Authority rules in security rivals' licence stoush

Ponsonby-based security firm Platform 4 Group, which advised on security for numerous public events while unlicensed, has been granted a licence to keep operating.

In granting a licence, Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority – barrister Roger Gill – said a report by the Department of Internal Affairs complaints investigation and prosecution unit (CIPU) concluded Platform 4 Group had committed breaches of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 and that prosecution of these breaches be considered.

In his public decision this week, Mr Gill said the CIPU issued a warning to Platform 4 Group for what were identified by the CIPU as three breaches of the Act.

Mr Gill noted that CIPU chief investigator Debbie Despard said no facts were found in the investigation which impacted on Mr Colthurst's character. Clients and a "very high-ranking police officer" provided impressive character references for Mr Colthurst, she said.

Mr Gill made a confidentiality order over the contents of the report itself on the grounds some of its conclusions were challenged by Platform 4 Group and had not been resolved by the CIPU.

Platform 4 Group’s application for a licence was opposed by licensed rival Darien Rush Security, which accused Platform 4 Group of acting illegally without a licence and complained to the DIA.

Darien Rush was dropped as the security contractor for Eden Park after the Rugby World Cup and the work was picked up by Platform 4 Group.

At a hearing before the PSPLA earlier in February, Platform 4 Group argued that although it had been unlicensed since it started in December 2011, it had teamed up with licensed firm Harrison Tew so it could keep its contracts.

Mr Gill says there is “no residual reason” why Platform 4’s application could not be approved.

In a statement to NBR ONLINE Mr Colthurst said an objection filed out of time to his licence application triggered the DIA investigation and caused an unreasonable delay of the licensing process.

Mr Colthurst said the risk of a competitor's abuse of the process was identified early on by the DIA.

gbond@nbr.co.nz

janderson @nbr.co.nz