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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 by ensuring Argus service delivery and solutions align with Argus client objectives.

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Prior to joining us, Kristine worked in the Facilities Management industry for around 25 years, focused primarily on relationship management.

She holds a Fellowship from the Facilities Management Association of New Zealand (FMANZ). 

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.

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.

SERVICE MANAGER
Maz Gharib

Maz has over 17 years of experience in the fire 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.

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.

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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).

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.

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.

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

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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.

Argus Fire Protection - Portrait Image Andre Glen
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.