Thank you for your interest in working for NZDF. This Guide is designed to give you some information about the recruitment process.
Shortlisting
Applications are considered against the knowledge, skills, experience, competencies and other requirements contained in the job description, and a short list of candidates are selected, and contacted to arrange an interview.
All non shortlisted applicants will be advised in writing that their application has been unsuccessful. Their application material will be destroyed at the end of the recruitment process.
Interviews
A typical interview panel is made up of approximately three people. Interviews will be structured around the requirements in the job description.
Support at Interview
Applicants selected for a behavioural based interview may bring (at their own expense) a support person, group or whanau. A support group is similar to having referees in person at an interview.
If you intend to bring support with you to an interview, please let the NZDF person arranging the interview know prior to the interview so arrangements can be made.
After the Interview
If you are the preferred applicant, you will be offered the position as soon as possible after the completion of all interviews, by telephone. After discussion, a formal offer will be made in writing. If your application is not successful, you will be informed in writing.
Employment Checks
Security Clearance
Many appointments in the NZDF require that the incumbent have access to classified information from time to time. Therefore an offer of appointment to the NZDF may be subject to the approval of a security clearance to the level appropriate to the position.
Applicants must be a New Zealand citizen, or have resided in New Zealand for a minimum of 5 years, or have been citizens of the UK, Canada, Australia or the USA for 10 years or more. If you cannot meet these requirements we may not respond to 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.
If a security clearance is not required for the position, employees are required to undergo a Basic Check (BC). The BC involves a criminal history check, which is followed by a request to the NZSIS for a check against their records. As the BC is not a security clearance, the Criminal Records (Clean Slate) Act 2004 applies (i.e. convictions are not revealed if the applicant meets all the conditions in Section 7 of the Act).
Health
If you are shortlisted you will be asked to complete a Health Declaration Form. This is to let us know of any health issues or disability that you have that could affect your ability to carry out the duties of the position. Letting us know that you have a medical condition or disability 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.
Other
If you are short listed, please ensure that you let us know of anything else we need to be aware of that may affect your employment within NZDF. Please note that if you are appointed you may be required to produce your academic records, and your driving record if driving is required for the job.
Review of Appointment
Please note that in accordance with Section 67 of the Defence Act 1990, NZDF has a Review of Appointment process that enables current NZDF employees to request a review of an appointment. This means that appointments are provisional for a period of 7 days from the date the appointment is notified in NZDF to allow NZDF employees who wish to seek a review to do so.
If you are the preferred applicant and a review is lodged, you will be informed and your appointment will remain provisional.
Please note: Any information relating to the appointment that is collected from the successful applicant may be disclosed to an employee seeking, or considering seeking, a review of an appointment.
Privacy Provisions
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.
The Applicant Statistical Information Form provides information on our ability to attract a diverse group of applicants. The information will be used by NZDF to assess our progress in this area and for State Services Commission reporting and will not be used in any report in which you can be identified.