HIRING A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

Find a Licensed Private Investigator You Can Trust

NZIPI helps connect you with licensed professionals who operate lawfully, ethically, and with discretion — anywhere in New Zealand.

Early Beginnings

Why It Matters to Choose a Licensed Investigator

NZIPI membership is a mark of credibility, ethics, and professionalism.

Our members are recognised for their commitment to lawful, ethical, and effective investigative practice.
Engaginga licensed investigator protects your privacy, your legal rights, and theintegrity of your case.

All NZIPI members hold current licences under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act 2010 and comply with our Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct.

Licensed investigators are bound by law to act professionally, maintain confidentiality, and respect evidence-handling standards. Working with a non-licensed operator can expose you to legal or privacy breaches.

Early Beginnings

Common Areas of Investigation

Licensed private investigators in New Zealand work across a wide range of sectors. Their work involves evidence gathering, intelligence analysis, and verification to support individuals, businesses, and legal professionals.

Typical areas of investigation include:

Personal & Family Matters

  • Missing persons and witness location
  • Background and relationship verification
  • Harassment, stalking, or personal safety investigations
  • Asset tracing and financial verification
  • Support for legal or family court proceedings

Corporate & Business

  • Internal workplace investigations
  • Employee misconduct, theft, or conflict-of-interest inquiries
  • Fraud, corruption, and embezzlement investigations
  • Due diligence on business partners or acquisitions
  • Intellectual property and brand protection

Insurance & Financial

  • Fraudulent or exaggerated claim investigations
  • Accident verification and liability assessment
  • Injury or incapacity validation
  • Recovery and subrogation support

Legal Support

  • Evidence collection for civil or criminal cases
  • Witness interviews and statement verification
  • Process serving and document verification
  • Litigation support and case preparation

Digital & Technical

  • Online and open-source intelligence (OSINT)
  • Cyber harassment, impersonation, or defamation tracing
  • Digital footprint and reputational investigations
  • Data correlation and background intelligence

Surveillance & Field Operations

  • Mobile and static surveillance
  • Behavioural or situational observation
  • Verification of claims or activity
  • Photography, video, and time-stamped evidence gathering

When selecting an investigator:

  •  Verify that they hold a valid PSPLA licence.
  • Discuss your objectives, confidentiality expectations, and fees up front.
  • Ensure you have a written agreement before any work begins.
Early Beginnings

What to Expect

When you engage an NZIPI member, you can expect:

  • Professionalism: lawful, respectful, and discreet service.
  • Confidentiality: your information handled in strict confidence.
  • Transparency: clear explanation of methods, limitations, and costs.
  • Accountability: oversight under NZIPI’s Code of Conduct.

Investigations are typically conducted under formal terms of engagement. You’ll receive updates and a final report summarising findings, depending on the agreed scope.

Early Beginnings

Understanding NZIPI’s Role

NZIPI is a professional association, not a regulatory authority.

We do not assign investigators or manage case work, but we do:

  • Maintain a directory of licensed, verified members
  • Set professional and ethical standards
  • Provide oversight and accountability through our Code and Rules

Licensing, compliance, and disciplinary matters are handled by the Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority (PSPLA), part of the Ministry of Justice.

Early Beginnings

If You Have a Concern

If you are unhappy with the conduct of an investigator:

  • Check their licence through the PSPLA website.
  • Submit a complaint directly to PSPLA if you believe laws or licensing conditions have been     breached.
  • If the investigator is a member of NZIPI, you may also notify us.

NZIPI will record the complaint and may consider it under our Code of Conduct.

For details, visit our Complaints page for links and guidance.

Early Beginnings

Important Information

NZIPI does not provide investigation services directly and does not accept responsibility for outcomes of work conducted by individual investigators.

All NZIPI members are independent professionals who operate under their own licence and legal obligations.

Riverview Today

A modern city with a vision.

The 21st century has brought continued growth, innovation, and sustainability to Riverview. With a current population of 350,000, the city has invested in:

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Renewable energy & eco-friendly infrastructure
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Technology and business innovation
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Expanded public transportation systems
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Cultural and recreational developments
population
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6
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Our city's population reflects a rich blend of cultures, backgrounds, and traditions, creating a dynamic and inclusive environment.

More about the city
Find a PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

Connect with licenced private investigators across New Zealand

Get access to certified, registered Private Investigators across New Zealand. Easily contact them by phone, email, or even LinkedIn (where available). Connect with the right investigator and get the answers you need.