Secureflight finds committed hires with Ara

Each year, Secureflight hires up to 60 new people for the busy summer season. In the past, this meant sorting through as many as 2,000 CVs.

“Valuable time is taken up pre-screening potential candidates” says National Training Manager Michelle Macdonald. “When we could be doing something more productive.”

Secureflight recently celebrated ten years at Auckland Airport. The company started with just nine people and now employs 200 staff in Auckland and Christchurch, screens international bound cargo at 11 logistics sites, provides aircraft security for both airlines and Auckland Airport and manages port security for cruise ships during summer.

Because of this growth, recruitment is now a six-month process instead of a quick push. Until recently, Secureflight relied on an external agency to handle everything.

When Ara’s Recruitment team connected with Secureflight this year, they demonstrated their value.

Ara offers comprehensive, agency-level services at no cost for precinct employers—including scoping roles, preparing and screening candidates, and ongoing support after hiring.

“I didn’t fully realise the extent of the support Ara and MSD could provide,” says Michelle. “When they outlined what they could do for us, I didn’t realise their capability.”

Putting Ara to the test

Secureflight was cautious about switching from the current arrangement, so decided to compare both options.

“We couldn’t categorically just say, yes, we’ll go with you and let’s hope for the best.”

The standout difference wasn’t skills but motivation—Ara’s candidates clearly wanted the job and were committed.

“The calibre of candidates definitely exceeded our expectations. We found that the people attending were highly motivated and genuinely eager to secure employment.”

Secureflight prioritized attitude and reliability over experience, knowing they could provide the necessary training.

“A candidates background doesn’t matter. I care that they want a job, are reliable, and have a genuine desire to work. I can train the rest.”

Laying the groundwork first

Ara staff attended a Secure Flight open day before referring candidates, ensuring they understood the process and standard required.

“The preparation they’ve done with potential candidates is fantastic” Michelle said. “The expectations were laid out well. That means you’re not taking on people who don’t any understanding of the role or want to be there.”

Candidates arrived fully briefed, and Secureflight receive complete background packs before interviews.

“Onboarding is a breeze; everything is done for you.”

At a recent open day, close to 70 percent of candidates were hired on the spot. Ara referrals now make up around half of this year’s planned intake, with the balance still to come.

New hires are motivated, picking up extra shifts and supporting each other through training.

“They are highly committed. They aren’t just putting in minimum time; they are eager to take on additional shifts.”

Support that does not stop at the start date

When new starters had issues during training, Ara stepped in to help—more support than Michelle expected from a recruitment partner.

“Most agencies, once you’ve taken candidates on, they’re yours. That’s your issue to deal with.”

Instead, Ara made contact, worked through what was going on, and, where possible, helped people stay in the programme.

Michelle described Ara’s response as “above and beyond”.

“At every stage, their response was, ‘Leave it with us, we will sort it.’ Having that kind of reliable partnership was fantastic.”

Advice for other employers

Michelle’s advice to other precinct employers weighing Ara up is short:

“You would be silly not to. For an employer, it’s done for you. The prep work and candidate packs give us an understanding of who will sit in front of us.”

“Despite their extensive clientele at Auckland Airport, they provide a level of dedicated attention that makes us feel like their sole priority.”

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