In the heart of Hamilton, OnGuard Security operates quietly yet powerfully, reshaping how Kiwis think about security. At its helm is Matt Scott, a self-described accidental entrepreneur whose journey from Sky TV installer to leading one of the region’s most trusted security firms is a testament to the blend of grit, curiosity, and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction.
“Honestly, I didn’t plan to end up in the security industry,” Matt says, reflecting on his early days in the electrical field. “I started with Sky TV installations, then moved to fire alarm systems. It wasn’t until a contract led me to OnGuard Security Systems that I realised how fascinating and rewarding this line of work could be.”
That contract, back in the early 2000s, was a turning point. Over the next decade, Matt honed his skills, diving deep into the technical aspects of security systems. By 2010, an opportunity arose for him to purchase the struggling business.
He joined one of OnGuard’s owners Adam Muir to transform it into a new entity, OnGuard Security Solutions. They worked together for two years and then in 2012, Matt and his wife, Angela, proceeded to buy Adam out of the business. That marked the beginning of a new journey, one rooted in resilience and innovation.
A Customer-Centric Mission
What sets OnGuard apart in an industry often criticised for cookie-cutter solutions is its relentless focus on the customer. “We treat every inquiry as unique,” Matt explains. “It’s never about offering a one-size-fits-all solution. We assess each client’s needs and build systems that genuinely work for them.”
This personalised approach is central to OnGuard’s success. Their reputation has become their strongest marketing tool, with enterprise clients trusting them implicitly.
“Our enterprise customers don’t price-check us anymore. They know we’ll deliver quality without cutting corners,” Matt shares. “We’ve done six or seven projects where clients didn’t even ask for quotes—they just asked us to start.”
This trust extends to how OnGuard handles challenges. Matt is candid about the realities of working with technology: “Sometimes tech fails. We’re human, and mistakes happen. What sets us apart is how we respond. We’ll do whatever it takes to make it right, no matter the cost.”
Rooted in Trust: Client Testimonials
OnGuard Security’s commitment to customised solutions and exceptional service is echoed in the voices of their clients, whose testimonials reveal the depth of trust they’ve cultivated across the Waikato region. In an industry where reputation often speaks louder than advertisements, OnGuard has quietly amassed a loyal following.
Testimonials from clients paint a consistent picture of OnGuard as a company that not only delivers on promises but often exceeds expectations. Carmen Jacobsen shared in a Google review, “Highly recommend the On Guard Team! Service was outstanding. A suitable quote was provided with no overselling, and installation was done to a top-notch standard. Years later and they’re still servicing my alarm with top-notch customer service. Highly recommend!”
Similarly, Rebecca Milligan praises the team’s reliability and professionalism, saying, “I’ve been with On Guard for several years, and the communication and service is always excellent. They show up on time and are always a pleasure to deal with. Thanks team!”
From Hamilton to Raglan, Cambridge to Te Awamutu, their footprint is both literal and figurative. Each installation represents a relationship built, a problem solved, and a community better protected.
What sets OnGuard apart is not just the breadth of their reach but the depth of their engagement. Their commitment to serving local schools, businesses, and residential clients extends beyond transactions; it’s a partnership rooted in the shared values of safety and reliability. “When we install a system, it’s not just about the hardware,” Matt Scott notes. “It’s about ensuring peace of mind for the people who rely on us.”
This ethos resonates strongly in smaller communities where word-of-mouth reigns supreme. Business owners talk, and OnGuard’s name often comes up as the trusted choice. It’s a kind of quiet validation that can’t be bought—only earned through years of dedication and integrity. As one satisfied client put it, “Nothing is ever a problem when dealing with this company. We feel secure knowing that our businesses are being monitored by such a great team of trustworthy professionals.”
Such testimonials and community ties highlight not only OnGuard’s technical expertise but also their human touch, a combination that solidifies their standing as one of Waikato’s most respected security providers.
Mastering Innovation in a Changing Industry
Over the past decade, the security landscape has undergone a seismic shift, transitioning from traditional hardware to advanced, network-based solutions. For Matt, this evolution has been both challenging and exhilarating. “The industry used to lag behind in technology. Now, it’s incredibly dynamic and competitive,” he says.
Staying ahead of the curve requires more than just adopting new tools. OnGuard has a rigorous in-house testing process for every product they offer. “We don’t introduce anything to our clients unless we’ve thoroughly vetted it ourselves,” Matt explains. “It’s time-consuming and costly, but it ensures reliability. Our clients deserve the best.”
This dedication to innovation extends to OnGuard’s ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies into their systems. From AI-powered surveillance to networked alarm systems, they consistently deliver solutions customised to their clients’ evolving needs.
Future-Proofing Security Systems
OnGuard Security’s commitment to future-proofing is deeply rooted in the company’s ethos of designing solutions that last. Matt notes that the industry’s shift toward network-based systems has pushed OnGuard to adapt rapidly. “We’ve had to learn and teach ourselves a lot more about that, and now our knowledge and expertise are comparable to many network engineers.”
This shift has also influenced OnGuard’s design philosophy. “We make sure every system we install is scalable and flexible,” Matt explains. “Clients can add hardware or integrate new features over time without having to replace everything.” This approach ensures their systems can evolve with a client’s needs, providing long-term reliability and value.
Another cornerstone of OnGuard’s future-proofing strategy is rigorous testing. Matt emphasises that every new product is trialled in-house before being offered to clients. “We do in-house testing of new products, trial them, and write reports,” he says. “It takes a while before we take anything to market, but that way, we ensure it’s reliable.” This meticulous process reflects OnGuard’s dedication to avoiding costly issues for clients while delivering the best possible solutions.
Matt also acknowledges that enterprise-level clients, in particular, value this adaptability. Many operate in environments where security requirements can change rapidly. “We know how important it is to build flexibility into the system from day one,” he explains, ensuring clients aren’t boxed into solutions that won’t meet their needs down the road.
By prioritising adaptability, rigorous testing, and scalability, OnGuard delivers more than just security systems—they provide peace of mind. “At the end of the day, it’s about reliability,” Matt reflects. “Clients trust us to provide systems that work today and will continue to work tomorrow.”
Building a Culture of Excellence
Behind OnGuard’s technical success is a culture deeply rooted in collaboration and growth. “Our team is everything,” Matt says with pride. “We invest heavily in creating an environment where people feel motivated and valued.”
This commitment is reflected in their approach to professional development. OnGuard provides ongoing training opportunities, aligning their staff with leading-edge technologies and best practices. “We’ve created a culture where learning never stops,” Matt says. “That’s how we stay ahead.”
It’s not just about internal growth. Matt and Angela have cultivated a culture of client-first service, which resonates particularly well with sectors like schools. “Word of mouth has been huge for us,” Matt shares. “School principals talk to each other. They know they can rely on us, and that trust has driven significant growth.”
The Human Side of Security
Despite their technical prowess, Matt insists that the most rewarding part of the job is the human element. “At the end of the day, security isn’t something people want—it’s something they need,” he says. “It’s incredibly satisfying to hear from clients that their systems helped identify suspects or prevent a break-in. It means we’re making a real difference.”
OnGuard’s ability to connect with their clients on a personal level is key to their success. “We’re not just about selling products; we’re solving problems,” Matt says. “That’s what makes this work so fulfilling.”
A Vision for Growth and the Future
Matt’s vision for OnGuard is both ambitious and grounded. Over the next five years, he plans to grow the team to 13 members and move into larger premises. “Scaling up is about more than just numbers,” he explains. “It’s about creating clarity in roles and processes so we can operate more efficiently.”
While their primary focus remains on the Waikato region, Matt isn’t ruling out expansion into other parts of New Zealand or even Australia. “We already work with enterprise clients across the country and overseas, often commissioning remotely. Opening a branch in another region could be a natural next step.”
The OnGuard Promise
At its heart, OnGuard embodies the values that define Kiwi businesses: integrity, innovation, and a focus on people. Their purpose is clear—providing peace of mind through reliable, cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled customer service.
“We want every client to feel like they’re getting the best care possible,” Matt says. “When they ‘experience the OnGuard difference,’ they know they’re in good hands.”
As Matt looks to the future, it’s clear that OnGuard Security isn’t just keeping homes and businesses safe—they’re redefining what it means to be a trusted partner in the security industry.
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