NZ Security Licence Legal Framework and Powers

Question 1

Under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 (PSPPI Act), what is a Certificate of Approval (COA) in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

A mandatory licence required for individuals working in the private security industry in NZ

Answer

A voluntary accreditation for security companies

Answer

A certificate issued by the NZ Police for firearms

Answer

An approval to operate CCTV systems in public places

Question 2

Under NZ law, what powers of arrest does a security guard have?

Accepted Answer

The same citizen's arrest powers as any member of the public under section 35 of the Crimes Act 1961 — no additional powers

Answer

Full police arrest powers including the power to use handcuffs

Answer

The power to detain anyone for up to 4 hours without police involvement

Answer

Greater powers than police when on private property

Question 3

Under section 35 of the NZ Crimes Act 1961, when can a citizen (including a security guard) make an arrest?

Accepted Answer

When they find a person committing an offence punishable by imprisonment, or freshly committed such an offence

Answer

At any time for any offence, including parking violations

Answer

Only when authorised by a police officer

Answer

Only when the person is trespassing on private property

Question 4

What legislation governs the removal of trespassers from property in New Zealand?

Accepted Answer

The Trespass Act 1980

Answer

The Crimes Act 1961 only

Answer

The Property Law Act 2007

Answer

The Private Security Personnel Act 2010

Question 5

Under the NZ Trespass Act 1980, what must happen before a person can be prosecuted for trespass?

Accepted Answer

The person must first be warned to leave the property and must fail to leave or return within two years of the warning

Answer

No warning is needed — simply being on private property is an offence

Answer

A police officer must be present to issue the warning

Answer

The property owner must apply to a court for a trespass order

Question 6

Under NZ law, how much force can a security guard use when removing a trespasser?

Accepted Answer

Only reasonable force — the minimum necessary to remove the person, and only after they have been warned and refuse to leave

Answer

Unlimited force as they are protecting private property

Answer

No force at all — only police can physically remove people

Answer

Force is only permitted if the trespasser is armed