Leading security manufacturer, Gallagher, has entered into a long-term collaborative agreement with the New Zealand Catholic Education Office (NZCEO) as a major sponsor, to help support and promote the aspirations of future generations within the Catholic and wider integrated schools’ sector that NZCEO serves.
“Gallagher is a renowned global innovator and one of New Zealand’s largest manufacturers of security solutions,” said Brad Small, Gallagher’s regional sales manager for New Zealand and The Pacific Islands.
“We have protected schools across New Zealand for more than 20 years with solutions to keep staff, students, and assets safe, and we’re extremely proud to announce our partnership with NZCEO.”
The state integrated sector represents 93,500 students across 334 schools, and makes up 11.3 per cent of the total student population of Aotearoa New Zealand.
“Gallagher has always been committed to building enduring partnerships with the communities we work in around the globe. We’re proud of our partnerships with several sporting, arts, and community events, and a large percentage of our sponsorship dollar supports the Waikato, where our company was born, and our global Head Office is located,” Mr Small said.
“We’re thrilled to be starting this partnership with NZCEO, so we can support schools across the country, and protect the next generation of Kiwis. Our purpose is to protect what matters most. What could matter more than providing a safe, secure, and efficient learning environment for the next generation of New Zealanders to become great adults? That’s why we’ve partnered with NZCEO, because we know we can make a difference. Everyone at Gallagher is committed to a better tomorrow.”
As part of the sponsorship, Gallagher will work with members of NZCEO to understand the security and property needs of their schools, and provide guidance on the wider benefits of a security system beyond just opening and closing doors. Work will involve helping members create operational efficiencies, better utilise facilities, and streamline the access of students, staff, and visitors.
Dr Kevin Shore
“NZCEO have enjoyed getting to know the staff at Gallagher Security, and the strong value system that guides their business endeavours is something that has attracted us to this partnership,” said NZCEO chief executive Dr Kevin Shore.
“The security and safety of students, staff and volunteers, and the effective use of facilities, is an area of growing emphasis for school leadership and governance in our New Zealand schools, and the innovative products that Gallagher Security has developed to meet the needs of the diversity of schools is impressive,” Dr Shore said.
“Our state-integrated schools have much to benefit from these products, and NZCEO welcomes Gallagher Security to our special community,” he said.
Mr Small said that Gallagher has been looking for meaningful ways to get involved with schools across the country for more than a year.
“While we can’t sponsor every school individually, as much as we would love to, this partnership helps us make a difference on a large scale – and supporting the next generation is something we’re committed to as a team,” Mr Shore said.
“Last year we supported the New Zealand Security Association with their mission of raising awareness for security as a career pathway, and ultimately removing the security skills shortage in New Zealand, which has been put under further strain amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The New Zealand Security Association used a funding grant from the Ministry of Education to run security career events at 10 lower decile schools throughout the country. The visits were coordinated with school career advisors, and people from the industry attended and shared their career experience. Members of Gallagher’s New Zealand sales team attended half of the events.
“We’re trusted to protect over 13,000 customers, in more than 130 countries. Our solutions are used worldwide, from utilities and civil infrastructure through to government and prisons, so imagine what we can do for New Zealand schools,” Mr Small said.
“If all we do is improve how long it takes schools to complete fire drills, so that children can get back into the classroom faster, it’ll be a job well done. I’m sure we can do much better than that though!”
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