Aperio for access control.

Nawton School is unique in offering three streams of education side by side: mainstream English Aunoa, bilingual Reo-Rua and total immersion Rumaki Māori. Keeping that environment safe, inclusive and well-functioning depends on access control that works intuitively for all staff and external contractors. 

The scale of the site reflects its ambition. With 25 classrooms plus a school hall, pool facilities, offices, toilet blocks and storage sheds, and on-site offices for the local school cluster, the school manages more than 120 controlled doors, each one a point where security and convenience work together. 

A wireless solution that fits the existing buildings 

Aperio E103 is a wireless, battery-powered electronic lockset that converts a standard mechanical door into an access-controlled one. Each lock communicates with an Aperio hub, which connects to the site’s access control system – in the case of Nawton School, the Gallagher Command Centre. 

Because the system is non-proprietary – compatible with Gallagher and more than 100 other security platforms – it integrates directly into existing infrastructure rather than requiring a full replacement. 

Local security experts Arc managed the installation across the school. ‘The process was very smooth,’ says Mark. ‘Brett from Arc managed the whole project for us.’ 

Command and control from one screen 

For Mark, the Gallagher Command Centre has been the standout feature of the system. From a single interface, he can see in real time which doors are being accessed, who is using them, and whether any faults have been flagged. A lost fob can be suspended immediately. 

‘I can create access groups, assign temporary permissions, set time frames, and remove access just as quickly. If a teacher is acting in a higher role temporarily, I can give them elevated access for that period and roll it back when it’s no longer needed. Same with contractors coming on site.’ 

The school also keeps mechanical master keys as a backup. ‘If there's ever a total power failure – unlikely given the battery backups – we can still physically access the buildings. In a school environment, you need that resilience.’