Dr John Battersby from the Centre for Defence and Security Studies.
Dr John Battersby, a Teaching Fellow from New Zealand Police at Massey University’s Centre for Defence and Security Studies, is among a small number of Australasian nominees to be recognised as an IFSEC Global Influencer in Security and Fire 2021.
The awards recognise professionals who have influenced in the security industry in the past 12 months. Hundreds of nominations from around the world are received each year, with a 24-member judging panel evaluating the nominations and deciding on who will receive an award. Chief Editor of New Zealand Security Magazine and one of the members of the judging panel, Nicholas Dynon, says the recognition of Dr Battersby’s profile and work brings great international mana to Aotearoa’s public and private security sectors.
Dr Battersby is a Senior Sergeant in the New Zealand Police Force and has been a major voice within New Zealand’s security sector in the wake of the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks. This included being involved in the roll-out of gun control laws and the publication of the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the mosque attacks.
In his role with the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Dr Battersby’s teaching specialises in counter terrorism and intelligence studies. Dr Battersby is also the managing editor of the National Security Journal published by the Centre, which provides a platform for academics and practitioners to publish their security-related research. Since its inception, the journal has become widely recognised in New Zealand and internationally as providing a vehicle to showcase research in the area and highlight trends and issues within the security sector.
Director of the Centre for Defence and Security Studies, Professor Rouben Azizian says, “John’s outstanding contributions to his police, academic and expert community roles have made him an exemplary colleague and serve as an inspiration for those who are trying to make a difference."