FIRST CONTACT
ABOUT OUR PEOPLE
Our Story
Founded in April 2002 by Stefanie and Darryl Stonnell, First Contact stands as a cherished family business, proudly 100% New Zealand-owned and operated.
Our foundational pillars include the belief in an educated team and unwavering accountability to our clients. Our commitment to these values extends to creating an environment where our people feel secure, valued, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
First Contact ensures a seamless, transparent, and real-time service delivery to our clients. Our dedication to precision is evident through the development of a bespoke software program, guaranteeing accurate briefings and full compliance with health, safety, industry, and legislative mandates.
Our Mission
To
Continuously
develop and support every staff member in achieving their personal and professional goals.
By
Creating
a safe, challenging, and enjoyable working environment,
We will deliver a level of
Excellence
to our clients they can rely on, from educated, valued, and reliable personnel.
Our Vision
To consistently create excellent service standards our clients can rely on, delivered by educated and valued personnel.
Meet the Team
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Darryl Stonnell
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Darryl has been involved with the security industry for over 30 years.
His passion has always been centered around providing a safe and challenging environment for his team, whilst providing a measurable level of accountability to clients.
Since starting First Contact, Darryl developed a specialist training program that was used as the framework to develop an NZQA Unit Standard. He has been actively involved with the Skills Organisation during the re-development of the security industry qualification and has been engaged by city councils throughout New Zealand to deliver specialised training.
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Stefanie Stonnell
FINANCIAL DIRECTOR
Prior to starting First Contact, Stefanie’s experience was in accounting and customer services roles.
Stef has developed a large portion of the systems we use to ensure every member is actively working towards their Level 3 National Certificate in Security, (the minimum standard we set for our people).
It was due to Stef’s efforts that First Contact was awarded the Gold Certificate for excellence in staff development by the industry’s ITO, the Skills Organisation. Only one other company has achieved this qualification.
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Lua Pua
SENIOR EVENTS MANAGER
Lu has been with First Contact since the start, over 17 years ago.
He brings the highest standards to our clients and demands the best from his teams.
With experience that covers corporate, event, and licensed premises security, Lu is able to deliver exactly what our clients are looking for every time.
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Malcolm Machingaidze
INSTRUCTOR / COMPLIANCE
With over a decade of experience working in various security environments, Malcolm delivers a wealth of knowledge to his students.
He holds a Level 3 National Certificate in Security and is completing the training requirements to become an NZQA-certified assessor.
No one in Malcolm’s class gets to sit quietly in the background, as he ensures everyone participates and understands the material being taught.