Two men trained to work in jobs protecting prominent figures and ultra-high-net-worth New Zealand families share what it’s like. Dion Neill and Mark Templeman have been bodyguards for A-list stars and wealthy families. Still, they’d prefer you not picture them as Kevin Costner in the 90s movie The Bodyguard .
In New Zealand, “bodyguard” is replaced by “close personal protection” or “executive protection”. It is serious work, but Neill concedes it is a bit Hollywood-like. Neill can have nationwide contracts lasting from one day to three weeks, paying $600 to $1000 daily, plus premium accommodation, food, and tips.
At the end of one assignment, an Arab client visiting New Zealand gifted his colleague a $30,000 Rolex watch. Fellow executive protection specialist Mark Templeman, a former detective in the Police Criminal Investigations Branch (CIB), provides a different service - 24/7 long-term contracts for New Zealand’s ultra-high-net-worth families and short-term agreements when required. His business, Templeman and Associates in Auckland, employs more than 16 fulltime staff from specialist ex-police and military units.
Protecting NZ’s wealthy 24/7 His team protects New Zealand’s wealthy, including escorting and driving clients wherever they go. They may also be at the client’s home monitoring CCTV and controlling visitor access to the property. They provide this service 24/7.
Some clients have safe rooms, intruder detection systems, and a kidnapping pro.