Laura Hagger
Operations Controller – Waikato
If there’s one thing I love, it’s people. Whether it’s family, friends, colleagues, or the community we serve, I thrive on connection, teamwork, and making a positive impact. That’s what led me to Red Badge, where I now work as the Operations Coordinator for Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Before stepping into security, I was fully immersed in the mechanical trade—working with car parts, truck parts, and even as a mechanic. It was hands-on, technical work, and while I enjoyed it, I was looking for something different—something that involved more people interaction and the opportunity to create safer environments. That’s exactly what I found in security.
The Best Part of Red Badge? The People.
My absolute favorite part of working at Red Badge is the people. The diversity here is incredible—we come from all different backgrounds, but we work together as one strong team. I love being able to connect with so many different personalities and experiences. Red Badge also genuinely cares about the well-being of its staff, which is why I encourage people to consider working here. It’s more than just a job; it’s a place where you feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow.
Lessons from Security That Changed My Perspective
Working in security has completely shifted how I see the world. I’ve developed a greater sense of empathy, learning to understand different perspectives and situations people find themselves in. I’ve also become more observant and mindful, which has helped me problem-solve in real time—whether at work or in everyday life. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being proactive and prepared for anything. Security teaches you to expect the unexpected and to remain calm and composed, no matter how stressful a situation gets.
A Defining Moment
One experience that stands out to me was at a large event where tensions were rising between two individuals. I was able to step in and de-escalate the situation before it escalated into something bigger. That moment reinforced how much of an impact we can have just by staying calm, communicating effectively, and treating people with respect.
Challenges & Growth
Like any role, there have been challenges—operational changes and rostering have definitely kept me on my toes. But instead of letting it overwhelm me, I’ve tackled it head-on, learning strategies to stay adaptable and problem-solve effectively on a daily basis.
Being a Woman in Security
One of the things I truly appreciate about Red Badge is the inclusive and diverse environment. Being a woman in security has been a great experience here—I’ve always felt respected, supported, and valued for what I bring to the team.
Advice for Anyone Considering a Career in Security
Security is about dealing with people first and foremost. My biggest piece of advice? Remember that you’re working with real humans. Treat everyone with care and respect. When you approach the job with empathy, professionalism, and a calm mindset, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
At the end of the day, I’m here because I love what I do—the people I work with, the challenges we tackle, and the impact we make. Every day brings something different, and that’s what keeps it exciting.
Claire Moore
National Administration Manager
I’ve always been drawn to roles where I can improve processes, streamline systems, and make a real impact behind the scenes. That’s what led me to my role as National Administration Manager at Red Badge, where I help shape and develop the admin and finance functions nationwide. It’s a job that constantly challenges and excites me, and I love being part of the company’s strategic growth.
A Love for Classic Cars and Creativity
Outside of work, my life revolves around family, classic cars, and creativity. It’s just me and my husband at home, but we both come from big extended families, so we love spending time with them and going on trips together.
One of my biggest passions is classic cars, and I’m lucky enough to own a 1966 Dodge Charger. We take it to shows and functions, and it’s something I absolutely love being a part of. Another passion of mine is sewing—I’ve been designing and creating children’s costumes and clothing for years, and it’s something that brings me a lot of joy.
Why Security?
Before joining Red Badge, I spent over 30 years in administration, with 15+ years in management roles across freight, textiles, refrigeration, and retail. I’ve always specialized in payroll, finance, and process development, working to create cost-effective and efficient systems.
I moved into the security industry over six years ago, and what inspired me most about Red Badge was the opportunity to develop and implement improvements in our admin and finance functions at a national level. The industry itself is fast-paced and complex, and I love the challenge of making processes smoother, more efficient, and more impactful.
What Makes Red Badge Special?
For me, the best part of Red Badge is the collaboration and teamwork. Every person here has a role to play, and we all work with each other in mind. There’s a strong sense of support across the company, and that makes a huge difference in the way we operate. The core values I hold closest—Respect, Integrity, and Team Spirit—align perfectly with the culture at Red Badge. It’s an environment where people are valued, ideas are heard, and we work together to make things better every day.
Being a Woman at Red Badge
Being a woman in the workplace comes with its own mix of challenges and triumphs, and I enjoy navigating these alongside the supportive and diverse team at Red Badge. Everyone here brings something different to the table, and I feel empowered to use my skill set and experience to drive change and success within the company. It’s a workplace where talent and effort are recognized, and that makes all the difference.
How Security Changed My Perspective
Before working in security, I never fully understood what goes on behind the scenes—the incredible people who put themselves out there every day to keep others safe. Seeing the level of commitment and effort that goes into making things like events and venues secure has given me a deep appreciation for the industry and the people in it.
A Career Highlight: Leading Major Projects
One of the most rewarding parts of my career has been leading some game-changing projects for Red Badge. I had the opportunity to spearhead our centralisation project, consolidating administration functions from six branches into a streamlined, high-performing team of four.
Beyond that, I’ve helped implement a new financial system, introduce quoting software, and drive multiple process improvement initiatives. These projects have been incredibly fulfilling because they’ve not only improved efficiency but have also helped create a stronger, more effective business.
Why Red Badge?
For anyone considering joining Red Badge, I can say with confidence that this is a company that genuinely values its people. It’s a place where you’re supported, encouraged to grow, and given opportunities to make an impact—whether you’re on the front line or working behind the scenes like me. Every day is different, every challenge is an opportunity, and the people you work with make all the difference. And to me, that’s what makes this job so rewarding.
Linda Biggans
Guarding Services Manager – Wellington
Security wasn’t always on my radar. I started out in sales, moved into recruitment, and even managed a branch before eventually stepping into this world. I originally joined Red Badge to manage staff, but once I was here, I saw an opportunity to grow. I trained as a security guard, took on more responsibilities, and now I manage static guards, oversee event security, and handle risk assessments. It’s a role that constantly challenges me, but I thrive on it.
Outside of work, I’m a mum of two boys, and our family has always been heavily into motorsports. I used to ride motorbikes myself, but these days, I stick to watching. I guess you could say I’ve swapped adrenaline on the dirt for the fast-paced energy of security.
What Makes Security Work Special?
For me, it’s the teamwork. Security is all about working together to get the job done—whether it’s making sure a site is secure, keeping an event running smoothly, or handling unexpected situations. The companionship within the Red Badge team is incredible, and it makes even the toughest days enjoyable.
Integrity and honesty are the foundation of this job. People need to know they can rely on you, whether it’s your team, clients, or the public. That’s what makes a great security guard.
A Defining Career Moment
One of the most intense but rewarding experiences I’ve had was during FIFA in Wellington. We had our team spread across six hotels, six training grounds, and 11 back-to-back games. And just to make it more interesting, we were given only 12 hours to ensure that the hotels and training grounds were fully staffed and operational. Despite the pressure, we pulled it off seamlessly. On top of that, we still managed to deliver top-tier service at Sky Stadium. That was one of those moments where I just stood back and thought, Wow, we really did that.
How Security Has Changed Me
Since working in security, I see the world differently. I’m much more observant, constantly scanning my surroundings, noticing people, details, and potential risks. More than that, though, I’ve learned to be slower to judge. Things aren’t always what they seem, and I take the time to fully assess situations before jumping to conclusions.
A big lesson I’ve learned is knowing when to step back. Sometimes, when you’re the first person to say “no” or “you can’t,” people stop listening. Emotions run high, and the situation escalates. I’ve had to recognize that handing over to another guard at the right moment can instantly calm things down and lead to a better outcome. That was a tough but invaluable lesson.
Advice for Anyone Considering Security Work
If you’re thinking about getting into security, here’s what I’d tell you:
✔ Learn the site procedures – Knowing the ins and outs of your location makes a huge difference.
✔ Ask questions – No one expects you to know everything at the start. The more you ask, the better you’ll be.
✔ Work with your team – Security isn’t a solo job. The stronger your team dynamic, the better you’ll perform.
✔ Trust your instincts – If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Your gut feeling is often your best tool.
Security isn’t just about standing guard—it’s about protecting, problem-solving, and being adaptable. It’s a job that challenges you, changes the way you think, and, if you’re like me, might just lead to a career you never expected but absolutely love.
What does it mean to be a Woman in RED
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and learning from some incredible women in our region. I believe we bring a unique perspective to security—one that combines compassion, strong non-verbal communication, and what we often call the ‘Aunty factor’. A key focus for me is increasing the number of female security officers within our guards and patrols division. Achieving this balance, particularly in retail environments, will not only strengthen the team but also broaden our approach, making us more effective and adaptable in handling diverse situations.