Introducing Sam Clarke
Why you need to hear Sam’s story and how it could change the way you work forever.
This page touches on sensitive events where, unfortunately, real people were injured and three people tragically lost their lives. We are sharing this to put a human face on the risks and to help improve safety and awareness for property managers.
Sam Clarke, Director, ResponseRise
Property Management Trainer
Source: The New Zealand Herald
On July 20, 2023, during the Commercial Bay Active Armed Offender incident, Sam was shot in the head while confronting the armed attacker.
Thankfully, his helmet saved his life – and that life-altering moment led him to make a bold decision: to leave law enforcement and dedicate himself to improving workplace safety.
Since then, Sam has shared his powerful story on podcasts and through national media. But what really caught our attention was where he chose to take this mission next: the property management industry.
Source: Stuff
Drawing on his extensive tactical training, Sam now empowers residential property managers across New Zealand with a practical, safety-first approach he calls Tactical Property Management.
It’s a concept we hadn’t encountered before and so we sat down with Sam to learn more.
“When you approach a property, should you walk up the path or the driveway?
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When you knock on the front door, where should you stand so that you see the occupant before they can see you?”
These are questions most of us never think to ask, but according to Sam, they could be the difference between safety and danger.
“Property managers often face the same unknowns police do,” Sam told us. “They’re entering people’s homes without knowing what’s on the other side of that door.”
With an emphasis on actionable strategies, Sam’s training equips property managers with the skills and confidence to navigate confrontations, de-escalate aggressive behaviour, and respond to potential threats, including encounters with aggressive dogs.
RTA Pet Amendments 2024
“What steps should you take when doing an inspection to protect yourself from animals on the property?”
With the upcoming pet amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act, landlords must not refuse consent without reasonable grounds when tenants request to keep a pet. This change means property managers are more likely to encounter animals during inspections and property visits.
Understanding how to assess, prepare and handle situations involving animals – especially potentially aggressive ones – is becoming increasingly important.
Sam Clarke’s sessions at the TMC25 conferences will offer practical strategies to navigate these scenarios safely.
Wellington
13th AUGUST 2025
TĀKINA EVENTS CENTRE
Christchurch
25th AUGUST 2025
TE PAE CONVENTION CENTRE
Auckland
2nd SEPTEMBER 2025
CORDIS HOTEL
Put your safety first
Sam’s goal is simple: protect the lives of property managers.
This August and September, Sam will be joining us at all three TMC Conference locations, sharing his powerful story and introducing the fundamentals of Tactical Property Management.
For the next two weeks we are offering 10% off TMC25 registrations with the code SAFETYFIRST. Expires 14/05/2025.
Click below to book your tickets today and hear Sam’s story.