Assistant Customs Officers

Want to be part of the team that helps protect New Zealand's borders?
- Get your career started with NZ Customs | Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa

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 | He aha mātou e tuku**

We're committed to building a workforce that's resilient, capable, and proud to serve.
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 | Mō tēnei tūranga mahi**

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 | Ko wai koe**

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**

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
- Have resided continuously in New Zealand for the last 5 years*
- 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._

***Applications close on Sunday, 12th October 2025 at 11pm.**

**Job details**:

- Reference #
- 46269
- Posted on
- 30 Sep 2025
- Closes on
- 12 Oct 2025
- Location(s)
- Auckland
- Expertise
- Admin Support, Customs generalist
- Job level(s)
- Entry Level
- Work type(s)
- Permanent Full Time
- Additional attachment