History
New Zealands largest New Zealand owned Event and Security Services Provider, Red Badge Group was formed in 1998 by Gary Wilton, specifically to service Sporting Venues.
From a background of success in these venues it has evolved to now a widely recognised leader in event services and protection of key venues and infrastructure.
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A privately owned organisation, the company’s credentials are firmly established on personal service, a great team and, with a commitment to partnerships that ensure an understanding of requirements, delivering tailor-made solutions.
Through our growth, the company has remained committed to its core values of Passion, Excellence and Integrity.
Red Badge are committed to up-skilling our staff and providing them with a National Qualification pathway.
See link - http://www.etito.co.nz/id/4978/newsletters/
Our Team
Gary Wilton – Managing Director
Gary has a strong business background as well as holding the position of CEO at Counties Manukau Rugby Union. Gary has grown Red Badge from a small Stadium Security company into a well respected nationwide Event Services Provider.
His combination of business acumen and security experience has provided a foundation for the growth and reputation of Red Badge.
Andy Gollings - Director - Operations
Andy has been involved with Red Badge since 1994 and has taken a leadership role managing large stadia operations from 2002. Andy now leads the Operational Team in both Management and Development of our team, making the most of our national exposure and experience while customizing our service to each venues requirements. Among recent acheivements is the planning and co-ordination of the various requirements for our involvement in 37 matches of the 2011 RWCas well as the Auckland Fan Zones .
Andy is a member of the New Zealand Safety Council, the New Zealand chapter of ASIS and a Health and Safety Audtior.
AUCKLAND TEAM
Glenn Simpson – Regional Manager
After serving 13 years in the New Zealand Defence Force, Glenn started working in the security industry. During that time Glenn has worked in both management and operational roles as well as being the Deputy National Moderator for the New Zealand Security Training Industry. He holds a number of National Qualifications in Security and Adult Education and is also a qualified Counter Terrorist and Hijack Management instructor, a qualification he obtained while employed as a Security Advisor for an international airline.
Glenn is a qualified ISO9001 Safety and Lead Auditor, an internationally recognised qualification designed for the implementation, maintenance monitoring and improvement of Safety and Quality Assurance Management Systems. In the time that Glenn has been with Red Badge Group, he has gained valuable experience and knowledge in running both sporting and corporate events in some of Auckland’s best known event locations.
Jo Faithfull – Operations Manager
Operations Manager for our non stadium events, Jo specialises in the management of expo’s and multi day events. A comprehensive range of services including Major Event Ticketing and Cash Control is offered which means she can organise an all-inclusive package for your event.
Jo has been employed by Red Badge since 1997 and has extensive experience in all aspects of event operations and administration. Major events include A1GP in Taupo, Top Gear Live, Royal Easter Show and Taste of Auckland. Her legal and education training gives her a wide knowledge base to call upon when addressing client solutions. Jo is qualified to NZQA Level 3 in Security also holds the CIMS level 2 qualification.
Geoff Randall - Operations Manager
Geoff joined the Royal Navy in 1983, training as a Weapons Engineer he also gained experience as a Missile System, Close Range Weapons and Small Arms Operative. He was fortunate to serve and interact with many different countries and cultures throughout the world.
He then joined the British Fire Service in 1989 for and a career of 17 Years saw him completing many courses including Fire Safety, Risk Management, Health and Safety as well as the mandatory leadership training. As a Senior Firefighter he would supervise a wide variety of Operational Incidents as well as plan and execute scenarios for staff training.
He has been involved in our national operation from Big Day Out to New Zealand Cricket, the Chiefs and the All Blacks. Geoff also takes a leadership role at Waikato Stadium and Seddon Park.
Geoff brings a strong operational and safety management background to his Operations Manager and training role for the Auckland / Waikato and Bay of Plenty Regions.
Adam de Beer - Operations Manager
Adam joined the South African Police in 1987 where along with his Police courses he completed training in High Risk Operations and Special Weapons and Tactics. In 1989 he was selected for the Elite Special Task Force one of South Africa’s Special Forces that specializes in anti-terrorism. During his four years in the Special Task Force, he took part in various specialized and high risk operations. While serving with the Special Task Force he was also promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was made responsible for the planning and logistical elements of many Police operations.
Paul Walsh – Consultant
Paul has a distinguished career in security development projects, risk and threat assessments, operational planning, covert surveillance, special operations, close protection teams, health & safety and adult training for Government Departments, Private Security Companies, Mining Companies and the Entertainment Industry. He is experienced in functional team building and leadership, change management, performance improvement, risk management and adult learning.
Janine Thorburn – HR & Projects Manager
Janine has an extensive history in the hospitality industry, working in Food & Beverage and over 10 years of Management in Hotels. Her most recent experience was working in London, in one of Europe's largest hotel and conference centres. With 8 years experience in Front Office Management, dealing with large groups of up to 800 people, then moving into the Sales Department where conferences for up to 3000 people were organised.
Janine has been involved with the organisation of and competing in sporting events in London and New Zealand. This includes the London Triathlon, London 10K run and the NZ Iron Man.
CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND
Simon Lawrence - Regional Manager
Simon joined Red Badge Group in June 2008 bringing extensive sales and commercial management experience. He spent 18 years in the Finance Industry, predominantly as a North Island Regional Manager and Franchise Manager, for UDC Finance Ltd. For the past three years, he has been involved in the Hospitality Industry, having owned and operated his own Bar / Restaurant in Hamilton. Simon has been a sports enthusiast all his life, he has a clear idea of what patrons should expect, and the staff management skills to achieve this customer experience from our team. Simon holds a General Managers Certificate, is a member of the NZ Safety Council and is trained to SIMS Level 2.
LOWER NORTH ISLAND
Phil Gollings – Regional Manager
Joining the team in early 2006, Phil was instrumental in the set up of our Wellington Operation, bringing extensive experience of various supervisory roles within the Event and Hospitality Industry as well as involvement in NZ security management since 1994. Phil has gained extensive experience across NZ’s largest events including Nationwide International Cricket and Rugby, Pearl Jam in Christchurch and the Hamilton 400 V8’s. He has brought this back to his leadership of our Wellington operation where he has achieved success with managing our service for such key events as the NZI 7’s, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Police and Rock to Wellington.
Tracey Gollings - Team Support Manager
Tracey has a strong background in Finance and Hospitality and has been involved with from set up with the implementation and management of Red Badge Wellington since the office was opened in March 2006. Tracey manages the Human Resource and Event Administration for the Wellington Region and also operates at a senior level within the Event Day Operations. Tracey now leads our Awesome Events team in the Wellington Region ensuring suitable, trained, staff are provided to a number of clientele across the region.
Michael Barbour - Hawkes Bay Operations Manager
Michaels experience includes many years involvement with One Day Cricket and a variety of Event Management Functions. More recently Michael has joined Red Badge to manage the Hawkes Bay Region. Michael has extensive experience in Corporate Hospitality and Alcohol Management at McLean Park and has recently gained valuable experience being involved in Professional Sports Management, Concerts and other major events such as the FIFA U17 Womans World Cup and the NZI Sevens.
Ronnie Cowley - Ground Manager
Ronnie has been employed as an Event Day Manager since mid 2007. He has a strong background in Customer Management, Ronnie’s manner and ability to get the best from our team has been extremely beneficial. Ronnie has also deputized for the Regional Manager and has led the team at Westpac Stadium for a number of large events. He has been involved in a number of events around the North Island and some of our higher profile Corporate duties.
Geoff Brown - Events Manager
Geoff has extensive military and international security experience and been with Red Badge since March 2006. Geoff has managed our service successfully at Westpac Stadium for mid size events as well as at Trentham Racecourse. Geoff is able to contribute to all areas of our operation and brings his disciplined security approach to the on ground management functions of quality control and on the job training. Among Geoff’s strengths is his ability, and willingness, to provide Visual Leadership in leading our team by his own example.
SOUTH ISLAND TEAM
Paul Boyd – Regional Manager
Paul was a member of the New Zealand Police for ten years qualifying as a Detective, Sergeant and Instructor. He served at several venues for the 1981 Springbok Tour and was a foundation member of the Diplomatic Protection Squad supplying Venue and Personal protection for the Governor General, Prime Minister, The Prince of Wales, The Prime Minister of Singapore and other dignitaries and diplomatic representatives. His Event Security experience includes planning and delivery of security for U2, Tina Turner, Elton John, Jimmy Barnes, The Four Highwaymen, Rugby World Cup (1987) and many other sporting and entertainment events and venues.
We have an experienced pool of Event Supervisors these supervisors are adept at running small teams within large venues as well as leading teams of their own for smaller, lower risk events.
Red Badge has worked hard to develop this team and is continuing to invest in its growth and development.
TESTIMONIALS
"Hi there, My partner and I just wanted to send a message of thanks to you and your team for the great job they did last night at the concert at Waitakere trust stadium. Out of the many concerts we have been to in the last few years, we have never come across such a considerate, friendly and caring team of security guards! We hope to come across your staff again at future concerts and will be spreading the word of your great work. Thanks heaps!
Gary and Kirsty
Patrons
SlipKnot Concert
"I would just like to let you know how helpful and friendly the stewards were at both the Hamilton and Napier test match venus. They couldn't do enough for you and always had a smile on their faces.
Three ladies in particular spring to mind - they were manning the main gates at Napier. They really went out of their way to ensure that we, the touring fans, had a great time but in safe surroundings. They are a credit to your company. I wish some of the stewards in this country would take a leaf from your book.
Thanks again for the experience."
Kerry
South Wales
UK
2008 English Cricket Tour of New Zealand
"You provided me with people of an extremely high calibre, very professional in their dealings with our centre management, staff and customers alike, and who were prepared to go the extra mile when required without any complaint or reluctance."
Louise Reid
Security Manager and Risk Management Co-ordinator
“I have worked with Red Badge Group since February 2005, during which time they have provided excellent support in the areas of Fire Evacuation and Safety for the Stadium.”
Tony Stroud D.M.S MNZSC
Senior Evacuation Specialist
“Red Badge has never hesitated in taking on more responsibility and consistently looks to exceed our expectations. I would not hesitate to recommend Red Badge over any other provider in the country.”
Victoria Hunt
National Operations Manager
“Professional and appropriate first point of contact for clients and guests using our facility.”
Michelle Branford
Function Centre Manager
“We have found Red Badge Security to be very professional on site with their team having a can do attitude over coming any issues”
Richard Bews
Associate Director
We enjoy a reputation nationwide that has been built by strong experienced management and a great team of event staff.
