FAQ | NZIPI – Private Investigator Membership & Licensing Questions

Common Questions

Get answers to common questions.

What should I do if I want to instruct a Private Investigator?

NZIPI as the accepted professional body cannot endorse any member or company. But employing a member of NZIPI means the Private Investigator as well as being properly licensed, commits further to a Code of Conduct and Professional Standards. That said, referrals are best and once you have engaged with the private Investigator you should be satisfied that they;

• Have relevant expertise in the specific task at hand. Not all Private Investigators are equal. Skill sets differ.
• Can complete the task in a timely manner
• Agree a cost structure or budget

How difficult is it to start a career as a Private Investigator for the first time?

The first or best way to a career as a “private” investigator is to be formally trained, usually this means having served in the police. There are courses offering a PI certificate, but there are a few things to be aware of:

• Courses are run by and designed by private companies who typically offer the course as one of their suites of packages.
• The course is typically at best an “introduction” to the work of a private investigator.
• There is no right of membership to NZIPI or a licence from PSPLA at the completion of the course.

NZIPI endorse only one beginners course and that is the one run by C4 Group in New Zealand, the contact there is Kathy Wright (kathy@c4group.co.nz)

Ideally, you should try to engage with a licensed private investigator. It’s an uphill battle and you cannot blame the industry participants for not replying to your request because they get a lot of such enquiries from and their time is billable. You really need to find a personal connection.

I have investigative experience and want to obtain a Private Investigator Licence or COA

Check the PSPLA website to determine if you are eligible to apply.

I have no experience, can I become a Private Investigator for the first time?

To obtain a Private Investigator licence to operate you must have relevant experience. Check with PSPLA on their requirements here.

If you wanted to work as a trainee for a licence holder, you would need to hold a Certificate of Approval.

To get that, you would also require a letter from a licence holder requesting PSPLA to grant a Certificate of Approval on the basis that the licence holder will train you.

Where do I direct a complaint against a Private Investigator?

Complaints are dealt with by the PSPLA and the DIA click here for their complaints page. If you wish to complain about a member of the NZIPI, you should first check the person is a member (see above) and if they are you can email admin@nzipi.org.nz

We will note the complaint and either await the outcome of the PSPLA complaint process and/or consider the complaint at the same time, depending on the seriousness of the complaint, at our discretion.

NOTE: Membership of NZIPI is individual, meaning we cannot accept complaints against companies, only PSPLA can accept such complaints.

How do I check if a Private Investigator is a member of NZIPI?

You can perform a member search here.

What type of PI Licence / Certificate of Approval will I require if I wanted to be a Private Investigator?

Our website provides a helpful page click here

Does a Private Investigator need to be licensed in New Zealand?

Yes, and if you click here you will be able to access the Justice Department PSPLA page to find out about licenses

Common Questions

Get answers to common questions.

ABOUT NZIPI

What is NZIPI?

The New Zealand Institute of Private Investigators (NZIPI) is the national professional body representing licensed private investigators in Aotearoa New Zealand. Established to uphold integrity and excellence within the investigative profession, NZIPI promotes lawful, ethical, and professional practice through membership standards, training, and a Code of Conduct.

‍

What does NZIPI do?

NZIPI supports the private investigation profession through:

‍

Setting and maintaining professional and ethical standards
Providing professional development and networking opportunities
Representing the profession’s interests to government, regulators, and the public
Offering a directory for the public to locate licensed investigators
Providing a professional forum for members to collaborate and share expertise

Is NZIPI a government agency?

No. NZIPI is an independent professional association. Licensing and regulatory authority rests with the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010. NZIPI operates as a voluntary membership body complementing PSPLA’s statutory role.

‍

MEMBERSHIP

Who can become a member of NZIPI?

Membership is open to individuals who hold a current Private Investigator Licence or Certificate of Approval (COA) and who commit to upholding NZIPI’s Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct. Applicants must demonstrate good character, relevant experience or qualifications, and compliance with the Act.

‍

Does NZIPI offer student or affiliate membership?

Yes. Individuals undertaking recognised investigative training or transitioning into the field may apply for affiliate or student membership, subject to criteria set by the Membership Committee.

What are the benefits of joining NZIPI?

Recognition as part of New Zealand’s peak professional body
Access to training, webinars, and continuing education
Networking and peer collaboration opportunities
Eligibility for listing in the public “Find a PI” directory
Access to member-only resources and communications
Oversight under NZIPI’s Code of Conduct, reinforcing public confidence

‍

How do I apply for membership?

Applications are submitted securely online via the NZIPI website. You’ll be asked to provide your licence or COA details, relevant qualifications, and references. Each application is reviewed by the Membership Committee before approval.

‍

Are there membership fees?

Yes. Annual fees apply to support the operation of the Institute, training initiatives, and events. Current fee schedules and payment details are outlined in the membership section of the website.

‍

How long does the approval process take?

Most applications are processed within 2–4 weeks, depending on verification requirements and Committee scheduling.

‍

How do I renew my membership?

Membership renews annually. Members will receive reminders in advance, and renewal confirmation is contingent on maintaining a valid licence or COA and adherence to NZIPI’s Code.

‍

What happens if a member breaches NZIPI’s Code or Rules?

NZIPI may investigate allegations of misconduct and, depending on findings, may impose sanctions, suspend membership, or refer matters to the PSPLA. This process is conducted in accordance with NZIPI’s Rules to ensure fairness and transparency.

‍

ENGAGING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR (“HIRE A PI”)

How do I find or hire a licensed private investigator?

You can locate licensed professionals through our Find a PI Directory, which lists members by region and area of expertise. You may also contact NZIPI for guidance if your requirements are specialised.

‍

How do I verify that a PI is licensed?

You can confirm licensing status through the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA) website. NZIPI can also verify whether an investigator is a current member.

‍

What should I consider before engaging a PI?

‍

Before hiring:

Confirm the investigator’s licence/COA status
Request a written proposal outlining the scope, methodology, and estimated cost
Discuss confidentiality expectations and reporting deliverables
Ensure you have a clear written agreement before work begins

What services do private investigators provide?

‍

Typical services include:

Surveillance and factual investigations
Background checks and due diligence
Locating persons or assets
Fraud and insurance inquiries
Digital investigations and open-source intelligence
Process serving and document verification

How much will an investigation cost?

Fees vary based on complexity, duration, and resources. Many investigators charge an hourly rate plus expenses. Request a transparent estimate in writing before work begins.

‍

Will my information remain confidential?

Yes. Licensed investigators are legally and ethically bound to protect client confidentiality. Personal or case information will only be disclosed with your consent or as required by law.

‍

REGULATION AND PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

How does NZIPI protect member privacy online?

Only members who opt-in will appear in the public directory. Direct contact details may be hidden behind secure contact forms to prevent data harvesting and spam.

‍

Who regulates private investigators in New Zealand?

All investigators are regulated under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 and must hold a valid licence or COA issued by the PSPLA (Ministry of Justice).

‍

What laws and ethical standards apply to members?

‍

Members must comply with:

The Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010
All applicable privacy and surveillance legislation
NZIPI’s Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct
NZIPI’s Rules and disciplinary framework

How does NZIPI handle complaints about investigators?

Complaints about private investigators are primarily managed by the PSPLA.

If the investigator is an NZIPI member, you may also notify the Institute. NZIPI will record the complaint and may consider it under its Code and Rules. Serious matters are referred to the PSPLA for investigation.

‍

How do I make a complaint?

You can submit a complaint directly to the PSPLA via their website or by contacting NZIPI’s Secretary.

A dedicated Complaints page on this site provides step-by-step guidance and links to the correct forms and contact details.

‍

Does NZIPI require members to hold insurance?

Yes. Members are strongly encouraged to maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance as part of good-practice risk management.

‍

CAREER AND TRAINING

How can I become a private investigator?

‍

Review PSPLA’s licence and COA requirements
Complete relevant training or qualifications
Work under supervision of a licensed investigator to gain experience
Submit your licence/COA application to PSPLA
Apply for NZIPI membership once licensed

Do I need prior experience to obtain a licence?

Not necessarily. PSPLA may consider formal qualifications (such as a security or investigative studies degree) in lieu of experience. However, practical experience remains highly valuable.

‍

Does NZIPI endorse any training providers?

NZIPI contributed to the development of the Certificate in Professional Investigation offered by C4 Group in New Zealand. This is a recognised entry-level qualification for the profession.

‍

How are members notified of upcoming events and training?

Training opportunities and events are promoted via the Events & Training page, member newsletters, and direct communications.

‍

Does NZIPI recognise international investigators?

Investigators licensed in other countries are welcome to apply for membership, provided they meet New Zealand’s licensing requirements and agree to NZIPI’s Code of Conduct.

‍

VERIFICATION AND CONTACT

How can I confirm whether someone is an NZIPI member?

Check our Find a PI Directory or contact NZIPI directly. Please note that some members may choose not to appear publicly for privacy or security reasons.

‍

How can media or government agencies contact NZIPI?

All media or official enquiries should be directed to the NZIPI Executive via the Contact page. We can assist with expert commentary or policy discussion relevant to the profession.

‍

How does NZIPI handle personal data?

We comply with the Privacy Act 2020 and maintain appropriate safeguards for member and public information collected through this website.

‍

What if my question isn’t listed here?

Please contact us at admin@nzipi.org.nz or use the online contact form. We’ll respond promptly and may add your query to this FAQ to assist others.

‍

Find quick answers to common questions.

Get answers to common questions.

Get answers to common questions.

Connect with licenced private investigators across New Zealand