Job Description

About Us | Mō mātou

The Regulatory and Identity Services Taituarā branch delivers and oversees regulatory systems that have a real impact on communities. We are a risk‑based, intelligence‑led regulator that works collaboratively across government and with external partners to achieve meaningful outcomes.

The role | Te tūnga

The Senior Investigator is part of the Complaints, Investigation and Prosecution Unit (CIPU), leading investigations into complaints and non‑compliance by security operators under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010

You will manage investigations end‑to‑end, provide senior operational leadership, and contribute to enforcement outcomes, including court and tribunal proceedings. While primarily focused on private security investigations, you may occasionally support gambling‑related investigations as part of the wider team.

This is an operational role requiring travel and some after‑hours work.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou

• Proven investigation leadership - experience leading complex regulatory or criminal investigations through to enforcement, including acting as Officer in Charge.
• Court and tribunal experience - demonstrated confidence preparing and presenting evidence in criminal courts and tribunal or hearing settings.
• Strong communication skills - advanced PEACE interviewing capability, clear and concise report writing, and the ability to explain findings effectively.
• Regulatory practice expertise - practical understanding of regulatory theory, risk‑based compliance approaches, and sound enforcement judgement.
• Operational capability - experience planning, coordinating and leading regulatory compliance or enforcement activities.
• Relationship and conflict management - proven ability to manage conflict professionally and build effective relationships with stakeholders.

For you | Mōu

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to offering a collaborative and innovative culture where your perspective and ideas will be welcomed. We want our people to thrive within a culture of best practice, while being able to set and achieve goals and being encouraged to challenge the status quo.

To learn more about the diverse, important mahi we do at the Department and see why we're a great place to work check out our website https://www.dia.govt.nz/

Benefits - About Internal Affairs - Careers with us - Benefits - dia.govt.nz

The appointing range for this role is $100,359 - $124,891.

To review the full job description, please click here

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

We are unable to accept applications via email. Please click the apply button to submit your application.

We're committed to ensuring our application process is accessible to everyone. Please let us know if there is any support, we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you. 

Applications for this role close 5pm, Wednesday 15 April 2026. Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.

Additionally, you must have the ability to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance, if required. Use this tool to check if you might be eligible for a security clearance:  Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements

Note: before applying for this role, please be aware that this is not a purely desk-based role and will involve some travel around the country and after hours (including weekend) work as required. Please do not apply for this role if you are unable to do so.

If you have any questions, please email CIPU Team Leader, Tess Cuthbert - tess.cuthbert@dia.govt.nz