Make a real impact. Protect Aotearoa New Zealand. Build a career with purpose.

Are you looking for a role where your work truly matters?

We’re recruiting Christchurch based Trainee Customs Officers for our February 2027 intake. This is your opportunity to begin a career with purpose, where every day brings new challenges and the chance to make a real difference.

If you’re looking to begin a career with purpose, join us at New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa, and help protect our country through world‑class border management.

About Customs | Mō mātou

Customs is the agency responsible for protecting New Zealand’s borders, regulating international trade, and upholding Customs, Immigration, and Excise laws. We operate at the frontline of New Zealand’s security and economic wellbeing.

Our people are at the heart of what we do.  Whether working with travellers, businesses, or partner agencies, our people bring dedication, integrity, and a shared commitment to protecting what's important to New Zealand.

About the Role | Mō tēnei tūranga

As a Customs Officer, you will:

• Screen passengers, baggage, and conduct examinations to detect prohibited items, dangerous goods, and identify security threats to ensure compliance with border laws
• Work with New Zealand and international law‑enforcement and border agencies to combat illegal activity
• Process travellers professionally and respectfully while facilitating legitimate travel and trade
• Apply risk‑assessment techniques and gather intelligence to identify threats and emerging trends

The work will give you experience across different operational areas, and this may require you to wear safety and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) gear, including appropriate respiratory protective equipment to the required standard.

Training | Te Whakangungu

We will train you for the role.

Our paid 13‑week Basic Training Course, based in Auckland, has two elements: Te Ara Ako includes classroom learning, operational exposure, and Officer Safety & Defensive Tactics (OST) which runs for eight weeks. The final five weeks of the course, Mahia te Mahi is a practical, rotational component where you can apply and build on the knowledge and skills you have gained.

You must be able to attend the entire course with no leave or other commitments that may impact your ability to complete each component.

Rest assured you’ll be well-supported by our dedicated training and broader teams; however, the course components are assessed on a pass/fail basis. This means that if you are unable to meet the required standard it is likely to result in the termination of your employment.

Once you have successfully completed Te Ara Ako and Mahia te Mahi, you will graduate as a Customs Officer.

About You | Ko wai koe

We are looking for people who bring:

• A passion for protecting Aotearoa New Zealand’s borders
• High personal integrity and alignment with our law‑enforcement responsibilities 
• Strong judgement, critical thinking, attention to detail, problem solving skills, and curiosity
• Adaptability, resilience, situational awareness, and comfort working in fast‑paced environments, including during conflict or confrontational situations
• A commitment to maintaining personal fitness to meet the demands of the role
• Excellent communication skills and professionalism, including taking pride in our values, the uniform, and oneself

Our Officers wear the uniform with pride and professionalism.  We expect all new recruits to reflect these high standards.

Requirements to Join Customs | Ngā Whakaritenga uru mai

To work for Customs, 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 five years.  Any exceptions to this will need to be discussed with our team to assess whether you will still be eligible to meet our Security Clearance application criteria.  
• Hold a full New Zealand Driver's licence at the time of application
• Must be over 18 years of age
• Successful applicants are also required to pass a medical assessment, drug test and have a clear Police record.

Recruitment Process | Te Tukanga Kōwhiri

Our recruitment process includes multiple assessment elements including online testing and in person assessments and a functional fitness assessment that measures cardiovascular fitness, general dynamic strength, flexibility, and balance.

Our Values | Ngā Paerewa

Customs is a values-based organisation.

• Te Ara Tika: We do what’s right - acting with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Kaitiakitanga: We are guardians - protecting Aotearoa New Zealand's borders, people and interests.
• He Tāngata: We value people - fostering respect, inclusion and string relationships.
• Pae Tawhiti: We look forward - embracing innovation, adaptability, and continuous improvement.

Start your career with purpose | Tīmatahia he ara mahi whai take

Applications close: 11pm Sunday 13 September 2026. 

Customs is a proud member of Diversity Works New Zealand and is committed to being an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from anyone who can meet the requirements of the role.