Keith Edwards takes SSAA’s Top Honour at 2025 Awards for Excellence
For outstanding leadership, enduring service and dedication to advancing self storage, the SSAA proudly recognises Keith Edwards of All Secure as a Life Member of the Self Storage Association of Australasia.
Keith’s journey in self storage spans more than two decades and this year, the Self Storage Association of Australasia recognised his significant contribution by awarding him a Life Membership, the Association’s highest honour.
After 17 years in the Blues, Keith transitioned from policing to private investigation, which soon evolved into a nationwide security business. In 1997, he and his wife Lynley turned their focus to property – where they discovered the 24 storage sheds behind one commercial site generated higher returns than the retail out front. Recognising opportunity, Keith dove headfirst into the world of self storage.
Like many in our industry, Keith’s journey with the SSAA started at conference. With plans for his first facility in hand, he walked into the bar where he met two men; Sam Kennard and Angus Miller. They offered candid feedback, completely reworking his concept. That sketch became the blueprint for All Secure’s first facility.
In 1999, Keith and Lynley joined forces with Peter and Fiona James to open a small facility in Lower Hutt. Joined later by son Hamish, from humble beginnings that single facility has grown into New Zealand’s largest privately owned self storage group.
From those early sheds behind a retail shop to a national portfolio, All Secure’s story mirrors the evolution and maturation of the sector itself.
Keith’s impact goes well beyond his own business. Elected to the SSAA Board in 2012 and serving as Chair from 2016 to 2018, Keith strengthened the trans-Tasman connection, ensuring New Zealand’s voice was represented and members across both countries felt valued. Keith worked tirelessly to improve the Association, his contribution evident in his governance, data initiatives and personal engagement with operators at every level.
From building and operating All Secure to shaping the industry’s direction, Keith has combined business acumen with integrity and a genuine desire to see others succeed.
An advocate for best practice, he improved operator resources, built stronger ties with New Zealand Police, and helped create storage insurance products for New Zealand members.
Known for his generosity of time and spirit, Keith continues to mentor, share knowledge and encourage collaboration. A proud proponent of family business, his legacy lies not only in what he’s built with and for his family, but in the people and businesses he’s helped flourish.
Congratulations Keith!
