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Leadership Team

MANAGING DIRECTOR
Jacqui Bensemann

Overseeing Argus Fire Protection strategy, business operations and client relationships is Managing Director Jacqui Bensemann.

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Jacqui has over 40 years’ experience in the fields of banking, public accountancy, management consultancy and general management, in New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Over 20 years have been exclusively in the fire protection industry.

A graduate of the University of Canterbury in Accounting and Marketing, Jacqui has developed a strong technical understanding of the engineering, science and legislative aspects of New Zealand’s fire protection sector.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Bryce Donaldson
GENERAL MANAGER NORTHERN
Bryce Donaldson

Bryce has over 25 years’ experience in the Fire Protection industry, covering a number of roles since he started out as a Cadet and Fire Alarm Installation Technician.

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As you would expect, he holds a huge range of relevant practical qualifications, including National Certificates, Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) registration and Independent Qualified Person (IQP) status. He’s also currently an elected Council member of the New Zealand Fire Protection Association (NZFPA) and on the Board of Directors for the Fire Protection Association (FPA).

Bryce’s passion for the fire protection industry is obvious and infectious. His clear understanding of client expectations is matched by an exceptional ability to motivate those around him. Bryce plays a key role in building and maintaining our company culture with its high staff retention and reputation for consistently delivering exceptional customer service.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Will Donald
GENERAL MANAGER OPERATIONS
Will Donald

Will has overall management responsibility for all operations outside the Auckland region.

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He has over 20 years of broad experience in the fields of engineering consulting, construction, logistics and general management. Prior to joining Argus in 2017, Will held roles as Port Manager for New Zealand Steel and Manager of Strategy for Qantas, and has worked in the UK and Europe as well as Australia and NZ. His logistics and operations knowledge is second to none.

Will graduated from the University of Canterbury with a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering and gained his MBA from Oxford Business School.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Ben Hanif
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Ben Hanif

As CFO, Ben brings over 25 years’ experience in financial and management accounting to the role, 15 of them with Argus.

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His prior roles included several different New Zealand companies ranging from medium-sized enterprises to large corporates.

An alumnus of Mount Albert Grammar and Manukau Institute of Technology, Ben also spearheads IT and related tech for the company.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Kristine Bakker
MANAGER, STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS & MARKETING
Kristine Bakker

Kristine has been with Argus since September 2015. She moved into her current role in April 2022, taking on responsibility for the quality and health of the company’s client relationships, ensuring Argus service delivery and solutions align with client objectives.

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With over 25 years experience in the Facilities Management industry, Kristine brings extensive expertise in relationship management and strategic account leadership.

Kristine was awarded a Fellowship from the Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ) in 2014, recognising her contribution to the industry. Passionate about exceeding customer expectations, she is committed to building long-term partnerships based on honesty, integrity and trust.

Auckland Operations Managers

SPRINKLER CONTRACTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER
Armand Louw

Armand has over 17 years of experience in the fire protection industry, both overseas and with Argus Fire since moving to New Zealand in 2015.

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With a background in mechanics and plumbing, Armand’s transition to the sprinkler side of the industry has led him to progress through various roles.

In December 2023, he took on responsibility for Argus Special Projects division. This division incorporates Special Hazard systems (such as gas flood, water mist, deluge, kitchen suppression, and foam systems) and handles large technical projects that require a high level of forward thinking to meet client needs.

Armand proven track record of success, his undeniable passion for a challenge and his expertise and commitment to excellence; resulted in him taking on the added responsibility for our Auckland Sprinkler Contracts team in November 2024.

SPRINKLER MINOR WORKS MANAGER
Shawn Deysel

With over a decade of dedicated experience in fire sprinkler systems, Shawn has been an integral part of the Argus team since the beginning of his career in the industry.

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He joined Argus as a Project Manager and quickly progressed through key leadership roles, including 2IC for both the Sprinkler and Remedial Works divisions. In 2025, he stepped into his current position, continuing to drive excellence and innovation across the business.

Shawn brings a strong background in project management and engineering, with hands-on experience in the mechanical design, manufacture, and installation of mixers and agitators. His career spans the commercial and industrial construction sectors, including civil construction, mechanical installations, and structural steel erection. 

Known for his ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, Shawn consistently delivers successful projects and maintains high levels of customer satisfaction. 

Shawn possesses a comprehensive set of project management qualifications and is currently pursuing his Fire Tech Level 4 certification, highlighting both his technical proficiency and dedication to ongoing professional growth.

ALARMS MANAGER
Chris Ralph

With over 23 years of experience in the fire protection industry, Chris has been an integral part of the Argus team since 2014, following an extensive career overseas.

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He began his journey at Argus as a Compliance Technician before moving into estimating and later taking on the role of Contracts Project Manager. Over six years in that position, Chris successfully delivered numerous high-profile projects, including for data centres, university facilities, and apartments.

In his current role, Chris continues to drive excellence and innovation across the business, leveraging his deep technical knowledge and proven leadership skills to ensure outstanding outcomes for clients and stakeholders alike.

DESIGN MANAGER
Marcus Thornley

Marcus joined Argus in 2015, bringing a diverse engineering background that spans naval engineering, building services design, and 3D modelling. He is also a registered electrician, adding a unique layer of technical expertise to his role.

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As the leader of Argus’ multidisciplinary design and engineering team, Marcus oversees complex projects across commercial, industrial, and residential sectors; from initial concept through to certification.

His ability to combine technical precision with practical site experience ensures robust, compliant, and innovative fire protection solutions.

Known for his strategic thinking, clear communication, and hands-on leadership style, Marcus fosters collaboration and drives innovation, consistently delivering high-performance safety outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

ESTIMATING MANAGER
Tarun Parmar

Tarun joined Argus Fire in 2015, beginning his journey as a Sprinkler Designer before progressing into Estimating and ultimately stepping into his current role as Estimating Manager. With a strong engineering foundation, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and practical problem-solving to the team.

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Holding qualifications in both Marine and Civil Engineering, Tarun’s career began at sea, where he worked as an engineer on cruise ships, gaining valuable hands-on experience with large-scale operational systems. Since joining Argus, he has played a key role in the company’s growth and success, applying his technical knowledge and leadership skills to deliver accurate, cost-effective solutions.

Recognised for his analytical approach, effective communication, and supportive leadership style, Tarun fosters teamwork and innovation within his division. In his current role, he continues to strengthen Argus’ capabilities, ensuring projects are delivered with precision, reliability, and a strong focus on client satisfaction.

SERVICE MANAGER
Maz Gharib

Maz has over 17 years of experience in the fire protection industry. Starting his career as a Compliance Technician, and holding a number of other technical roles, before moving into the management side of the industry.

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Maz holds several key industry qualifications, including Level 3 in Fire Alarm Testing and Maintenance, Level 4 in Fire Detection Design and Installation, Level 3 in Fire Passive Inspection, as well as an Electrical Engineering qualification. As an Independent Qualified Person (IQP), he offers valuable guidance to clients on maintaining their fire safety systems.

Maz is a trusted resource in fire protection, frequently presenting on compliance topics and emphasizing the importance of adhering to fire safety regulations.

His blend of technical experience, leadership skills, and compliance knowledge makes him an invaluable asset to Argus, his team and our clients.

NATIONAL CONTRACTS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Greg Cain

Greg joined Argus in 2021, initially serving as Special Projects Manager before transitioning to Bay of Plenty Branch Manager.

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He now leads National Business Development for Argus Contracts divisions, focusing on early engagement with end users and main contractors. His responsibilities include strengthening existing partnerships and cultivating new relationships across the industry.

With over 30 years of experience in the fire protection sector, both in New Zealand and internationally, Greg brings a wealth of expertise to his role.

He began his career as an engineering cadet and has since held diverse positions including business development, sales, estimating, project and business management, design, installation, commissioning, and servicing.

He has also served as a services manager for a major construction contractor, contributing to some of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure projects.

Greg’s technical proficiency includes performance-based fire engineering across a wide range of building types, such as large industrial and commercial developments, operational shopping centre upgrades, high-rise buildings, airports, warehouses, and office complexes.

He holds a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Mechanical).

NATIONAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Lindsey Matthias

Lindsey has been with Argus since 2010 and has a wealth of experience and knowledge of the various fire protection systems installed in New Zealand, as well as compliance requirements.

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With strong ethics and a passion for Business Development in the fire industry,  Lindsey strives to exceed customer service expectations and develop mutually beneficial partnerships between Argus and our customers.

Lindsey gains an understanding of what is important to our customers and the environments in which they operate, providing bespoke and sound solutions for the protection of their buildings, and the people who live, work, and play in them.

Regional Operations Managers

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Paul Marshall
WAIKATO MANAGER
Paul Marshall

Paul is responsible for the day-to-day running of our Waikato team, ensuring all compliance work is completed on time for our customers.

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He has worked in management in the fire protection industry for over 11 years and was previously a Contract Manager in facilities management. He also ran his own business for a decade. This combination of experience has given Paul real insight into customers’ needs and expectations, and he is passionate about delivering the best service possible.

BAY OF PLENTY MANAGER
Andre Glen

Andre brings over 18 years of experience in the fire protection industry, with a strong background in both project delivery and operational leadership across New Zealand and Australia.

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Andre's expertise includes sprinkler and special hazard system installations in critical infrastructure sites including hospitals, manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, and police stations. He has developed particular expertise in gaseous suppression and complex fire system solutions.

Andre holds a New Zealand Certificate in Fixed Fire Protection Systems (Level 4) and has led teams on a wide range of challenging projects. As Branch Manager, he is responsible for the overall operation of the Tauranga and Rotorua branches.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Matt Clark
WELLINGTON MANAGER
Matt Clark

Matt started with Argus in 2020 as the Service and Compliance Manager. In 2021 he took on the Manager role in Wellington with overall responsibility for the branch.

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Matt brings with him 19 years of fire industry experience starting as a Fire Sprinkler Apprentice and working up through all levels covering all aspects of fire protection. Matt holds New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) Level 4 in Fire Protection and is an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) for SS1 automatic fire sprinklers and SS6 riser mains.

CHRISTCHURCH MANAGER
Matt McLellan

Matt has overall responsibility for the Christchurch business. Joining Argus after an already extensive career in the fire industry spanning 30 years, he has held various roles as both the service provider and the fire consultant/system certifier.

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He is passionate about nurturing long term relationships with clients and his people, and for ensuring quality and health and safety in service delivery.   

Matt holds a New Zealand Certificate in Engineering (Mechanical) and an NZQA Level 4 qualification in Fixed Fire Protection Systems. He is a member of several professional organisations and is an Independent Qualified Person (IQP) for SS1 Automatic Sprinklers, SS6 Riser Mains and SS7 Backflow Prevention. Matt is currently pursuing a Diploma of Fire Engineering.