Security Award Enhances ‘Safe NZ’ Reputation

Award Enhances ‘Safe NZ’ Reputation

From the Aviation Security Service

For immediate release

AWARD ENHANCES ‘SAFE NZ’ REPUTATION

An international award won by New Zealand’s Aviation Security Service (Avsec) further enhances this country’s reputation as a safe destination, says the service’s general manager, Mark Everitt. Avsec won at the weekend the inaugural Edith Cowan University/SATS Security award for the Outstanding Aviation Security Organisation in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Everitt also won a merit award for Outstanding Aviation Security Official when the awards were announced at the Asia Pacific Aviation Security Conference in Singapore. “The award for Avsec is a tribute to the dedication of all our staff,” Mr Everitt said today. “We have worked hard to make passenger safety a priority, and this award enhances further New Zealand’s reputation as a safe place to visit, especially for travelers from the Asia Pacific region.” In a recent audit of Avsec, Qantas Airlines described the service as “one of the leading security organisations in the world”. Avsec carries out all aviation security functions in New Zealand and also manages the national airport identity card system. It provided security screening facilities at airports and off-airport sites for last year’s Apec conference, drawing accolades from several delegations, including the United States Secret Service. The organisation also provides training to authorities in many Pacific Island countries and holds courses under the auspices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). Mr Everitt said Avsec had always emphasised the human element in aviation security, with the belief that the equipment available was unable to provide the same level of security as well-trained and motivated staff. Judges said Mr Everitt’s award for Outstanding Official recognised his astute leadership in developing Avsec into a very professional and well-run organisation since he became general manager in 1989. Edith Cowan University is in Perth, Australia, and SATS Security is a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines. -ends-

For further information, contact: · Mark Williamson, Manager Corporate Services, Aviation Security Service. Ph: (04) 495-2430, a/h (04) 386-2200.

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