P25 and DMR equipment manufacturer Tait Communications takes part in the Security Technology Alliance (STA).

Four New Zealand security technology companies have formed an alliance to promote New Zealand's expertise in the sector to overseas customers.

Technology companies Tait Communications, Wynyard Group, Gallagher and Endace have formed the Security Technology Alliance (STA).

The companies produce different products for managing criminal intelligence, cyber security, essential communications and physical security.

STA spokesman and Wynyard managing director Craig Richardson said the STA members' products were complementary, not competing, and represented a new high-growth, high-value industry for New Zealand.

All four already had a presence in the US, but their chief executives had realised they lacked some knowledge around how the US market operated, and lacked contacts and networks at a level that could help them operate strategically.

The STA has opened an office in Washington DC and appointed former Department of Homeland Security assistant secretary for the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement, Louis Quijas, senior vice-president strategic ventures.

Quijas will promote the alliance capability globally, but with a particular focus on the US.

"These are four very successful technology companies doing great business around the world and just not that visible in the US market," Quijas said. "It's a huge market, a lot of players, and my job would be to help them navigate that very busy terrain."

The four were well-respected companies in the US, and the fact that New Zealand law enforcement and intelligence communities were very well respected globally, "adds to the swagger", he said. "It's just a case of not having that visibility."

The alliance members have been supported by the Government, including through New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment.