Testimonials - What Our Clients Say About Us

• Geoff Cavell - Winnie Bagoes (Christchurch City)

  

  Hal and his team are so professional and just a pleasure to work with. You can be confident that after a briefing of security requirements for a given event that you can rest easy that they will have everything in hand and be ready for any given incident.

  The team are groomed professionals - They look the part, they are always smartly dressed which itself gives venue owners and customers alike the feeling of security. They are always polite and calm in their dealings with patrons and any trouble is dealt with away from the spotlight again in a totally professional manner.

  Having had experience myself in the security field I cannot fault this company and it is a tribute to Hal October himself in the way he employs his staff and trains them to a very high level.

  I would have no hesitation in recommending October Protection for any event that needs security and in saying that any individual who needs security for any given corporate event.

• Mike Knowles - Winnie Bagoes (Ferrymead)

  
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  I first meet Hal when I was managing Azure Bar and restaurant in Christchurch back in 2001. Hal was employed to be one of our security crew that worked Thursday – Saturday nights. From the first time I meet Hal we got on and since then he has worked for me in a number of establishments around Christchurch and I still use him today at my restaurant at Ferrymead when we have events.

  I have always found Hal to be a great asset on the door as he is a great people person and I have full confidence in him to do a fully professional job every time. He has always employed fantastic staff to work for him and they are an asset to have on the door at any event that I need security for.

  Having worked in the hospitality industry for the past 20 years I have worked alongside a number of different security firms and believe Hal and his team have been by far the best. They are extremely professional but also down to earth and easy to relate with and most of all me and the team feel safe when they are on duty.

• Gary Lawson - New Zealand and World Lawn Bowls Champion

  

  Hal has worked for me as a security consultant for a number of years now both here in New Zealand and overseas in Australia. He takes care of all my security requirements from supplying security staff to personal protection.

  Hal is highly skilled and would be an asset to any organisation, business or person requiring his services. He is also well known and respected throughout Christchurch.

  Hal's staff are also highly trained, impeccably dressed and have excellent communication skills.

  Hal is the ultimate professional and I have no hesitation in recommending him should you ever find the need to utilise his skills and services.

• Respondi Security Services - Matt Wood

  

  As director of a UK Security Firm I found October Protection to be the most clinical of companies I have witnessed since my arrival in New Zealand. The manner in which the staff hold themselves and the professionalism with which they conduct their roles is outstanding.

  A true credit to the security industry.

• Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu - Rakiihia Tau

  

  He mihi aroha ki a koe.

  On behalf of the Ngai Tahu Iwi Steering Group I would like to extend our many thanks for the surveillance work that your Security Company undertook at the Ngai Tahu Exhibition MijTatou, at Te Papa Tongarewa Museum in Wellington.

  The Exhibition has generated extremely positive feedback and the professionalism of your security crew was duly noted by all Ngai Tahu Whanui.

  Please accept this as a personal acknowledgement of your mahi during this time.

  Aku mihi nui ki a koe.

• CEA Trading and Aikmans - Ricky Quirk

  

  Hal worked at numerous different outlets for myself, Ricky Quirk, and CEA Trading Ltd from 2002 to 2008 as security.

  Hal originally worked under the Ryan Security umbrella as their operations manager and due to Hal holding this position within this company we signed a long term contract with Ryan Security.

  In my 22 years of owning and running hospitality venues I would struggle to find some one with a higher standard of professionalism in security hosting and greet and meet. The repore Hal had at all venues with staff and patrons was second to none. In late 2007 we personally employed Hal as the host/security for the new venue created at Merivale – Aikmans/Ivy and our main reasoning for this was due to our large investment we needed to make sure we had the best people available and we trusted Hal to handle this on our behalf.

  I would have no hesitations in employing Hal in any future ventures I may have and would have no hesitation in recommending him for any situation he may wish to seek in the future.

• Heat Exchanger Services - James Parbery

  

  In September 09 I was faced with a difficult and urgent situation that involved issuing a trespass notice, surveillance and ongoing security at a business premise.

  After quite a few phone calls to other security companies and with no satisfaction I saw October Protection in yellow pages.

  A quick phone call and an hour or two later I was meeting Hal. We discussed the situation and a timetable was agreed. His attention to detail and immediate response to my problems was tremendous.

  The whole situation was handled professionally and without any incident by Hal and his staff.

  I thoroughly recommend Hal and his team if you have a job to be done.

• Trents Wholesale - Allan Mckenzie

  

  In late 2009 we wanted to have a Security presence with in our Operation here at Tuam St. We wanted our Customer base to know we are taking Security seriously. With our Instore continual focus targets on Loss and Prevention, we started our search.

  What were we looking for?
  We wanted some one well experienced in all matters Security.
  We wanted some one who could interact with our Customer base.
  We wanted a Professional in Security and Protection.
  We wanted some one with knowledge and connections within our industry.

  We actually started our search with the yellow pages. I've been to many events personally and didn’t just want the Security/Guard type appearance... I wanted a Professional.

  After visiting October Protection web site we made contact with Hal October. Hal's Company October Protection continues to work with us and I firmly believe that he delivers on his Company's mission statement:

  The difference is professionalism.

• The Bog, Speight's Ale Houses - Max Bremner

  

  It is with great pleasure that I recommend Hal October. I have known Hal in a professional manner for the past eight years and currently use his services as a security consultant to meet all our security requirements.

  Hal has always displayed a high degree of professionalism, dignity and is a well renowned person in the hospitality industry. He has proven to be a very honest and trustworthy person.

  I have no hesitation in recommending Hal October.

• White Tie Catering - Grant Duncan

  

  White Tie Catering is happy to confirm Mr Hal October was employed by this company in a secuity role for five years to assist wiih crowd management and secuity of equipment and plant at various functions White Tie Catefing has been involved with.

  We have always found Mr October to be extremely efficient and diligent with a careful eye for detail and pro-active in his approach to his work. White Tei Catering has always been confident in Mr October's ability to perform his duties most satisfactorily. We have found him to be honest and approachable, and to be and a good communicator. Mr October's employees are also well thought of with very good communication skills, presentation and professionalism.

  We would not hesitate in recommending Mr October to any future employer.

• World Buskers Festival - Gwen Macready

  

  I have worked with Hal October on three occasions, in my position as Operations Manager for the World Buskers Festival. The role of security at the Festival brings with it many challenges, with one of the most important being the relationship between the guards and the public. Hal has a calm manner which helps him assess situations quickly and can diffuse difficult situations before they get out of hand.

  Hal is always extremely professional and diplomatic. He has a natural ability to get on with people from all walks of life, a characteristic which is extremely important in his role.

  He is always well presented and represents himself and his organisation to the highest standard. I have always found Hal approachable and reliable. On occasions he had to deal with demanding requests from me, including removing guards from the job, and each time he has quickly organised replacements.

  Having Hal around certainly made my job easier. I would recommend Hal in any supervisory security role.

• John Jones Steel - Frank van Schaijik

  

  I have known Hal for the past four years and retain his services as a Security Consultant who provides close protection and security staff for my business and personal events. Hal always acts in your best interests, especially when confidentiality and discretion are imperative. He is honest and trustworthy.

  Hal is an absolute professional and I have no hesitation in recommending him, his company and his elite staff for any security requirements that you may have.

  
  

• Belgian Beer Cafe Torenhof - Mark McGuinness

  

  Since opening in June 2004 we have used Hal October as our preferred onsite security service. Hal provides the door security for all our major functions and I cannot recommend Hal and his staff highly enough. They are always well presented, excellent at meet and greet with the customers on arrival and in the one or two minor instances we have had to monitor and remove a customer they have always done this in a no-fuss, whatever-time-it-takes manor, defusing any situation and most of all creating no uncomfortable situations for any other customers.

  Some of the events Hal has done for us are our Stella Artois Ball, Summer Jazz in the garden, Christchurch International Jazz and Blues Festival, All Black Test match nights, all our Friday's in November and December. Private functions for various professional conference organisers and private clients of ours.

  Hal is an absolute professional and l am very happy to support him.

• Continental - Joan Ward

  

  I wish to thank you for your very professional support with security for our marquee complex at Dudley Park for the official opening of our Dudley Park Aquatic Centre. It was very pleasing to see the unobtrusive security whilst the function was running, in particular the importance of the day along with the expected visit of our Prime Minister.

  Thank you also for discreetly keeping away an uninvited guest. We have worked so tirelessly to raise monies for this much needed complex in our district and it was important that there were no outside influences on the day.

  We would have no hesitation in using your firm at any time in the future.

• Liquidity Bar and Lounge - Hamish McKenzie

  

  I have known Hal October for around 15 to 20 years. With in this time I have worked with him in the hospitality industry.

  Hal is with out a doubt one of the most respected and senior security consultants in Christchurch. We have always called on Hal when opening new ventures, as his workmanship and professionalism are second to none. Hal has also been a security consultant for us and other venues that we have been involvement in. He has been bought in to sort out problems with other security teams that we have had in the past.

  I would not hesitate to recommend Hal for any security and protection work that involves professionalism and integrity.

• Sub5 Security - Ike Haughton

  

  I am the owner of Sub 5 Private Security Limited. I have owned and operated Sub 5 for over 10 years.

  During this time I have had dealings with Hal October both on a personal and professional level.

  At all times, I have found Hal' s honesty and integrity to be beyond reproach.

  He commands and has the respect of his peers and is extremely hardworking and diligent.

  I have no problem lending my support to Hal in any endeavour he may undertake.

• Fight For Youth - Justin Wallace

  October Protection was hired by Enth Degree Ltd to provide security at the inaugural Fight for Youth Charity Boxing Event in April 2010. We wanted a security company that not only maintained a safe environment but provided a presence and professional looking image at a high class corporate event. With some important VIP’s in attendance including the Mayor of Christchurch, October Protection initiated additional surveillance and more than delivered on our requirements.

  With Hal Octobers vast experience in the security industry we felt at ease that October Protection were providing security for our event and I would not hesitate in recommending October Protection to anyone.

• The Bog Irish Bar - David Kininmonth

  

  Hal has been very proactive with his approach to the running of our security and in particular for St. Patrick's Day which is the biggest day of the year for us when we host over 1,000 patrons in one day, with all the issues of underage and intoxication. Plus having to liase with the District Licensing Authority and Police enforcement officerrs. Hal oversaw the staffing and the securty operation for the entire day and ensured that we had a trouble-free day.

  Hal is always very professional in his personal presentation and business acumen, I have seen him in operation at many events over the years and he is one security person that I would employ for any security requirements for any type of event.

• Louise Banks

  

  I am writing to let you know that the security your company provided for my event was - in my experience - top quality, and enabled me to concentrate on my performance at hand with total confidence.

  Crowd control is always of concern, taking into consideration potential risks with large numbers of people where alcohol is provided, and managing that risk.

  I felt totally safe and protected both in the lead up, and main event by your staff, both by their attentive awareness and escorting me throughout the build up and lead out to this very public arena.

  Your expert staff allowed me to focus on my performance without the worry about fans and their contact, and any worries of danger were, as I could see, pre-anticipated and quietly calmed.

  Thank you very much.

  I will be in touch for future work, and hope you have been happy with my referrals to date.

• Moji Restaurant and Tiger Bar - Liz Davies

  

  Our business has on numerous occasions used his services for private functions and special promotions.

  His company and all the staff we have encountered are always extremely professional and well presented.

  We have a very corporate cliental and the manner in which his employees conduct themselves is always of the highest standard.

  Hal is an extreme professional who is very well organised and has the ability to organise arrangements at the last minute. People that work at this level are hard to find and I wish him every success in the future.

• Ultimate Martial Arts Fighting - Aaron Moir and Kerry Saggers

  

  TEAM UMAF have used the services of October Protection Services for providing security for all our patrons and fighters at 4 previous events over the last 18 months.

  We promote kick boxing and mixed martial arts fight nights that draw an interesting crowd of up to 1300 people, that sometimes gets the odd person that needs to be removed or spoken to during the event in relation to their behaviour. This can be a very difficult situation to deal with when alcohol and fighting is involved, but to date we have been extremely pleased with how these situations have been defused without further incident or requiring the police to be involved.

  We put this down to the professionalism and communication style that Hal and his team have in place as trying to reason with these people can be difficult and require a great deal of diplomacy and patience.

  We have always been more than happy with the presentation and professionalism that we have received for these events from Hal and his team and intend using October Protection Services in our coming events.

• Mozarts Performing Arts - Felicity Williams

  

  October Protection was thoroughly professional and really related well to the hundred or so children rushing around backstage during our theatre performance week. They really put our minds at rest, regarding the premises, and the children and staff's personal safety.

  The first thing I did after the performances were over was rebook them for the following year.  Hiring a specialist team like this leaves me and my staff free to "run the show"  and not get stressed worrying about any unforseen events.

• Barcelona Restaurant - Harry Kain

  Hal October organised security for my inner city restaurant on several occasions over the last few years. He always supplied doormen who knew their job. They were poilte and agreeable with customers, yet firm if required. They were punctual and reliable.

  Hal obviously runs a well organised security business and I would not hesitate to recommend the services of his company.

• Trents Wholesale - Sonja Musson

  

  In September 2009 I enlisted the services of Hal October’s security company to provide security at a proposed teenage party in Blighs road.

  Prior to the event, Hal made an appointment to meet me at home to enable him to view the premises and make suggestions on how to keep the party under control.

  He asked intelligent questions in regard to the level of alcohol allowed, party numbers, at what point I would want the party closed down etc.

  I was impressed with Hal’s level of professionalism, his manner and attitude toward my Son which was both friendly and respectful and his general understanding of what both of us required, without going over the top. I felt I could trust him.

  After the event, I was pleased with the result and I would unconditionally recommend Hal’s company to other prospective clients.

• JDV Merivale and Bush Bar - Peter Edmonds and Nicky Lane

  

  October Protection has provided security services and personnel to a variety of venues over the last five years for which I have been responsible.

  It has been their professional application that has been beyond reproach that has been of great benefit to us.

  From consultation to managing our facilities: JDV Merivale and Bush Inn Bar. As well as special events the service has been totally professional and I would have no hesitation recommending Hal and his team for the services of security and protection.

• Aikmans Bar & Restaurant - Jonny Dykes

  

  Hal worked for me at Aikmans for a period of a little over six months. In that time he proved himself to be a vital member of staff. Not only did Hal look after the security of the bar, he also acted as a host on the door and through his approachable manner became the person patrons would go to with questions or problems.

  He was a tribute to himself in the way he went about his job and in turn the respect he gained from both myself and the regular customers.

  When running such a large and open venue it is comforting to know you have a person who you can rely on and trust to do the job as you'd like it done. It is because of this I'd recommend Hal for any job he approaches and would back him to do it well.

• Stock Xchange Bar & Cafe - Tony Bailey

  

  It is with pleasure that I write this reference for Hal October.

  This is to verify that Hal October has been employed by the Stock Xchange Bar & Cafe firstly as a Security Guard and then as Security Consultant while under my management.

  Hal has been employed for sometime and knows how to set the standard in the hospotality industry.
  As a security guard he was a good team player, very honest and was always very punctual and reliable. His appearance and attire was always at an impeccable high standard hence this reflected on the high standard in which he performs in every aspect of his employment.

  Hal was then employed as a Security Consultant to provide us with the best available security staff for our venue and to put in place systems and procedures to protect our liquor license. He now continues to advise us on security matters and does regular reviews on our current security staff to insure the high standards that he initially instigated are continued.

  Hal would be an asset to any bar or club owner who wishes to improve the standards and professionalism of their security staff.