Specialist Investigator - ARU

New Zealand Police is working with the community to make New Zealanders be safe and feel safe. With over 13,000 staff, we provide policing services 24 hours a day, every day. We operate by land, sea and air, manage over 860,000 emergency calls a year and are always actively preventing crime and crashes.

We’re working towards specific goals and targets that highlight our intent to work collaboratively with iwi and communities, other government sectors and business partners to deliver ‘Our Business’ and achieve long-term change.

Specialist Investigator – Asset Recovery Unit  

• Based at Hastings, Hawke’s Bay 
• Band H  
• Police Employee (Authorised Officer) 
• Permanent Full Time Position
• NAV  
• JR: 5389186

E tῡ ki te kei o te waka, kia pakia koe e ngā ngaru o te wā. 

Stand at the stern of the canoe and feel the spray of the future biting at your face.  

Mō te tūnga | About the role 

The Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) is a part of the Financial Crime Group of the New Zealand Police. The unit’s primary roles are to deny criminals of the opportunity to benefit from their offending, or the ability to re-invest in criminal activity. Police do this by taking away their ‘ill-gotten gains’ and making sure that crime really doesn’t pay.

International trends among Law Enforcement Agencies indicate that recovering assets is often more successful as a deterrent than the criminal prosecution.  New Zealand Police are invested in capitalising on this prevention tool, and this area of investigation is expanding.

The Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 is a relatively new piece of legislation based on civil court processes.  This means you will be dealing with criminals on the ‘balance of probabilities’.  New case law is being obtained constantly and you will be encouraged to push the boundaries, use your initiative and explore ways of using the act to recover criminal gains.

We are looking for an investigator who can manage reactive and proactive investigations and work closely with the criminal investigation teams targeting serious criminal activity. You will prepare and execute Production Orders, Examination Orders and Search Warrants, carry out effective interviews, and interact with members of the international financial community. Internal and external partnerships are a key focus for ARU and the successful applicant can expect to be heavily involved in investigations associated with multiple departments within Police and our external partners.

Key Accountabilities: 

• Prepare and present (written and verbal) information in a clear and concise manner.
• Manage time effectively to complete multiple investigations and meet deadlines.
• Manage competing demands and a high workload.
• Keep accurate and detailed records of all information and decisions.
• Prepare, manage and/or investigate serious and complex cases.
• Manage risk in relation to criminal investigations.
• Maintain a flexible schedule to allow for warrant executions and terminations.

He aha taau e kawe mai | What you’ll bring 

Whilst we are looking for skills, knowledge and experience relevant to the role, we also place high importance on your state of mind, the alignment of your values with ours, your ability to contribute to and build high performing teams, and the way that you lead yourself or others.

The successful candidate will ideally have the following experience/abilities:

• Prior experience working in investigations is preferred;
• Ability to create and maintain excellent relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners;
• Assess detailed information, handle complexity, and be adaptable to change
• Ability to collect and collate information to prepare detailed and concise written documents
• Confident in the use of Excel, and able to produce/develop presentations
• Required to hold a degree of health and fitness standards in order to safely perform their duties as an authorised officer.

Whakaritenga motuhake | Special requirements   

• Candidates must be based in Hastings. Some travel across district may be required.
• Candidates will be required to complete a PCT fitness test before being confirmed into the role.
• Candidates will be required to undertake PITT Level 2 Responder training.
• Must have a relevant tertiary qualification and/or five or more years of criminal investigation experience (preferred).
• Drug and alcohol testing will be required in accordance with guidelines.
• Must hold a Class 1 full driver licence.

To view the position description for this role please copy and paste this link into a new browser: 

https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/pd/04-2025/specialist_investigator_-_aru_and_vat_0.pdf 

Mo tātou | About us 

New Zealand Police is the lead agency responsible for preventing crime and enhancing community safety. It works in partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, and other public sector agencies towards the vision of making New Zealand the safest country. Police is the government’s largest front-line response agency with around 15,000 staff in large and small communities all over New Zealand and in liaison and policing development roles overseas.  

Your development is highly valued at NZ Police. Our employees enjoy significant investment in their development not only at an individual level, but also at the team and community practice level. We work hard to match you with work that will both play to your strengths and challenge you in new ways.  

The work you’ll be engaged in is real, tangible work that directly benefits our frontline and communities.

To view more detailed information about our recruitment process along with further details about requirements please click below link:

Applicant Information Pack (External)

Tono ināianei | Apply now 

If this position sounds like you, click apply now and submit a tailored CV. You will be required to submit an application form. Before confirmation of hire, pre-employment checks will be undertaken which include reference, drug and alcohol testing and police vetting prior to any written offer being made.   

For further information on the application process, please copy and paste this URL: https://www.police.govt.nz/careers  

All applications must be submitted online and will not be accepted directly via email. All applicants must have the right to work in New Zealand.   

Utu ā-tau | Salary  

This position is covered by a collective agreement and salary will commence between $95,057 and $100,626 dependent on skills and experience relevant to the role.   

If you are an internal applicant, you must apply internally through the police system. You must provide an alternative contact email address and state your future commitments should you be successful in the next stage of the recruitment process.   

Please note: Deadline for applications is 1700 on Thursday 7 August 2025. Applications may be reviewed prior to the close date as well as contact made with candidates.  

If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact: wolf.ahsue@police.govt.nz