Vetekina Taulanga, a director of Quality Security Limited (QSL), has been found guilty of misconduct, leading to the cancellation of his Certificate of Approval (COA) and the rejection of QSL’s company license application. Despite these penalties, official records show that QSL remains registered and operating in Auckland.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) lodged a complaint against QSL and Taulanga, alleging that the company was running a security business without the necessary license and employing uncertified staff for crowd control. Investigators from the Complaints, Investigation, and Prosecution Unit (CIPU) found that between May 2022 and October 2023, QSL provided crowd control services at venues in Auckland, Christchurch, and elsewhere without a license. Over this period, the company employed at least five people who did not hold the required certifications.

The CIPU investigation also revealed that Taulanga provided false information about an employee, a violation of Section 105 of the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. Despite the gravity of these findings, Taulanga did not dispute the allegations and opted for the matter to be resolved through documents rather than a hearing. He claimed the company had ceased trading and described it as a "side business" that would improve if granted a license.

In its decision, the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) found Taulanga guilty of misconduct, citing his knowledge of legal requirements and intentional non-compliance over an extended period. The Authority canceled his COA, effective November 5, 2024, barring him from applying for another for at least 12 months. Similarly, QSL’s company license application was declined, with a restriction on reapplying within the next year.

While QSL claims to have stopped operations, its registration as an active company in Auckland raises questions about its current activities. The PSPLA’s findings emphasize the importance of adhering to security industry regulations to protect public interest and maintain professional standards.

This information is based on official documents from the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA), including decision [2024] NZPSPLA 094.

To read official PSPLA Decision regarding the company, click on this link https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Decisions/2024-NZPSPLA-094.pdf