Gallagher's Security Initiatives

News Release May 25, 2004

Gallagher's Security Initiatives Help Prepare Export Supply Chain For New Legislation

A major player in electronic access control, intruder alarms and perimeter security systems has embarked on its own campaign to ensure that ports, freight companies, export firms and other appropriate organisations are aware of their responsibilities under the new maritime legislation coming in soon.

Gallagher Security Management Systems, whose systems and products have been installed in thousands of sites across seven continents, have a better understanding than most of the need to improve the security of the supply chain into and out of New Zealand. Their frontline personnel are currently working overtime to assist organisations to meet the requirements of the Maritime Security Bill that will take effect on July 1.

Coupled with this is the Border Security Bill which went before Parliament this week. The Bill was described by Customs Minister Rick Barker as part of a comprehensive approach to keep New Zealand secure and put traders on the front foot in a changing international security climate - and part of a whole-government approach toward strengthening New Zealand's national security in the post 9/11 environment.

Acting CEO of the New Zealand Customs Service, John Secker, predicts that sooner or later a terrorism alert will impact on New Zealand traders.

"Terrorists are interested in causing maximum disruption, and that means targeting business and trade, rather than the traditional military targets," Sekker warns. "New Zealand's 'moat' has offered the country protection in the past, but New Zealanders can no long rely on that and must be aware they're at risk."

Gallagher Security Management Systems are working closely with New Zealand ports. To date, the company's dealers have been contracted by the ports of Auckland, Tauranga, Taranaki, Nelson, Dunedin and Bluff to upgrade their security systems.

However, it's not just about ports. As the Gallagher Group's logistics manager, Brent Dawson, says it's about improving the security of the entire supply chain into and out of New Zealand as the international environment becomes more at risk.

"It was inevitable after 9/11 that ports and other organisations in the supply chain would come under close Government scrutiny," says Dawson.

"The ports and freight forwarders are probably furthest ahead in their plans to comply with the new legislation. Ports of Auckland has been especially pro-active, employing some leading edge security technology, and other ports have also met their obligations in this respect whereas export manufacturers and others are not so advanced in their planning."

Official acceptance as a Secure Exports Partner will be dependent on an organisation demonstrating it has adequate security procedures and controls in place. These must be documented in a comprehensive security plan

Gallagher Security Management Systems' products and services (Cardax and PowerFence) provide the security infrastructure to meet many of these requirements. The business is setting the pace internationally in providing state-of-the-art security solutions.

Cardax access control and intruder alarm systems range from straightforward solutions to systems with high levels of integration and a business management information focus; Gallagher's PowerFence perimeter security systems provide active deterrence and detection of would-be intruders. They're widely used by thousands of industrial companies around the world. In New Zealand, PowerFence is successfully protecting manufacturing and freight companies such as Ullrich Aluminium, Car Haulaways, and Provincial Freightlines. . Gallagher's security personnel offer free advice, assessments and systems demonstrations for anyone who has a need. This is provided one-on-one with the customer or via a partnering arrangement with a preferred supplier, so customers receive a complete security package.

Gallagher Group CEO Bill Gallagher says in his opinion the new legislation coming in is fair and reasonable.

"New Zealand has always been protective of its borders, and this will only enhance that reputation," says Gallagher. "The new regulations are entirely logical. As an export-driven economy, it's in New Zealand's interests to secure its end of the supply chain."

ENDS

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