The PI Directory

Private Investigators in New Zealand are required to be licensed by law, operating without a licence carries heavy fines and of course issues for you as a client, if you opt to instruct one who is not licensed.

In an ideal world, you should ask to be advised of the private investigators licence number and then check that against the publicly available register of investigators [check here]. If the agent is reluctant or refuses to provide this simple information then walk away.

The other thing you should always ask a private investigator before instructing them are these three simple questions, they should form part of every request to them;

• Do you have the capacity to assist me?
• How long will it take?
• What are the costs?

Until you are satisfied that All these questions have been answered then do not part with money.

Remember that all private investigators are not equal, while they come mainly from the police service, they have likely been involved in varying sections and have worked on different types of cases. In fact someone straight from the Police might be the last person you instruct because their lack of commercial experience.

Licensed private investigators have had to demonstrate to the Licensing Authority that they have the necessary experience to be eligible to be granted a licence. Requesting proof of this is vital if you are to get proper, timely and cost effective help with the mater you want resolved.

Paragon New Zealand is regarded as the most well-known agency in New Zealand and Paragon’s Managing Director Ron McQuilter who has been a licensed investigator in New Zealand for 32 years has written an interesting document for persons wishing to start in the industry in New Zealand [read the article here].

Lastly, the best way to determine if the private investigator you are thinking of using is right for you is to seek a reference and check. Although their business clients are confidential, the private investigator will demonstrate to you their licensing qualifications and be able to point to other like cases or clients who don’t mind sharing their great experience having used them in the past.