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The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment sets the adult minimum wage at NZ$26.00 per hour from 1 April 2026 for security guard roles. Security guards receive time-and-a-half for the first three hours of overtime on any day and double time thereafter. Casual loading of 8% applies on top of the base rate for non-permanent shifts.

International applicants require a work visa under the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, which allows up to three years of employment with an approved New Zealand employer. The visa must list security guard duties and the employer must hold accreditation valid through 2026. Applicants from visa-waiver countries can apply from within New Zealand after arrival but must hold a job offer paying at least NZ$26.00 per hour.

A current Certificate of Approval issued by the New Zealand Police under the Private Security Personnel and Private Investigators Act is required before starting any security guard work. The certificate costs NZ$312.50 for three years and must be renewed by 2026 with a clean criminal record check. Employers cannot legally hire anyone without this licence displayed on the job site.

Security guards are limited to 40 ordinary hours per week with a maximum of 12 hours in any 24-hour period under the Employment Relations Act. After 40 hours, overtime rates of NZ$39.00 per hour apply for the first three hours. Employees receive at least 11 consecutive hours of rest between shifts.