Auckland Training announcement
We are excited to announce we are able to provide another Auckland-based training wing which is planned for 29 June 2026, providing greater support for regional recruitment and offering more flexible training options.
Check out the full list of FAQ's 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
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/
You sure can. You can find out more about the other exciting career opportunities across the country at New Zealand Police here.
Yes, please refer to Rejoin Recruitment for information about rejoining if you are a former NZ Police officer.
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
The New Zealand Police workforce is allocated across 12 Police districts. This allocation is based on the operational demand and the needs of each district. This ensures New Zealand Police have the right staff numbers in the right locations. Each District Commander decides how these roles are allocated within their district.
Our recruitment team works closely with districts to understand their current and future staffing needs. Because of staff movements vacancy numbers can (and often do) change quickly. As a result, the information shown on our vacancy map is reviewed and updated regularly.
Applicants who apply for districts with vacancies, or who are open to relocating to a district with vacancies, are usually able to progress quicker through the recruitment process.
If you apply for a district with no vacancies, or are unable to relocate, you will experience longer wait times—especially in areas with low turnover and high application numbers, such as Canterbury. In these situations, applications may pause and not move to the next stages until there are vacancies. Relocation may be an option applicants wish to consider and the team can discuss this with you.
Recruitment timeframes can vary, and everyone’s journey will look a little different. To help set realistic expectations and keep things moving, we encourage applicants who can remain flexible and consider applying for districts with vacancies.