Police to open recruit training base in Auckland

New Zealand Police will open a new training base for recruits in Auckland this year as application numbers continue to rise.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers announced the move ahead of running in the Auckland Round the Bays event on Sunday.

The Auckland training wing will operate alongside the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) and is part of Police efforts to deliver the Government’s target of 500 additional frontline officers.

“Having a training wing open in Auckland is an important part of our plan,” Commissioner Chambers says.

“It will increase our training capacity and open the doors for even more quality applicants.”

Chambers says the move will help remove a barrier for some people wanting to join the force.

“We know that being away from home for 20 weeks has been a deterrent for many people wanting to join Police. This will open the door to their dream job that might not otherwise have been possible.

“The new training based in Auckland will provide an opportunity for recruits to train closer to home and from the outset be immersed in the communities they’ll be serving once they graduate.”

The additional training site is expected to help speed up the recruitment process.

“This extra training location will support us to get applicants through the pipeline and into training faster,” Chambers says.

He says the median time between application and starting at the police college has already reduced by more than 90 days over the past year, with further reductions planned.

Recruits training in Auckland will be able to stay in their own homes during the course. From Monday, applicants on the Police recruitment website will also be able to indicate whether they are open to training in Auckland.

The exact location of the training base is still being finalised and will be announced in due course.

Chambers says the Auckland site will also be used for senior courses, allowing the Royal New Zealand Police College to focus more heavily on recruit training.

Police say they have seen a surge in interest in joining the force over the past year.

Between July and December 2024, Police received 5277 applications, more than double the number recorded during the same period in 2023.

Chambers says changes to recruitment criteria and marketing campaigns have helped expand the talent pool.

“Last month we launched the remake of our 90s classic advertisement, which has seen huge support among staff and the public. Another exciting recruitment campaign is due to launch later this month.”

Police also set up a recruitment booth at the Round the Bays event, allowing eligible applicants to complete the first six steps of the recruitment process in a single day.

“Having more officers on the beat is important for deterring crime, enforcing the law and increasing feelings of public safety,” Chambers says.

“We’re committed to delivering on the 500 target.”