language proficiency, and other usual security licensing requirements of this nature.
Furthermore, you will have to complete a New Zealand government approved security licensing course.
In New Zealand, the government body that controls a NZ Security Guard's license is the Ministry of Justice Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority.
NZ security course information is available on their website
Once you submit the proof of your ability to meet the requirements to the NZ licensing authority, you will get your New Zealand Security Guard license.
New Zealand Security Guard License Requirements
Age: You must be 18yo or older.
Criminal Record: You cannot have a criminal record.
Passport Photo: You need to submit a passport style photo in your NZ application.
NZ Citizen: You need to be a New Zealand citizen or be legally allowed to work in NZ. You will have to submit a copy of New Zealand government ID in the security license application.
English: You must be able to speak and write in English.
NZ Approved Security License Course: You need to take a New Zealand approved security licensing course.
Application: You can apply for a NZ Security Guard license via online portal.
What Does a New Zealand Security Guard Do?
New Zealand Security Guards Patrol Vacant Locations
New Zealand Security Guards will do foot patrols of locations for a set number of times per shift.
A common task for a New Zealand Security Guard will be checking mechanical rooms for any unusual signs or potential health and safety issues.
New Zealand Security Guards watch for hazards and fill out hazard reports (New Zealand Guards write a lot of reports).
Guards in New Zealand document and report maintenance issues to supervisors.
Many New Zealand security sites require Guards to monitor fire extinguishers to ensure that they are not overdue for inspection (official reviews are done by maintenance personnel).
New Zealand Security Guards write a lot, including filling in logs as their shifts progresses with what activities are being done at what times. New Zealand Guards will have their own security notebooks and will constantly note all unusual sightings, occurrences, and incidents.
New Zealand Security Guards will respond to alarms and act accordingly as per the Emergency Response plan set in place by supervisors. This may include,
Evacuation of the security site.
Checking alarm system on the way out for information about where the problem is occurring.
Contacting supervisors.
Responding to incidents and completing all reports as necessary.
New Zealand Security Guards Protect Sites with Customers
If a New Zealand Security Guard is working in a team environment, they will usually meet for a pre-shift briefing at a set location. Once the meeting has been completed the New Zealand Security Guards will go directly to their designated sites.
In New Zealand security site locations with customers, Guards will do a lot of patrolling. This can be in a building or outside in places such as parking lots.
New Zealand Security Guards are usually responsible for site cleanliness when there are no designated cleaning staff. This means as a New Zealand Security Guard, expect to be cleaning a lot of trash.
Monitoring CCTV cameras will be a big part of a New Zealand Security Guard’s job. This will be on a continuous basis with follow ups on issues seen.
When it comes to security sites in the service industry, New Zealand Security Guards will have to assist customers in various non-security ways. This can be giving them directions or carrying items for them. Furthermore, New Zealand Security Guards will often be expected to be friendly, outgoing, and talkative with customers in their security sites.
A constant security issue for New Zealand security sites with customers will be smoking, alcohol consumption, and narcotics. New Zealand Security Guards will often be making sure people aren’t smoking in non-smoking areas, consuming alcohol, or narcotics. For the latter, a New Zealand Security Guard will usually report the issue to local police.
If the New Zealand security site is a residence, responding to noise complaints will be a big part of the job.
Of course, catching shoplifters will be a constant for a New Zealand Security Guard in a site with customers.
New Zealand Security Guards Work at Security Gates
New Zealand Security Guards will patrol parking areas to make sure vehicles are registered at that security site.
Every person entering through the security gate will produce valid photo ID to the New Zealand Security Guard. The Guard will determine if the individual may pass.
During medical emergencies, the New Zealand Security Guard will direct traffic to allow easy access for New Zealand EMS vehicles.
New Zealand Security Guards Deal with Medical Issues
Emergencies at a New Zealand security site can happen at any time, day or night. On going communication will be key for all New Zealand Security Guards involved to get through the emergency with the best possible outcome.
New Zealand EMS/ ambulances will often be called by New Zealand Security Guards.
The New Zealand Security Guard that places the 911 call will relay info regarding who, what, where, why, and when.
New Zealand Security Supervisors will usually take lead on these incidents and direct other New Zealand Guards to specific tasks to perform during the emergency.
New Zealand Security Guards will always remain calm and professional. Furthermore, they will assist however they can.
About the Author
Peter Sandru is an Instructor & Co-Founder of NDIL with over 15 years working in security. Peter has spent more than a decade conducting security operations throughout the world, primarily for corporations, law firms, and government agencies. Peter has assisted in the creation of numerous security training programs in various capacities.