| 9 Building values-based partnerships for better business in the Central region First Security has been operating across New Zealand for 25 years and has built values-based partnerships with many Central businesses. Security is not always top of people’s minds when planning projects, but it can be critical to ensure businesses meet their goals and this is exactly what happened on Meridian’s Harapaki Wind Farm. Situated in the steep and remote Maungaharuru Range, construction commenced in June 2021, with First Security operating the site entrance 24/7 ensuring everything on site was safe and secure. While First Security had worked with Meridian Energy on a number of projects over the years, the Harapaki Wind Farm project was the irst at this major scale. FromDay 1 it was essential that both organisations shared the same people values and health and safety focus. Looking after people was paramount to both companies and making sure this happened on the remote location, 65 kilometre drive away, required some real innovation especially when the project started much earlier than expected and at short notice. First Security responded with nimbleness and professional agility, providing trained guards and temporary guardhouse accommodation to ensure a secure workplace right from the start. “First Security have a proven track record of doing remote security well, we have expertise in forestry security, large rural construction sites and farming security. Remote security has many health and safety risks that other security sites don’t, and we have the experience to know how to mitigate those risks,” says Account Director Natasha Pennell. Natasha went on to say, “We recruited speci ically for Harapaki and put in place a comprehensive bespoke training plan for that site, but when Meridian Energy brought the start date forward three months, we brought fully trained O icers in from other regions, whilst the new recruits completed their training. We even hired a campervan as a temporary guardhouse, whilst the site village was erected.” Rob Batters, Project Manager Harapaki Windfarm, stated how easy First Security were to work with. “Nothing was a problem…even when the cyclone hit and the site had to be closed down. When we were able to re-open although Napier sta had no access, they had sta on the Taupo side that could cover and ensure that work continued.” Rob went on to say, “FIRST Security were the irst people anyone met when they came onto site, so played a really important part of people’s irst impressions of the construction site. They also dealt with a myriad of enquiries and their ability to manage emergency response was second to none.” “We have a whole range of clients - some very high pro ile, and the reason they come to us is consistent service and great account management,” says Natasha. “All clients enjoy peace of mind, con ident that their business is protected the industry leader knowing FIRST Security is providing critical services at the highest level and delivering the best value. We knowwe are living in challenges times economically so FIRST Security can really help businesses reduce the impact of some of those challenges.” First Security is also recognised as being an innovator within the industry and currently has a focus on complementing its physical security services with technology, particularly in the renewable energy sector, where it provides live-monitored solar powered cameras, that link directly to NZ Police and their rapid response patrol vehicles when a manned response is required quickly. “Sometimes it is just not safe to put a person in a location, and we recognised that when the ram raids were very prevalent, so we developed a camera monitoring service. We manage camera feeds, intervene early, often before any damage is done and then support further with a physical service – all seamlessly delivered by one provider.” People are always at the heart of highly successful companies, and Natasha makes the point that First Security’s growth and reputation is built on the people it employs. “We look after our people, so they can focus on looking after our client’s people, property and brand. Building partnerships based on joint values and an aligned purpose is what we do best, and we are always on the lookout for more opportunities to add commercial value to businesses in the Central region.”
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