Optic Security Group high achievers announced as finalists in global security awards

Optic Security Group employees are set to compete against the best in the world across multiple categories in the second annual Global Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs).

Optic Security Group employees have been announced as finalists in the Outstanding Security Partnership, Outstanding Female Security Professional and Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director categories in the 2025 Global OSPAs.

Auckland-based Key Account Manager Chelsea Wallis is in the running for Outstanding Female Security Professional, while Group Brand Strategy and Innovation Director Nicholas Dynon is shortlisted in the category Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director.

The Group’s Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) upgrade team, led by Aaron Johnson and including Anthony Taingahue, Ruperake Charles Lave, and James Sutherland, together with their VUW partners, are in contention in the Outstanding Security Partnership category.

Above: Optic Security Group's Chelsea Wallis receives her 2025 New Zealand OSPA for Outstanding Female Security Professional.

“This is global recognition, a wonderful accolade for our New Zealand team, and evidence of the industry-leading talent, professionalism, and ambition within our Group,” said Optic Security Group Managing Director Mike Cunningham.

Chelsea, Nicholas, and the VUW team were announced in June last year as the winners of their respective categories at the 2025 New Zealand OSPAs.

Headquartered in the UK, the OSPAs are recognised internationally as the benchmark awards program for security professionals. The winners of 14 selected categories from the 48 countries covered by the national-level OSPAs in 2025 have qualified as finalists for the global awards... the best of the best.

Above: Optic Security Group's Ruperake Charles Lave, Aaron Johnson and Anthony Taingahue on stage at the 2025 New Zealand OSPAs.

According to the 2025 New Zealand OSPAs award judges, Chelsea’s professional trajectory has been impressive, advancing through several roles to her current position 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," stated the judges. "Chelsea’s ability to influence client operations, build effective relationships, and add value is delivering superior client satisfaction and security outcomes.”

Optic Security Group and VUW received their 2025 NZ OSPA for the collaborative approach they took to a major asset upgrade project that stabilised the university’s security systems, reducing failures through strategic collaboration. According to their winner summary, "Judges felt that the creation of a two-way street of mutual trust and respect, enabled continuous improvement and mutual learning and growth."

Awarding him Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director in the NZ awards, judges noted that Nicholas Dynon had "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" through the quality of his outputs, evidence-based approach, and focus on knowledge production.

Global OSPAs winners will be announced at a live online event streamed early morning Friday 6th February (New Zealand Time).