Overview
We have an opportunity to join the New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa - in a frontline role where your work directly contributes to the safety, security, and integrity of our borders. Based at Auckland International Airport, our Assistant Customs Officers are the first line of defence, ensuring compliance with border laws and regulations whilst maintaining a professional and respectful presence.
This is a unique opportunity to begin a career in border protection and enforcement, in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment where your actions make a real difference.
What we offer
- We are committed to building a resilient, capable, and proudly serving workforce.
- At Customs | Te Mana Ārai, you’ll find a role where your work protects New Zealand / Aotearoa from risks and threats at the border.
- Comprehensive training, including Officer Safety Tactics (OST) and legal compliance procedures.
- Career progression pathways into enforcement, investigations, and specialist roles.
- Competitive remuneration : base salary of $55,614 + shift allowance of $13,237 per annum.
- Additional benefits : 20 days annual leave + 3 extra paid days over Christmas / New Year, discounted health insurance through Southern Cross, free flu vaccinations, full uniform including boots, and free parking.
About the role
As an Assistant Customs Officer, we will train you to :
Monitor and assess passenger behaviour for potential risk indicators.Support enforcement operations, including revenue collection and compliance checks.Assist in the processing of NZ Traveller Declarations, ensuring accuracy and legal compliance.Escalate and report suspicious activity.Maintain secure and accurate records in line with operational requirements.Work collaboratively with other border agencies to protect our borders.This is a full-time, rostered role (6 days on, 3 days off), with shifts covering weekends, nights, and public holidays. The next intake begins March 2026.
About you
We;re Looking For People Who Are
Alert, observant, and confident in often high-pressure situations.Naturally curious and have an enquiring mind.Committed to an enforcement-oriented role and who can conduct themselves with integrity and professionalism.Able to communicate clearly and assertively.Physically fit, with the stamina to work on your feet, and walk often lengthy distances around the international terminal.Tech-savvy, with the ability to learn and use Customs systems effectively.Reliable and team-oriented, with a strong sense of duty and accountability.Previous experience in a customer facing role, security, or enforcement is an advantage but not essential — we;ll provide the training you need.
Working for Customs
Mahi ki te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa
Requirements
To work for the New Zealand Customs Service | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa 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 yearsHold 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 : Australia, Canada, UK or the USA, you will be required to provide overseas Police certificates for these periods spent outside of New Zealand.How to apply
If you meet the requirements above, we welcome your application so please apply online - we cannot accept applications via email - you must apply using the link provided.
Applications close on Sunday, 12 October 2025 at 11pm.) Please apply as soon as you can as we process applications as they are received and will fill places on our assessment centres as applications are progressed. This opportunity may therefore close earlier.Note - we will be holding assessment centres during 4-6 November 2025 in Manukau. If you are unable to attend an assessment centre, unfortunately we will not be able to progress your application at this time.
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.
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