Australia Intensifies Recruitment Efforts for New Zealand Police

Australia’s Northern Territory Police are ramping up their recruitment efforts for New Zealand officers, dispatching a team to cities including Christchurch, Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, and Wellington in the coming weeks. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to attract skilled police officers from across the Tasman Sea, acknowledging the high caliber of law enforcement professionals produced in New Zealand.

Chambers, the New Zealand Police Commissioner, expressed his concerns regarding the recruitment push, stating that he would have preferred a prior notification. “I was in Hobart last week for a meeting with all the police commissioners across Australia,” he noted. Upon learning of the Northern Territory’s plans, he remarked, “I said ‘please explain why are you coming over here and poaching my colleagues?’ The response was honest—they believe New Zealand produces incredible police officers.”

Although Chambers understands the appeal of Australian offers, he wished for a more collaborative approach to recruitment efforts. He has recently appeared in a YouTube advertisement aimed at enticing New Zealand officers to return from Australia, claiming that 16 individuals have since reached out to him.

Many officers are drawn to Australia for higher salaries but find that financial incentives are not the sole factor in their job satisfaction. Chambers highlighted that returning officers often miss their homes, family, and friends, stating, “Their experience in policing in Australia suggests they don’t have the same camaraderie that we have.” He added that some officers feel unsupported by their superiors and face challenging working conditions in remote areas.

Recruiter Serge Bouma from Northern Territory Police indicated that officers can earn approximately AUD 130,000 annually. Currently, the recruitment team is engaging with potential candidates, with 21 individuals already expressing interest. “Not everyone will make it all the way through the process, but they are the ones we will be interviewing,” Bouma explained.

The recruitment drive also targets individuals who are not currently serving as police officers in New Zealand but are interested in joining the force in Australia. Bouma mentioned that the mix of applicants is roughly 50/50 between current officers and those seeking to enter the profession.

Typically, Northern Territory Police accepts 24 applicants for its Accelerated Recruitment Program each year. Over the past few years, about two-thirds of these recruits have been sourced from New Zealand. Bouma emphasized that all sworn members at the Constable rank or above are provided with housing, either through head-leased accommodations or a housing allowance of AUD 31,847 per annum.

The financial package for new recruits is substantial. For example, a candidate with ten years of service in New Zealand would start with a base salary of AUD 95,000 during training. After completing training, this amount could rise to just under AUD 122,000, combining various allowances and overtime.

As part of their recruitment process, Northern Territory Police has scheduled informational sessions in each city, where they will present the unique aspects of living and working in the Northern Territory. Bouma noted, “The Northern Territory is quite a unique place, even for Australia,” and stressed the importance of understanding the local climate and working conditions.

Many New Zealand police officers are passionate about their roles and are exploring opportunities for change. Bouma reiterated that Northern Territory Police offers a distinct environment that may appeal to those seeking new experiences. As the recruitment campaign unfolds, it remains to be seen how many New Zealand officers will respond to the call from across the Tasman.