Securing Auckland City Mission’s future with Gallagher Command Centre

Today

For over a century, Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai has been a cornerstone of support for Aucklanders in need, providing essential services such as housing, food, and healthcare.

As the Mission expanded to meet growing demands, ensuring the security and efficiency of its operations became paramount. Enter Gallagher Security's Command Centre—a cutting-edge, integrated security platform designed to fortify Mission's new HomeGround facility while offering flexibility, scalability, and seamless oversight.

A Smart Security Solution for a Complex Facility

The Mission's $110 million HomeGround facility, completed in 2022, spans 12,500 sqm and stands as the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere.

This 10-story hub houses a variety of critical services, including permanent housing, medical care, addiction withdrawal (detox) facilities, a community dining room, and an onsite pharmacy. Managing security across such a multifaceted site required an intelligent, integrated system that could provide robust protection without disrupting the Mission's welcoming atmosphere.

Gallagher's Command Centre was the ideal solution, offering a centralised site management platform that seamlessly integrates alarm systems, access control, and perimeter security.
With advanced capabilities, including mobile access, live monitoring, and automated responses, the system ensures security and operational efficiency across HomeGround and its linked satellite sites.

Seamless Integration & Operational Control

The security installation project, managed by Auckland-based BDR Security, was a feat of precision and innovation. The deployment encompassed:

200 access-controlled doors ensuring secure yet seamless entry
Integration with 100 high-resolution CCTV cameras for comprehensive site monitoring
80 apartments outfitted with battery-operated access control locks
90 intercom locations for efficient visitor and resident communication

Unique architectural challenges—including extensive timber usage, dual exit doors, and the restoration of the heritage-listed Prince of Wales building—demanded a flexible security solution.

Gallagher's system met these challenges head-on, enabling concealed cabling installations and customized configurations tailored to the building's structure.

Empowering Staff with Real-Time Security Management

One of the most significant advantages of the Command Centre is its ability to streamline security oversight, allowing Mission staff to focus on their core purpose: supporting the community.

The platform enables:

Remote access management, allowing staff to control permissions in real time
Comprehensive oversight through CCTV integration, ensuring safety across all spaces
Anti-ligature door-top alarms and duress alarm integrations, enhancing on-site security
Centralized intercom and lift system control, providing seamless visitor management
Emergency lockdown capabilities, ensuring rapid response in critical situations

Daniel Nelson, General Manager of Corporate Services at Auckland City Mission, highlights the system's user-friendliness: "The simplicity of the Gallagher system has been a highlight for us. Our staff find it easy to use, we can modify user groups ourselves, and we don't have to rely on external support constantly. It's a very intuitive system."

Extending Security Beyond the Site with Command Centre Mobile

A key innovation of Gallagher's solution is the Command Centre Mobile App, which extends security management beyond the physical premises.

The app allows Mission staff to:

Remotely open doors and manage alarms
Monitor access points and alarm zones from anywhere
Trigger zone lockdowns instantly
Receive real-time security alerts, ensuring immediate response

With cloud integration via the Command Centre Cloud API Gateway, the app provides a secure, real-time link to the site management system, ensuring staff remain in control whether they are on-site or off-site.

Built for Durability and Dependability

Given the high-traffic nature of the Mission's operations, durability was a non-negotiable factor in selecting a security solution. Joel Rickard, Director of BDR Security, emphasizes Gallagher's reputation for robustness: "Gallagher's systems are built to withstand tough environments. Tenants and staff interact with access readers daily, so they need to be resilient. We've seen firsthand how well the system holds up."

Technology That Supports a Greater Mission

The Auckland City Mission's HomeGround facility ensures that thousands of Aucklanders receive the care and support they need in a safe, welcoming environment. By leveraging Gallagher's state-of-the-art security solutions, the Mission can dedicate more resources to its core initiatives and be secure in knowing that its people and facilities are protected.

For more information about Auckland City Mission or to donate, visit www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz.

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