Watchu Security celebrates 15 years with new Hautapu home
July 20, 2022
Watchu Security celebrates 15 years with new Hautapu home
Watchu Security is celebrating 15 years of business – a milestone that coincides with the development of their new custom-designed premises in Hautapu.
Founded by Cambridge locals Justin Fisher and Adrian Holmes in 2007, Watchu has grown to a team of more than 30 people, with three sites across New Zealand. The business delivers integrated security solutions to clients around the country and are one of New Zealand’s leading providers in the security technology space.
Watchu Founder and Director Justin Fisher says the business is fortunate to work with many blue-chip New Zealand businesses with a strong focus on long-term relationships.
“We support our clients closely. In a large way, our clients our clients the key contributor to our longevity,” said Justin.
Later this year, construction will begin on Watchu’s new Hautapu premises, a custom-designed facility that will support the business through their next phase of growth.
Justin says Cambridge is the “prime position” from which to drive the future of the business.
“It’s great to see how Waipa has evolved into a hub of commercial and social opportunity. Waipa and especially Cambridge are now true leaders in work, live, play, and lifestyles – all on our back doorstep.”
Justin said the new premises will feature a customer experience centre, larger open-plan offices, and a large tech space for the team to test and develop security systems.
“We look forward to showcasing some state-of-the-art products. We’re also expanding our engineering workshop by 300 percent to allow us to manufacture multiple gates and security accessories at the same time,” said Justin.
Reflecting on their past, Justin says the business has experienced “massive change” over the last 15 years.
“Naturally any business around for 15 years morphs and grows into something barely recognisable from where it started – it’s the same at Watchu. From the start we knew what we wanted to offer our clients – a full security package.
“We have added extra services over the years to achieve this, such as in-house gate manufacturing and data and fibre cabling infrastructure, and we’ve grown our abilities in CCTV and access control.”
“As our clients’ businesses grow, we’ve adapted our services and expertise to support this and meet their security needs,” said Justin.
Founder and Director Adrian Holmes says he feels “Watchu has done well, constantly looking to learn and improve from our team and upskilling people wherever possible. We stay close to the front of the business.
“The industry has also changed significantly over this time, with advancements in technology and data use.”
As a result of these changes, Justin says Watchu is “not just a security business anymore.”
“We are lucky to have such a great team which is how we have been able to grow to where we are now. Our technicians and engineers are highly skilled, and the admin team help to harness that; providing the service that Watchu is now renowned for.”
Justin says the design and construction of the new premises has “taken a village.”
“Aaron Guerin and the team at LAD Architecture helped take our ideas and put them onto paper, and Matt Mudgway at Savannah Construction also had key input, showing us the best ways to utilise the site. Curin Contractors are helping with groundworks before Kiwi Sheds erect the shed later this year, and Savannah Construction will eventually build the offices. The team at Cogswell Surveys have also been integral to the project. We are a local business, born and bred, and are proud to support local,” said Justin.
“We have played a part in thousands of projects like this – implementing security solutions across New Zealand. Now we have the opportunity to create a practical, comfortable space for us to thrive in.”
“We have a real opportunity to grow Watchu even further. We now have the scale, the resources – and soon, the premises. All I can say is “watch this space!”.