Northern Territory Police Target Kiwi Officers — NZ Commissioner Pushes Back

Australia’s Northern Territory Police are ramping up efforts to recruit New Zealand officers, launching a nationwide campaign with visits planned for Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, and Christchurch in the coming weeks.

The move has raised eyebrows in New Zealand, with Police Commissioner Richard Chambers questioning why his Australian counterparts didn’t give him a heads-up before heading across the Tasman to “poach” local officers.

Chambers said he could understand the appeal of Kiwi officers but wished the Northern Territory would put as much effort into training and recruiting their own people.

“Interestingly enough, I was in Hobart last week meeting with all the police commissioners across Australia,” Chambers told Morning Report. “When I learnt that the Northern Territory was coming back out here, I said, ‘please explain — why are you coming over here and poaching my colleagues?’”

According to Chambers, the response was straightforward.

“They said it’s because New Zealand produces such incredible police officers — and that’s why they’re doing it.”

He described the move as part of the long-running friendly rivalry between the two countries but said a courtesy phone call would have been appreciated.

The recruitment push comes as Chambers stars in a YouTube advertisement aimed at bringing Kiwi officers home from Australia. The video, part of NZ Police’s “Come Home” campaign, has already prompted 16 officers to get in touch about returning.

Chambers acknowledged that many officers move to Australia for better pay, but said money isn’t everything.

“What I’m hearing from staff who are coming home is that they miss New Zealand — their families, their friends, the camaraderie,” he said.
“Some have told me they feel they lack support from their bosses over there, and that the working conditions can be pretty harsh and isolating. There’s more to policing than just the pay packet.”

Northern Territory (Red)

Big Pay, Harsh Conditions

Northern Territory Police recruiter Serge Bouma confirmed the financial lure is strong. He said officers can earn around AU$130,000 (NZ$132,000) a year, including allowances and benefits.

Applicants with ten years of service in New Zealand would start on a base salary of AU$95,000 during training, which rises to about AU$122,000 after completing the four-month program, thanks to consolidated shift and general duties allowances.

Every officer at the constable rank or above also receives housing — either rent-free accommodation or a housing allowance worth AU$31,847 per year, paid fortnightly.

Bouma told Morning Report that interest from New Zealand remains strong.

“We’ve got 21 people on our books already — that’s not to say everyone will make it through the process, but they’re the ones we’ll be interviewing,” he said.

He added that roughly half the current applicants are already serving police in New Zealand, while the rest are civilians looking to join the force through Australia’s Accelerated Recruitment Program.

Bouma said they typically recruit two intakes a year, with around 24 positions per squad, and that two-thirds of those new recruits have come from New Zealand over the past few years.

Life and Work in the Northern Territory

As part of the upcoming recruitment tour, Northern Territory Police will hold information sessions in each city to speak directly with interested candidates.

“We’ll have a chat to people, give a short presentation, and talk about our own experiences in the Territory,” Bouma explained. “It’s a unique place, even for Australia.”

He said prospective officers need to understand what life in the Northern Territory entails — including the climate, remoteness, and challenging working environments — but also the sense of adventure and opportunity it offers.

“Kiwi cops are very passionate and love their job,” Bouma said. “A lot of them are just looking for something different — and we offer that.”

Despite the friendly rivalry, Chambers said he was focused on supporting New Zealand officers and ensuring they knew they were valued at home.

“I appreciate that Australia can offer higher pay,” he said. “But for many, policing is about more than the money — it’s about community, connection, and belonging. And that’s something New Zealand does exceptionally well.”