Application process

In order to apply for a role at NZDF, you will need to register your profile. Once this is completed, you will be taken to a list of all our current vacancies. You can apply for vacancies by completing our online application form and submitting a covering letter and CV. Your CV should show evidence of the competencies outlined on the Position Description for the role you’re applying for.

*For those already employed within NZDF, please apply via the Civilian Vacancies page on the intranet, via the HR Toolkit.

Selection is based on the abilities, qualifications, experience, performance and personal qualities of an applicant, as is relevant to the requirements of the job. Selection panels are structured to ensure equity, independence and diversity of opinions and backgrounds. Confidentiality and privacy of all applicants will be maintained and respected.

The selection panel will assess how well your experience, skills and qualifications meet the requirements for the job. The selection panel will then determine which applicants are shortlisted for interview.

Interviews take approximately 1 hour, and consist of mostly behavioural questions. Use the STAR model (Situation, Task, Action and Result) to come up with some example answers in relation to the competencies outlined in the position description. There are many online resources to help you prepare for behavioural interviews.

You may bring whanau or other support people to your interview (at your own expense.)

If you are the preferred applicant, you’ll be offered the position as soon as possible after the completion of all interviews, by telephone. A formal offer will be made to you in writing following this discussion.

If you are not the preferred applicant, you will be informed by telephone.

All successful applicants will undergo full reference checks before any offer of employment is made. A Police check must be completed before you can start with NZDF.

The majority of positions in NZDF require that the incumbent have access to classified information from time to time. Therefore, an offer of appointment to the New Zealand Defence Force will be subject to the approval of a National Security Clearance to the level appropriate to the position. Applicants must possess either NZ Citizenship or a New Zealand Residence class visa. To find out more about visas, please visit Immigration New Zealand.

The minimum citizenship and residency criteria for security clearances to be granted by the NZDF are as follows:


Low Level Security Clearance:

• Is a NZ citizen or NZ Residence class visa holder who has resided continuously in this country for the last 5 years, OR
• Is a NZ Residence class visa holder and has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 5 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

Higher Level Security Clearance:

• Is a NZ citizen or NZ Residence class visa holder who has resided continuously in this country for the last 10 years, OR
• Is a NZ Residence class visa holder and has resided continuously in one or more of the following countries for the last 10 years: either Australia, Canada, NZ, UK or the USA; and has a background history that is verifiable and can be assessed as appropriate by the NZSIS towards a recommendation of suitability for a security clearance at a higher level.

If you do not meet these minimum criteria, we may not be able to accept your application. Criminal convictions are checked as part of the security clearance.

Please note that the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004, does not apply to employees who are involved in the national security of New Zealand (i.e. where a security clearance is required, convictions will not be hidden.) However, having a criminal conviction will not necessarily exclude you from obtaining a security clearance.

Please ensure to disclose on your application form any health or disability issues that could affect your availability to carry out the duties of the position. Letting us know of any conditions will not exclude you from being considered for the position. If you require special services or facilities then we will do what we can to accommodate you.

If you are shortlisted, please let us know of anything else we need to be aware of that may affect your employment within NZDF, such as conflicts of interest. Please note that if you are appointed, you may be required to produce your academic records and driving record, if driving is required for the role.

Under the Privacy Act 1993, all information given will be treated as confidential and will be made available only to those involved in managing the recruitment process.