About CPSAG

What is the CPSAG?

The Crowded Places Security Advisory Group (CPSAG) is a voluntary collective of recognised experts in crowded places security, protective risk management, and emergency preparedness. Established at the request of the New Zealand Government, CPSAG plays a key role in supporting the national Crowded Places Strategy.

Working closely with the:

  • Crowded Places Business Advisory Group (CPBAG)
  • Crowded Places Community Advisory Group (CPCAG)

CPSAG’s core mission is to provide independent, expert advice to owners and operators of crowded places, helping reduce the risk of attacks and enhancing protective security.

CPSAG contributes by:

  • Identifying sector challenges and opportunities to support the national strategy
  • Advising on best practices, guidelines, and regulatory standards
  • Contributing to training, education, and capability development for security professionals
  • Fostering collaboration and trust across government, business, and community sectors

Together, we are committed to making New Zealand’s crowded places safer for everyone.

Why the CPSAG?

The Crowded Places Security Advisory Group (CPSAG) exists to strengthen the safety of crowded places across Aotearoa. Here’s why engaging with CPSAG matters:

  • Part of the Government’s Crowded Places Strategy:
    CPSAG was established to support the national approach to protecting crowded spaces.

  • No Cost to Engage:
    Our focus is on promoting good planning and informed decision-making – not profit.

  • Trusted Expertise:
    CPSAG brings together qualified, experienced, and credible professionals in protective security and emergency preparedness.

  • Risk Reduction Through Prevention:
    We help organisations and event planners reduce harm through practical guidance, readiness planning, and risk prevention strategies.  

Who Are the Members?

CPSAG members are carefully vetted specialists with proven experience in securing and managing crowded environments. They come from both the public and private sectors, bringing expertise in areas such as protective security, emergency planning, risk management, and event safety.

Chris Kumeroa

Security Advisor | Principal Consultant, Global Risk Consulting (GRC)

Founder & Principal of Global Risk Consulting (GRC), Chris brings elite tactical experience and global leadership to CPSAG. A former Special Forces Mountain Troop operative, he has deep expertise in counter-terrorism, human tracking, and high-risk mountaineering.

Chris previously served as Country Security Risk Manager for Schlumberger in Pakistan, coordinating with major energy firms such as BP and CNPC. He now leads GRC in delivering risk assessments, incident response, and strategic planning for global clients.

He is undertaking postgraduate studies in Risk Management at Loughborough University and is a recognized member of the NZ SAS Association and the Institute of Directors. His contributions to global security have been acknowledged with the Iraq Reconstruction Service Medal.

Chris Lawton

Executive Chair, Security Institute of NZ | CEO, Community Patrols NZ

Chris is Executive Chairman of the Security Institute of New Zealand and CEO of the Trust Board for Community Patrols of New Zealand. He brings over 30 years of security and public safety expertise to CPSAG.

A former NZ Police officer of 20 years, he served in armed offenders, investigations, and bomb squad units. His international roles include Deputy Chief of Security for the United Nations in East Timor during the 2000 crisis.

Chris now heads C4 Group Ltd, New Zealand’s top security training provider, and works with NZ Police on crime prevention strategies. He is a recipient of the 2015 Security Industry Leadership Award and serves as a Commissioned Officer in the NZ Defence Force.

Sir Ken Mckenzie

Founding Chairperson, CPSAG | HSE Manager, The Lines Company

Ken is a specialist in cultural safety, crowded places protection, and the integration of human factors with technology. He has held senior leadership roles across health and safety, risk management, and operational strategy.

As CPSAG’s Founding Chairperson, he leads national competency standards for security consultants in crowded environments. His expertise spans emergency management, public facilities, transport logistics, and cultural institutions.

Ken is founder of KM HSSR Consulting and was recognised as a Top 10 Influencer in Commercial Security (IFSEC, 2020). In 2025, he joined The Lines Company as HSE Manager, driving a transformation in health and safety excellence.

Jack Milford QSM

Director, OPSEC Solutions Ltd | Emergency & Risk Consultant

Jack is the Founding Director of OPSEC Solutions Limited, a company specialising in comprehensive risk management. He brings over 35 years of experience in emergency management, security risk assessment, investigations, and situational safety training, developed through distinguished service with the New Zealand Army and Police.

Jack’s career includes specialised close protection work in high-risk environments overseas, and he was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in 2000 for his exemplary work with the United Nations in East Timor. Through OPSEC, he delivers operational security for vulnerable clients abroad, conducts detailed security risk reviews, and provides frontline staff safety consultancy and training to manage conflict and build resilience against extreme violence and natural emergencies.

Jack contributes to CPSAG with a focus on enhancing preparedness and resilience against international and domestic terrorist threats. His expertise supports both local and international organisations seeking practical and proactive solutions to complex safety and security challenges.

Warwick Hall

Director, Section 646 & Safety Set | Global Events Risk Advisor

Warwick is a safety and security professional with extensive experience in counter-threat planning, health and safety consulting, and event risk management. He operates two complementary businesses – Section 646 and Safety Set Consulting – to deliver holistic solutions for clients across high-risk and public-facing sectors.

Section 646 provides specialist services including threat assessments, security planning, target hardening, penetration testing, and tailored training. Safety Set Consulting focuses on integrating counter-threat strategies with broader health and safety requirements, offering a full suite of compliance and risk mitigation services.

Warwick is a certified medical trainer up to Pre-Hospital Emergency Care and an ISO 45001:2018 Lead Auditor. He holds diplomas in Occupational Health and Safety Management and Police Studies, and is currently engaged in Terrorism Studies through the University of St Andrews. His training in human behaviour detection and his leadership role on the IFEA World Board reflect a strong commitment to safety across global event environments.


Shane O’Halloran

Chief Operating Officer | National Lead, Armourguard Security

Shane has over 36 years in policing and private security, and currently serves as COO of Armourguard Security, overseeing operations for over 1,700 personnel nationwide.

His career began in the NZ Police Criminal Investigation Branch, where he developed deep investigative and preventative experience. Since 2003, he has expanded Armourguard into a leading national security provider.

Shane’s leadership promotes a unified “One Armourguard” culture, blending operational excellence with personal growth. His strategic vision underpins adaptable security services across the public and private sectors.

Dr. Bridgette Sullivan-Taylor

Strategic Risk Expert | Academic & Resilience Consultant

Bridgette is a globally recognised academic and practitioner in strategic risk, resilience, and decision-making under uncertainty, with over 30 years of experience.

Her qualifications include a PhD from Warwick and academic posts at institutions such as Cambridge, Oxford, and the University of Auckland. She has led consulting, risk education, and internship programs in NZ and abroad.

Currently, she advises boards and organisations including KiwiRail, and judges industry awards. A published author and JP, she continues to influence risk best practices through teaching, speaking, and civic leadership.

Calum Nicholson

Movement Operations Specialist | Former CTO, FOAMHAND

With over 20 years of experience in crowd movement and transport logistics, Calum is a recognised authority in the global event industry. His expertise encompasses planning, modelling, and delivering complex movement systems for high-profile international events.

From 2015 to 2023, Calum was Chief Technical Officer at FOAMHAND, where he helped transform the company into a world-leading consultancy specialising in City Operations and Movement Management. He led efforts in crowd demand modelling, pedestrian and transport planning, operational readiness, and event-time execution.

A career highlight was serving as City Operations Manager for London 2012, overseeing all pedestrian and vehicle movements at the Olympic Park during both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Earlier roles include Head of Transportation at BCHF (UK) Ltd and Senior Traffic Engineer and Associate at Beca, where he applied his transportation planning skills to major events and urban projects. Calum’s combination of technical expertise, strategic insight, and operational leadership continues to shape safe and efficient movement at large-scale events.

Sue Ramsay

Group Manager, Protective Services | Health NZ | CPTED Expert

Sue is a seasoned leader in security and community safety, currently serving as Group Manager, Protective Services at Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora. In this national role, she leads the development and implementation of protective security strategies across the country’s public health system.

With over a decade of experience in healthcare security, crime prevention, and public sector leadership, Sue is a recognised expert in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and community-based safety frameworks. From 2018 to 2024, she was Director of Healthcare Security Services at Te Whatu Ora | Te Toka Tumai Auckland, following her earlier role as Head of Security Services, where she established foundational infrastructure and protocols for one of New Zealand’s largest healthcare providers.

Prior to her healthcare tenure, Sue spent nine years at Christchurch City Council in key strategic roles, including Crime Prevention Team Leader and Metropolitan Community Advisor. There, she championed CPTED, SafeGrowth initiatives, and urban safety design. A respected CPTED practitioner and national forum chair, Sue combines strategic oversight with practical community insight to advance safer environments across Aotearoa.

Nichol Pickard

Training Manager | Protective Security Lead, Workforce Resilience

Nicole is an accomplished protective security trainer and consultant, currently serving as the New Zealand Training Manager at Workforce Resilience. In this role, she leads the development and delivery of tailored training programs, equipping organisations to enhance workplace safety and resilience across Aotearoa.

With a background as a private investigator and facilitator, Nicole brings a diverse skill set to her work. She has a strong focus on integrating digital marketing and creation into her training initiatives, ensuring that content is engaging and relevant to contemporary security challenges. Her approach is centred on practical application, empowering individuals and teams to respond effectively to security risks.

Nicole is passionate about fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement within organisations. Through her work, she aims to build more resilient workplaces, where employees are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate and mitigate security threats effectively.

Mark Te Hira

Managing Director, PSC Global | Physical Security Consultant

Mark is a seasoned expert in physical security and risk management, currently serving as Security Consultant and Managing Director of PSC Global. With over two decades of experience across military operations, private security, and corporate environments, he leads the delivery of strategic security solutions across diverse and high-risk contexts in Aotearoa and overseas.

Beginning his career in the New Zealand Army, Mark served as a Special Operations Force Commando in the Counter Terrorism Squadron of the 1st New Zealand Special Air Service Regiment (1NZSAS) during the Global War on Terror. He spent close to four years in Afghanistan, coordinating international security for major infrastructure projects in hostile environments. He later moved into corporate operations with Scentre Group, owner and operator of Westfield centres across Australia and New Zealand, where he held a senior role in risk and security leadership.

During his time in the retail sector, Mark developed and led crime prevention strategies in partnership with NZ Police, security companies, secondary schools, local business associations, emergency services, and the public. His efforts supported the successful identification of serious retail crime, including the apprehension of an organised group targeting high-end luxury retailers. Mark now applies his operational insight and leadership to help organisations build safer, more resilient environments across the country.

 

Julian Columbus

Risk & Security Consultant | Independent Practitioner, HASANZ

Julian is a seasoned leader in strategic risk and security consulting, currently working as an independent practitioner delivering tailored safety and resilience solutions across Aotearoa. Holding advanced degrees (MSc, MPA) and professional memberships including HASANZ registration and NZISM, he is recognised for integrating safety and business objectives into cohesive, people-centred frameworks

He spent 15 years in frontline security roles – serving with the New Zealand Police and in close-protection operations – before transitioning to global risk management and consultancy. Julian’s expertise spans organisational performance, regulatory compliance, and risk intelligence, shaped through real-world leadership and mentoring experience within both public and private sectors.

Julian now advises clients on building resilient safety cultures, crisis preparedness, and continuous improvement. He is committed to aligning operational practices with wellbeing outcomes, fostering collaboration across stakeholders, and driving sustainable performance. His strategic, intelligence-driven approach underpins safer, more resilient organisations across New Zealand and beyond.

Owen Loeffellechner

Security Strategy Advisor

Owen is a highly accomplished leader in security and risk management, with a distinguished career that spans both public service and the private sector. He began his professional journey with the New Zealand Police, specialising in close protection and threat management. Following his time in law enforcement, Owen took on senior leadership roles in the banking sector, where he developed comprehensive strategies for detecting, preventing, and responding to both domestic and international threats against New Zealand’s financial system.

His areas of expertise include fraud prevention, physical security, cyber and information security, and crisis management. Owen has also gained international experience by overseeing the physical and cyber security posture of a major bank operating in ten countries, where he implemented intelligence‑led and resilient protection frameworks globally.

In addition to his professional roles, Owen serves as a Ministerial Advisor to the New Zealand Government on Transnational Serious Organised Crime and is a board member of CrimeStoppers. He has also been a Governance Member of the Financial Crime Prevention Network and represented New Zealand’s financial sector as a delegate to the Five Eyes intelligence community. Owen’s career reflects his deep commitment to safeguarding institutions, enhancing public‑private collaboration, and contributing to a safer and more secure New Zealand.

 

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Disclaimer:
The Crowded Places Security Advisory Group (CPSAG) provides voluntary advice and support only. Responsibility for all security design, implementation, and legal compliance rests solely with the owners and operators of crowded places. CPSAG recommendations do not replace legal requirements or professional due diligence obligations.