17/02/2026
We are thrilled to announce that Shaun Laifone, our Supervisor at Princes Wharf, has been awarded the prestigious Global Outstanding Security Performance Award (OSPA) in the category of Outstanding Security Officer. This remarkable achievement represents not only Shaun's personal excellence but also the values and standards we uphold as an organisation.
The Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) represent the pinnacle of recognition in the global security industry. Established in 2015, the OSPAs now operate across 48 countries worldwide, recognising and rewarding companies and individuals who demonstrate exceptional performance in the security sector. The awards are designed to be independent, credible, transparent, and ethical, with criteria based on extensive research into the factors that contribute to outstanding performance. Judges are nominated by major security associations and industry groups in each country, ensuring impartiality and expertise in the evaluation process. The 2025 Global OSPAs marked the second year of this worldwide competition, where national winners from each participating country compete for global recognition, making Shaun's achievement all the more extraordinary as he was selected from among the world's best security professionals.
After winning the New Zealand OSPA in the same category in 2025, Shaun competed against outstanding security professionals from around the globe - and emerged victorious. His response to this international recognition? Characteristically humble: he was "lost for words" and admits that "it still hasn't fully sunk in".
Shaun's journey in the security sector began when he was just 19 years old. Over the past 25 years, he has worked in various roles - from static security to patrols and noise control, building a wealth of experience and expertise. He attended the NZ National College of Security when it was still operational, demonstrating his early commitment to professional development in the field.
Outside of work, Shaun is an avid Blues and All Blacks supporter, a gamer, and most importantly, a dedicated family man. This balance between professional excellence and personal life reflects the well-rounded individual who has earned this global recognition.
When asked why he chose the security sector, and more importantly, why he has stayed, Shaun's answers reveal the mindset that has driven his success:
Order and Responsibility: Shaun is drawn to the structure and accountability inherent in security work. He takes his role seriously and embraces the responsibility that comes with keeping people safe.
Building Relationships: For Shaun, security isn't just about protocols and procedures – it's about people. He genuinely enjoys interfacing with tenants and clients, earning their trust, and building lasting relationships.
Challenging Stereotypes: Shaun has always been determined to challenge the traditional stereotypes about security officers. He believes that security officers are often perceived as unintelligent or ineffective, but that "if you do your job right, the difference you make can be monumental."
Embracing Variety: The dynamic nature of security work – no two days are the same – is part of what keeps Shaun engaged and passionate about his profession.
Perhaps most revealing is Shaun's philosophy about what truly defines excellence in security:
"We are only really tested in the '1% moments' – where your role and what you do day to day may be fine 99% of the time, but in those 1% moments, that's where all the training, discipline, and experience kicks in."
This philosophy was put to the ultimate test on June 20, 2023, when a live shooting occurred near Princes Wharf. On duty at the time, Shaun's quick and level-headed response played a crucial role in keeping tenants and staff calm while securing the property. His maturity and experience under extreme pressure exemplified exactly what he means by the "1% moments" that define a security professional.
Shaun also offers a profound observation about the nature of security work:
"You will never really know the true impact Security Officers have unless we all just stopped and watched what happened. We help keep the day to day possible for many companies – from safety and facility-facing tasks to security and property management issues, as well as general security-related things."
This perspective captures the often invisible but essential nature of excellent security work. When security is done right, it's seamless operations continue smoothly, people feel safe, and potential issues are addressed before they escalate.
Shaun's role at Princes Wharf is multifaceted and demanding. His responsibilities include:
• Operating and monitoring CCTV systems
• Conducting comprehensive foot patrols
• Facilitating tenant requests with exceptional customer service
• Managing security for numerous Airbnb apartments on-site
• Handling noise control complaints in the heart of Auckland's vibrant nightlife
• Ensuring public areas remain free of vandalism and unwanted guests
These challenges would test any security professional, but Shaun handles them with grace and professionalism. His proactive approach to site improvements demonstrates that he doesn't just maintain standards, he actively seeks ways to elevate them. He's not merely a security officer; he's a trusted advisor, a problem solver, and a leader.
What sets Shaun apart is the respect and trust he commands from all stakeholders. The client trusts him to make critical decisions on their behalf when they're offsite. His team respects his leadership and follows his example. The Princes Wharf administrative team values his collaborative approach and reliability.
This trust didn't come overnight – it was earned through consistent excellence, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the success of everyone he works with. Shaun's leadership style is rooted in empowerment, creating an environment where every team member feels valued and motivated.
The results speak for themselves: during Shaun's seven-year tenure at Princes Wharf, there has been only one staff departure – a testament to the positive work culture he has fostered and the retention that comes with exceptional leadership.
When we nominated Shaun for the OSPA award, we didn't highlight a single extraordinary act. Instead, we celebrated something far more valuable: consistent, daily excellence. Shaun does great things every day-not because he's chasing recognition, but because that's who he is.
Our message to our team has always been simple: "Be better today than you were yesterday, every day". Shaun embodies this philosophy completely. He is the walking representation of our core values:
Integrity: He does the right thing, even when no one is watching.
Client Centric: He puts the client's needs at the forefront of every decision.
Passionate: His commitment to excellence is evident in everything he does.
Loyal: He's dedicated to his team, his clients, and the organisation.
Quality Driven: He consistently maintains the highest standards.
Innovative: He proactively seeks improvements and solutions.
Ownership: He takes full responsibility for his site and his role.
Shaun is loved by his team, trusted by the client, and respected throughout the organisation. We would be thrilled if everyone could replicate his demeanour, attitude, and discipline-because that's what true excellence looks like.
Perhaps the most telling aspect of Shaun's character is his reaction to these awards. When he won the New Zealand OSPA, he thought it was "really cool" but also believed he didn't deserve it because he was "just doing [his] job”.
This humility is exactly what makes Shaun deserving of the recognition. He doesn't seek accolades or special treatment. He simply shows up every day and does his job with integrity, professionalism, and care. The fact that he sees this level of excellence as "just doing the job" reveals the high standards he holds himself to-standards that others worldwide have now recognized as exceptional.
Shaun Laifone's Global OSPA award is more than personal recognition – it's validation of what we believe excellent security looks like. It's proof that consistent daily excellence, deep commitment to relationships, unwavering integrity, and genuine care for people's safety create real, measurable impact.
To our clients: This award demonstrates the calibre of professionals we are proud to have on our team, dedicated to your safety and security every single day.
To our team: Shaun's achievement shows that excellence is noticed, dedication is valued, and doing your job with integrity and professionalism matters. You don't need to be extraordinary for a moment - you need to be excellent every day.
To Shaun: Congratulations on this well-deserved global recognition. While you may think you're "just doing your job," the world has now recognised that the way you do that job represents the very best of what the security profession can be. Thank you for setting the standard, for inspiring your team, for inspiring us, and for making us all incredibly proud.
You can watch the 2025 Global OSPA awards here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DAPyVBQxgqY&t=1919s
The Outstanding Security Officer award features at minute 57:17.
