Investigator

This role is for a qualified and experienced criminal investigator to join our team in delivering Councils compliance, monitoring and enforcement (CME) functions across a wide range of industries and activities, principally related to the Resource Management Act 1991 associated environmental regulation and the Maritime Transport Act 1994.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• Here at the Waikato Regional Council, we’re committed to delivering our regulatory responsibilities in a way that contributes to a Waikato region that has a healthy environment, a strong economy and vibrant communities.
• The vacancy is a full-time / permanent role based at our Ward Street office and will form part of an effective, experienced and professional Investigations Team.
• The ability to adapt to new systems, manage complex and sensitive investigations to an evidential standard, along with the ability to interact positively with a wide variety of people are fundamental for this role.
• The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a strong background in all aspects of criminal investigation, enforcement and managing prosecution files.
• You will be available to provide investigative support on an occasional, on call, basis, as required by the Team Leader, Investigations or Regional Compliance Manager.

Mō te tangata | About you

• A qualified and experienced investigator who has experience completing criminal investigations.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to complete written work to a high standard.
• Able to demonstrate the ability to manage complex investigations and prosecutions to their conclusion, including through the defended hearing process and are able to coordinate and manage multiple investigations and prosecutions simultaneously.
• Tenacious and motivated with excellent attention to detail.Able to demonstrate proven success at building relationships and resolving issues with internal and external stakeholders.
• Having a practical understanding of primary industries including dairy farming, forestry operations and land development would be an advantage, as would previous experience working with the RMA.

Mō ngā pūkenga | Qualifications and experience

• Qualified New Zealand Police Detective or equivalent.
• No less than 5 years’ investigative experience post investigation qualification.
• Previous experience in a primary industry is desirable, but not essential.
• Previous experience in regional or unitary government organisation is desirable, but not essential.
• Previous experience in Resource Management Act compliance and enforcement is desirable, but not essential.

Mō te tīma | About the team

• We are the principal environmental and maritime safety regulator in the Waikato, and we have a busy role.
• Reporting to the Investigations team leader and working with 4 other Investigators, you will investigate serious breaches of environmental law and incidents involving maritime safety.
• We look to encourage compliance using the enforcement provisions of the Resource Management Act and Maritime Transport Act.

Mō mātou | About us

• As a Council, we work hard to care for the Waikato region and provide a wide range of services, so current and future generations will benefit from a healthy environment, strong economy, and vibrant communities.
• Our work helps look after our region's water, soil, air, geothermal areas and coasts - so we can all enjoy these precious resources for generations to come.
• Customers sit at the heart of everything we do, and all staff have an important role to play in the delivery of exceptional customer service.
• If you’d like to understand more about what we do please click here The work we do | Waikato Regional Council.
• By partnering with iwi and working with many others in our communities, our collective kaitiakitanga will make the Waikato region even better. Together, we’ll create a sustainable future that will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

• Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Wednesday 3 December 2025.
• For a copy of the role description, please click here.
• If you have any questions about the role, please contact
• Please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf. Apply now!

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