Auckland Training announcement 

Following the successful launch of Wing 390, an additional Auckland-based training wing is planned for 9 February 2026 to support regional recruitment and offer more flexible training options. 

Check out the full list of FAQ's here

Read the full media release here 

How do I apply?

To get started, complete your initial recruit application form here. We’ll then let you know if you are eligible to apply. 

Please note: We recommend using Gmail, Outlook or Live email accounts when applying. If you're using another email provider, please check your spam regularly as our emails may be marked as spam. 

If you're eligible, you'll be able to complete your initial background check. You can do this straight away by clicking Home in the top menu bar to access your candidate portal. We'll also send you an email with your login details for your candidate portal where new tasks will be displayed as your application progresses. 

If you have any questions about applying, contact us.

Where do we need Cops?

Even though we are accepting applications for most districts, we're prioritising applications for locations with the most vacancies.

Currently Dunedin, Nelson Bays, Otago Coastal and Canterbury have very limited vacancies which means long wait times before we begin to progress new applications. 

Wanting to start at the Royal New Zealand Police College sooner?

Now is the perfect time to apply for one of our priority locations! Check out where do we need cops for more details.

How long does the recruitment process take?

Our application process is moving rapidly, so you'll need to be at, or near, the Physical Appraisal Test (PAT) standards, and ready to complete the Online Testing when you apply. 

Events

Curious about what policing in New Zealand is all about? Our recruitment events can help you understand what it’s like to be a Police Officer.

Hear from staff about their roles, find out more about the recruitment process and ask us any questions that you may have about joining.

When events are scheduled, these will be listed on our NZ Police Recruitment Facebook page (link is external).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept applicants with NZ work visas?

We are unable to accept applicants with NZ work visas. Only people who hold  NZ Residency or NZ Permanent Residency or NZ or Australian Citizenship are eligible to apply as a Police Recruit.  To find out more about your visa status please visit https://www.immigration.govt.nz/

When will you be accepting applications for my preferred district?

At the moment Canterbury is the only district that is not accepting applications.  We are continuously monitoring demand across the country. As we open applications, we will update the information on this page.

Can I still apply for another non-constabulary job at Police?

You sure can. You can find out more about the other exciting career opportunities across the country at New Zealand Police here. 

Are you accepting re-joins?

Yes, please refer to Rejoin Recruitment for information about rejoining if you are a former NZ Police officer. 

I'm now ready for my assessments, how do I reapply?

Now that you are at you are at, or close to your run time for the Initial Physical Appraisal Test, feel confident with your swimming ability and readiness for the psychometric testing, you are able to submit a new application.

Follow the steps below to reapply:

How to Reapply using your existing email address:
1. Visit the NZ Police - Careers  website and click “Apply Now”.
2. Complete the form using the same email address you used previously.

Note:
• You don’t need to log in to your existing account. The system will recognise your email.
• After submitting the form, you’ll be prompted to enter a verification code sent to your email.
• Once verified, your new application will appear in the portal.

Click on Home, and go to Tasks to complete the Initial Background Check Form 1.


If You Want to Use a Different Email Address:
Please update your email address first, by logging into the candidate portal before you submit a new application.

Here’s how:
1. Log in to your portal.
2. Click Home.
3. Select Account Details.
4. Update both the Email Address and Confirm Email Address fields under Login Information.

5.After you have updated your email address, visit  NZ Police - Careers  website and click “Apply Now”
6. Complete the form using your newly updated email address

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at Recruits@police.govt.nz

 

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