Mark Toetu Iosia loses licence after violent assault conviction while on duty

A New Zealand security guard has lost his licence to work in the industry after being convicted of a violent assault that occurred while he was on duty. One incident on the job — and a career in security is over.

In a decision released in April 2026, the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority cancelled Mark Toetu Iosia’s Certificate of Approval (COA), ruling he was no longer suitable to work as a security guard following his conviction.

Police first filed a complaint in November 2025 after Iosia was charged with assault with intent to injure, an offence that triggered immediate concern about his ability to remain in a regulated role. His licence was suspended while the criminal matter went through the courts.

The case took a serious turn after the court outcome.

On 18 February, Iosia was convicted and sentenced to 50 hours of community work and one year of supervision, confirming the offence and activating mandatory legal consequences under New Zealand’s security licensing laws.

According to the Authority’s findings, the assault was described as unprovoked. The decision states that Iosia punched the victim multiple times to the head and then kicked the victim in the head after they had fallen to the ground, before walking away without offering assistance.

The Authority also noted that following the assault conviction, Iosia was further convicted of driving with excess breath alcohol and failing to stop (aggravated), adding to concerns about his overall conduct.

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Iosia did not attend the hearing and did not provide any written response to challenge the Police complaint or explain his actions.

Under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010, a conviction for a violent offence is a mandatory ground for disqualification, meaning a licence must be cancelled unless exceptional circumstances apply.

In this case, the Authority found no reason to waive that disqualification.

His licence has now been cancelled effective immediately, and he has been ordered to return his security identification within seven days. Failure to comply may result in further legal consequences.

The case highlights the strict standards applied to those working in the security industry — particularly when violence occurs while on duty. https://www.justice.govt.nz/assets/Documents/Decisions/2026-NZPSPLA-033.pdf