- Looking for a role that plays a vital role in ensuring the security and economic wellbeing of New Zealand | Aotearoa?.
- Join New Zealand Customs | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa and be part of an organisation that makes a real difference to the lives of all New Zealanders.
The New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa, is looking for people to join our Border Operations team based in Wellington. Your work will help keep our communities safe from organised crime, drugs, terrorism and smuggling.
About the role | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi
Our Trainee Customs Officer roles form part of the Wellington Operations deployment model which means that you will have the opportunity to work across the Airport, Inspections and Service Delivery areas. You will work within a range of Customs functions including facilitating arriving and departing passengers, assessing them for risk, investigating suspicious activity and undertaking targeted searches of people and goods.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Process passengers/crew and goods in/out of Aotearoa which can include search activities
- Facilitate legitimate trade and travel, collect import and export duties
- Intercept contraband (such as drugs and weapons), investigate and prosecute offences
- Conduct operational activity within the airport and wider operational environment
- Understand supply chain, air travel risks and vulnerabilities, and assess and identify opportunities for further activity.
The annual salary for this role is $59,364 plus an annual deployment (Hours of Work) allowance of $10,297 which provides for 24/7 coverage.
What you'll be doing
As a Trainee Customs Officer, you will receive comprehensive training to gain expertise in Customs policies, procedures and legislation so you can develop the knowledge and skills required to protect New Zealand from threats and facilitate legitimate trade and travel including:
- Learning how to effectively process arriving and departing passengers, cargo, and craft
- Intercepting contraband (such as drugs and weapons), investigating and prosecuting offences
- Inspecting and assessing goods to ensure compliance with Customs and other relevant laws
- Gathering intelligence and investigating potential breaches of Customs and other legislation
- Conducting operational activity within the airport and wider operational environment
- Understanding supply chain and air travel risks and vulnerabilities, assessing and identifying opportunities for further activity
- Contributing to the overall security and prosperity of New Zealand.
Ko wai koe | About you
We're looking for people with:
- a passion for protecting our borders and affinity with the role that Customs carries out
- strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- strong attention to detail and the ability to make sound judgements under pressure
- excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with a diverse range of people
- a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively as part of a team
- commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism
- ability to adapt quickly, work in an often fast-paced environment, and be comfortable embracing technological advancements and procedural changes
- a good level of physical fitness.
What we offer | He aha mātou e tuku
We aim to create a great place to work, where our people have a sense of belonging and the capability and desire to meet our future challenges. We are an organisation that is clear about our mission and this is underpinned by Te Pou Tokomanawa (the Foundations) and our Whanonga Pono (Values). Our work really matters to the safety and success of New Zealand.
We care about well-being, personal growth, and job satisfaction, which is supported through:
- A dynamic work environment where no two days will be the same! You'll be on the frontline, playing a vital role in helping secure our borders.
- Career progression opportunities. We invest in your professional growth through training and development programmes - and a clear career path.
- 20 days annual leave plus 3 days additional paid leave between Christmas and New Year.
- Discounted Health insurance through Southern Cross.
- Free annual flu vaccinations.
A career at Customs | Te Mana Ārai could take you anywhere.
Working for Customs | Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa
To work for the New Zealand Customs Service, you must be able to meet the following requirements:
- Be a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident
- Residing in New Zealand at the time of application
- Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years*
- Hold a full NZ Driver's licence at the time of application
- Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment, drug test and have a clear Police record
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or New Zealand Permanent Resident who has resided in New Zealand for the last 5 years but have been absent from New Zealand for periods of 6-9 months within the past five years, preferably in one or more of the following countries: either Australia, Canada, UK or the USA then you will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.
How to apply | Me pehea te whakauru
Please apply online - we cannot accept applications via email - you must apply using the link provided.
Applications close on Thursday, 4th September 2025* at 11pm - assessment centres for these roles will be held the week of 22nd September.
(*) Please apply as soon as you can as we process applications as they are received and will fill places on our assessment centres, so this opportunity may close earlier.
The New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa is a member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to developing a diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities and welcome applications from everyone who can meet the requirements of the role.
