Optic Security Group records treble win at 2025 NZ Outstanding Security Performance Awards

Optic Security Group has recorded an exceptional three category wins at the 2025 New Zealand Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs).

Above: NZSA Life Member Bruce Couper, New Zealand Security Sector Network's Dr Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor, Optic Security Group's Ruperake Charles Lave, Aaron Johnson, and Tony Taingahue, and OSPAs founder Professor Martin Gill.

Held annually in several countries and regions globally, the OSPAs are the global benchmark for the recognition of excellence in the global security industry, recognising and rewarding companies, people and innovation across the security sector.

At a gala awards dinner last Friday in Auckland, Optic Security Group's Chelsea Wallis was judged winner of the Outstanding Female Security Professional category, while Nicholas Dynon took out the Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director category, and Optic Security Group's Wellington team were recognised in the Outstanding Security Partnership category together with Victoria University Wellington.

“Congratulations also to the other category winners and to all the finalists. All those recognised this evening have done our industry proud."

 "It's great to see these quiet achievers receiving well deserved recognition," said Optic Security Group Managing Director Mike Cunningham. "We at Optic are very proud of them, their achievements, and the teams that support them."

The company also achieved shortlisting as a finalist in the Outstanding Security Integrator/Installer category for the outcomes achieved by its Retail Crime Prevention Programme (RCPP) Team.

Awards were presented across eleven categories, with the ceremony hosted by OSPAs founder, Professor Martin Gill. “The standard of nominations received this year was again exceptionally high, making it a real challenge for the judging panel," said Professor Gill. "All winners and finalists should be immensely proud of their achievements."

"Eleven OSPA categories, Optic finalists in four, and winners in three. It was a fantastic achievement by the team, and most definitely well deserved,” said Optic Security Group’s New Zealand General Manager Nik Boeinghoff. “Congratulations also to the other category winners and to all the finalists. All those recognised this evening have done our industry proud."

According to Chelsea Wallis' Outstanding Female Security Professional winner summary, her 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." states the summary. "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."

Optic Security Group and Victoria University Wellington received the Outstanding Security Partnership award for the collaborative approach they took to a major asset upgrade project that stabilised Victoria University Wellington'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."

It's not the first time Nicholas Dynon has been on the OSPAs stage, having received the coveted award for Lifetime Achievement in the inaugural New Zealand OSPAs in 2022.

Awarding him Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director in this year's awards, judges noted that Optic's Group Brand Strategy & Innovation Director 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.

Optic Security Group is proud of its track record at the OSPAs, which is now in its fourth year in New Zealand. In addition to Nick's 2022 Lifetime Achievement award, Optic’s then Operations Manager Pete Mason was awarded Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director in 2022, Solution Architect Lee Ashton was awarded Outstanding Security Consultant in 2023 and 2024, and Wellington-based Manager Isaac Taingahue was awarded Outstanding Contract Security Manager/Director in 2024.

 The 2025 OSPAs award gala dinner was held on 27 June at the Ellerslie Event Centre in Auckland. Optic Security Group congratulates all nominees, finalists, and category winners.