Investigator

About Us | Mō mātou   

The Regulatory and Identity Services Taituarā branch shapes systems and services that touch almost every New Zealander. Our diverse, nationwide and international team works at the intersection of innovation and integrity, with a strong commitment to cultural responsibility and authentic engagement with Māori and Pasifika communities.

The role | Te tūnga  

This is a demanding yet highly rewarding opportunity for an Investigator to join our award-winning Digital Child Exploitation Team (DCET), undertaking complex criminal investigations under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act 1993. You will contribute to operations targeting serious offending, support digital forensic investigations, evidence seizure and analysis, and work closely with New Zealand Police, Customs Service, Oranga Tamariki, and other domestic and international agencies. The role will require you to work with objectionable publications, including child sexual exploitation material.

In this operational role, you will play a direct part in investigations into serious offending, recognising that the material examined may be linked to real-world child victims. Working alongside experienced investigators and specialist partners, you will contribute to the detection, investigation, prosecution, and prevention of offending, helping to protect children and hold offenders to account.

What you bring | Nōu te rourou  

• Experience undertaking criminal investigations, with the ability to gather, assess and analyse evidence, apply sound judgement, and contribute to successful investigative outcomes. 
• A sound understanding of investigative and enforcement processes, including the ability to interpret and apply legislation, policy, and technical information. 
• Strong technical aptitude and an interest in technologies relevant to digital investigations, including encryption, file-sharing platforms, digital forensics, artificial intelligence, and emerging online environments. 
• Effective communication and relationship management skills, with the ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues, partner agencies, and other stakeholders. 
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic operational environment. 
• A proactive, adaptable, and resilient approach, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. 
• Professionalism, maturity, and emotional resilience to work in an environment involving frequent exposure to objectionable material, including child sexual abuse imagery. 
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a Top Secret National Security Clearance.

The appointing range for this role is $81,312 - $101,188.

For a full job description please click here. 

Role can be based either in Wellington or Auckland.

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 reach out to our recruitment team below if there is any support we can provide to ensure the process is accessible to you.

Applications for this role close 5pm, Tuesday 25 August 2026.  Please also note that you must have the legal right to live and work in New Zealand to be considered for this role.